What is a Foster Home? 

Since P.A.W.S. does not have a shelter facility, we operate completely thru utilization of foster homes.  A foster home is a temporary living situation in your home for pets in our program while they are awaiting placement in a permanent home.  This is a critical need as the number of cats and kittens we can save depends entirely on the number of people who open their homes and hearts to foster them.

What are the Responsibilities of Fostering?

• Provide a safe, clean, caring environment.
• Provide daily food, water, litter, and shelter.
• Provide exercise and socialization as appropriate.
• Monitor any medical and/or behavioral problems.
• Transport to/from any necessary vet appointments.
• Transport to/from offsite adoption events.

What Do Foster Homes Provide?

Our fosters sometimes supply the food, litter, bedding, toys, and food dishes.  This is considered part of the donation that given to the cat(s) and to our organization.  However, we will supply those items and P.A.W.S. furnishes all necessary medical supplies, veterinarian care and support.

How Do I Start Fostering?

Thank you for your interest in fostering for P.A.W.S.! The quickest, easiest way to get approved to provide temporary homes, love and affection to our animals is for you to complete the Foster Application here: Foster Application. If approved, you will need to sign our Foster Agreement. If you have any questions or run into any problems with the form, please contact us at seymourtxpaws@gmail.com or call (940) 222-3340.

We take pride in making sure animals in the care of P.A.W.S. get the best treatment. We’ll review your application promptly and follow-up with you quickly so you can begin experiencing the joy of fostering animals for P.A.W.S!

What Types of Kitties Are in Foster Care?

Newborn kittens 1-28 days old: if they have their mama, then mama will be with you to care for her babies.  If not, they will require bottle feeding. They require a calm, quiet and safe room.

Kittens 4-8 weeks of age: at this age they usually eat on their own.  They need a safe and loving place to eat, play and grow.

Kittens 2-12  months:  need a lot of attention.  Kittens are taken to adoption events as soon as they are about 6-8 weeks old and have started on their vaccinations.​

Cats of all different ages are in our program, all need food, medical visits as necessary, a safe place, and lots of love and socialization. 

Why Foster?

Because we don’t have a shelter facility, the only way that we can save these felines is with the help of foster homes.  Our young animals need to stay in foster until they are old enough to be spayed and neutered, at which time they are ready for adoption.  Older pets who are ill or injured may need to stay in foster care until they are well enough for adoption.

In some cases, a foster home is needed to help an animal transition from the stress of losing their family and having been surrendered to be re-homed.  For the dogs and cats in our program; they will need to stay in a foster home until they are adopted.

Being a pet foster family has rewards beyond the essential value of helping a pet in need find a new home. For some, it is a chance to have an animal companion without a lifetime commitment, or to try new companions for an existing pet. For others, it is the special challenge of helping an animal recover from an illness or injury, the trauma of losing a beloved owner or home, or to overcome a behavioral issue.  Occasionally, it’s the joy of giving extra TLC to kittens and puppies too young to be adopted.

How Long Can I Expect to Foster a Pet?

Fosters will keep animals an average of 4 to 6 weeks unless it is medically or behaviorally indicated otherwise; but sometimes it can be longer. Some pets need more time because of age, illness, injury, or behavior issues.  As P.A.W.S. builds its network and adoption programs and venues, your foster home is vital for us to keep the animals healthy and safe while searching for their Forever Homes.  You will be told up-front before you agree to foster the pet how long of a commitment we believe it will be.

Why Does P.A.W.S. Only Foster Kitties?

Currently we only foster felines because we regularly come upon felines in need through our Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) feral cat program.  As our funding resources and volunteers grow, we hope to offer fostering to canines too!  We love pooches too!

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