Foster Expectations

What You Can Expect from HSLC

  • As an HSLC foster parent, you are never on your own. We are committed to supporting both you and your foster animal(s) throughout the fostering journey.

    HSLC Will:

    • Coordinate and cover veterinary care for HSLC animals.
    • Arrange temporary vacation fosters when needed.
    • Provide transportation assistance for veterinary appointments and adoption events, when needed.
    • Promote foster animals through Petfinder, social media, flyers, posters, and other marketing channels.
    • Schedule adoption events throughout Loudoun County.
    • Screen and approve potential adopters through our adoption application process.
    • Support foster families by:
      • Providing guidance, advice, and assistance from experienced volunteers 
      • Sharing the HSLC Foster Handbook and other helpful resources.

What HSLC Expects from Fosters

  • Foster parents play a critical role in helping animals prepare for their forever homes.

    Foster Parents Are Expected To:

    • Follow HSLC recommendations when introducing foster animals to your home and resident pets.
    • Monitor your foster animal’s daily health and behavior and promptly report any concerns.
    • Participate in meet-and-greets with potential adopters and provide feedback to adoption counselors
    • Help prepare your foster animal for a successful transition into a forever home, including identifying behavioral concerns and addressing them using positive reinforcement and HSLC guidance.
    • Provide adequate food, water, supplies, exercise, enrichment, and socialization.
    • Keep foster animals safe at all times:
      • Cats must remain indoors only.
      • Dogs must be leashed or in a secure fenced area whenever outdoors.
    • Attend adoption events with foster animals, when feasible
    • Provide transportation to adoption events and veterinary appointments whenever possible.
    • Submit regular updates, photos, and videos to help promote your foster animal on social media and adoption websites.
    • Ensure that all personal pets are spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations.