Foster Care Program
Have you ever thought about fostering?
Current Fosters
Ready to Foster?
Together our foster parents make an enormous contribution to Greenhill and the animals of our community by caring for over 600 animals per year when they need us the most. Without these dedicated volunteers, Greenhill could not provide loving homes to nearly as many deserving animals as we do each year.
We are always looking for foster parents who can open their hearts and their homes to many types of animals such as kittens, puppies and rabbits, nursing Moms with babies, as well as adult animals recovering from surgery or illness. Foster stays can vary from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the animal’s needs and the foster parent’s availability.
If you have questions or would like more information about this rewarding opportunity, please contact Kristi Chizacky, Foster Care Manager, at 541-689-1503 ext. 114 or e-mail foster@green-hill.org. Or click on the Foster Care Application link below to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
Click on the next tab to view some FAQs about Fostering!.
Thank you for your interest in the Foster Care Program!
*Please note: If you are looking to Foster-to-Adopt an eligible dog listed on our animal listings, you do not need to apply to our Foster Care Program. If you have questions about a Foster-to-Adopt dog, please call us directly at 541-689-1503. Thank you!
Can I foster if I have animals of my own?
Yes! But foster animals do need to be kept completely separate from your own animals with the exception of puppies and some adult dogs. And in most cases your animals need to be fully vaccinated. We suggest talking to your vet prior to fostering to make sure your vet feels fostering is safe for your pets.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
- Yes! We do require landlord approval for all foster parents who rent their residence. Please confirm with your landlord that you are approved to foster animals prior to submitting a foster care application.
Does Greenhill provide any supplies to take care of the foster animal?
- Yes! We can supply most or all of the items that you will need, so that you can take the best care possible of your foster animal(s). We do ask that if you can help with some supplies like food that would be extremely helpful! We try to make it as easy as possible for foster families since you are helping the animals and the shelter so much!
Does Greenhill provide medical care for my foster animal?
- Yes! Greenhill provides on-site medical care.
Can I adopt my foster animal?
- Yes! On most occasions we give the foster parent priority to submit an adoption application for the foster animal. We will explain more in our foster training.
I need temporary housing for my own animal. Is this something Greenhill can help me with?
- Unfortunately, due to our limited resources, Greenhill is not able to provide foster homes for owned animals. Greenhill can only provide foster homes for shelter animals in need.
I am unable to foster animals, is there another way I can help?
- Yes! We understand that not everyone can help an animal in their own home, but there are a lot of other ways you can help! As we rely primarily on donations and service fees to operate our shelters, donations are always greatly appreciated! We are also always in need of supplies to help in caring for our shelter animals. You can check out our wish list here. Anything from food to bottle baby supplies to towels and blankets! Also, volunteering out at the shelter is another huge way you can help! We are always looking for volunteers to help in various areas throughout the shelter! Visit the volunteering page on our website for more information!
Find out What it's like to be a foster
Ready to Foster?
Review the foster program requirements.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to become a foster parent. Children are encouraged to participate fully in this rewarding experience with their parents.
- Landlord approval is required for all foster parents who rent their residence. Please confirm with your landlord that you are approved to foster animals prior to submitting a foster care application.
- Current vaccinations are required for all foster parents’ dogs/cats prior to placing a foster animal in your home. Please confirm that your animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations prior to submitting a foster care application. We also recommend you speak with your veterinarian to make sure fostering is a good fit for you and your pets.
Complete the online Foster Care Application by clicking here.
If you would like to volunteer (not foster), please complete the online Volunteer Application on the Volunteering page.
Upon receipt of your Foster Care Application, we will contact you to further discuss your interests and the foster care program with you.
Complete the foster care program online foster care training and paperwork. A background check will be completed for all new foster parents.
Foster Spotlight
February 2026
Gail H. & Jeff M.
Meet our Fosters of the month for February Gail and Jeff! Gail and Jeff have been fostering with Greenhill Humane Society since 2008. They shared some insight with us as to what fostering has been like for them, here is what they had to say:
“During that time, 202 cats and kittens have passed through our home as fosters. We have been at a point in our lives for awhile now where we have the time and space at home needed for fostering. We have animal-loving neighbors who are always willing to help out with our fosters when we need or want to be away from home or out of town.”
“Gail and I find that our lives are more enriched and interesting when we have foster animals at home. It is rewarding to provide a loving place for shelter animals to learn and grow (and in some cases, heal). Having foster animals at home actually provides more entertainment and opportunities to engage for us. Kittens, especially, can be delightfully silly to be around! Fostering helps provide a second chance for many animals who have lost their previous homes. Fostering helps reduce the burden on local animal shelters like Greenhill Humane Society. Volunteering as fosters positively supports the community where we live.”
“There are sometimes some challenging health or behavior situations for certain at-risk foster animals. Some of our most rewarding personal experiences have been when, against the odds, they survive, thrive, develop their own personalities, and go on to make it successfully to their forever homes. It is really gratifying to feel like you’ve “saved a life.” This is by far our favorite thing about fostering!”
“We have talked to folks who say “Oh, I could never do that, I’d get too attached!” Well, of course we do get attached to our fosters! That drive back to Greenhill for returning them for their next opportunity is sometimes a little teary. We have found the best solutions to this are watching them get adopted off the website, and getting that telephone call from Greenhill for the next fostering opportunity!”
Outside of fostering, Gail works at PeaceHealth and Jeff is a retired optometrist. They both enjoy attending and supporting local theater and music. In their spare time, they love to hike and explore the outdoors of the Northwest. Jeff also enjoys volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver for Food for Lane County. It is clear that they love and care for our community so very much!
Gail and Jeff say: “If anything we have said here resonates with you personally, please consider talking to Greenhill Humane Society about becoming a foster parent. Greenhill provides veterinary care, supplies, and food resources to minimize the financial impact on foster parents. They are always responsive to the needs of the foster parents, and they always need more help!”
We want to give a special shout out to Gail and Jeff for always going above and beyond for their fosters, no matter what age or social level. When we have a shy adult cat who is not doing well in the shelter, we know who to call. We can always count on Jeff and Gail to be there to help!