Why Fostering Matters 
Fostering is one of the most powerful ways you can help animals in need. By opening your home to a shelter pet—even temporarily—you provide them with safety, stability, and the chance to thrive while they wait for their forever family.
It Saves Lives
Animal shelters often operate with limited space and resources. When a foster steps in, it opens up space in the shelter for another animal who needs help. Simply put: every foster home can mean another life saved.
It Helps Animals Heal
Shelter environments can be stressful for some animals. A foster home offers a quieter, more comfortable setting where pets can decompress and begin to feel safe again. Many animals blossom once they’re in a home environment with consistent care, attention, and love.
It Prepares Pets for Adoption
Foster homes play a huge role in helping animals become adoption-ready. Foster families help pets learn everyday routines, basic manners, and socialization with people or other animals. They also help shelters learn more about a pet’s personality, preferences, and needs—making it easier to find the perfect forever match.
It’s Temporary—but Impactful
One of the biggest misconceptions about fostering is that it’s a long-term commitment. In reality, many foster placements last only a few weeks. During that time, your support can completely change the course of an animal’s life.
It’s Rewarding
Fostering is an incredibly meaningful experience. Watching a shy animal gain confidence, seeing a sick pet recover, or helping a puppy grow strong enough for adoption are moments that foster families never forget. While saying goodbye can be bittersweet, knowing you helped them find a loving home makes it all worthwhile.
You’re Not Doing It Alone
- Potential foster parents are screened and approved as a foster home for the HSMC.
- The cat or dog is pulled from the shelter by a HSMC authorized person and goes to the foster home. We then arrange appointments for the animal to be spayed/neutered (if not already) and to have its shots.
- The HSMC continues to promote the animal for adoption on social media, posters, our website, and petfinder.com.
- The foster home is NOT responsible for any medical needs. The HSMC covers the costs of all medical needs.
- The foster home provides love and socialization for the animal, thereby making them more “adoptable”.
Become a Foster Hero ❤️ APPLY TODAY
101 East Tower Road (Tower Rd off Highway 67 North)
Macomb, Illinois 61455
Monday thru Friday: 11am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – noon
(309) 837-2989
mcas@macomb.com
Every animal deserves a chance to feel safe and loved. Fostering is a simple way to make a life-changing difference.
If you’re interested in opening your home to a foster pet, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can give more animals the second chance they deserve.
Foster Applications may be filled out through the pdfs below and turned in or emailed to the McDonough County Animal Shelter.