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
April 2026
Charlotte R.
Meet our Foster of the Month for April, Charlotte R. who has been fostering for a little over a year. So far, Charlotte has helped foster kittens, puppies and adult dogs. When asked why she started she shared “We enjoy volunteering and wanted to be able to help more. Also, the potential for perpetual puppies!” Who doesn’t love puppies?!
We asked Charlotte if there was a foster experience that felt unique to their family, she said there was “a young female that was very shut down at the shelter. She was a bit finicky meeting people. She had a meet with a foster before us, and it hadn’t gone well with their dog. She met mine and coexisted well enough. We brought her home and she spent most of the 1st day curled up in the back of the kennel, only left for a potty break. Over time, she warmed up and came out of her shell. She showed us how smart she was, eager to learn new things, learned to play fetch, and became secure enough to not resource guard.” How special to be able to help a dog in that way!
Charlotte and her family help with all different ages and kinds of animals, and we wanted to know, what is their favorite part? “All of it! Knowing that I’m helping set puppies up for future success by teaching them skills and socializing early. With adult dogs, getting to know them out of the shelter setting and helping them gain confidence. And for me, getting puppy snuggles or kitten purr therapy. “
Helping out with so many animals takes up time for sure, but what does the family do when they are not fostering? (or maybe while they are also fostering?) “Well, my daughter’s do lots of extracurricular activities during the school year (it makes for wonderful socializing opportunities for puppies). We enjoy camping and going on waterfall hikes.”
Everyone has their own reasons for becoming a foster parent, here is why Charlotte thinks you should make the leap if you have been thinking about it! “Fostering is great in so many ways.
1. The support from the staff is excellent! Want to try a new toy/enrichment activity, they’re there with ideas or the item.
2. You get to help on your own time. You can pass on a call. If you only have a few days available in your schedule, they’ll work with you (any time out of the shelter is helpful). If you take an animal home and things don’t work out, no problem, you can bring them back
3. You get to see so many different personalities. Some are explorers, while others are velcro; some are divas and hate to be dirty, while others dive head first into food and puddles.
4. And this one’s outside the box, but you get to ‘try out’ breeds.”
We want to give a special shout out to Charlotte and her family for all of the hard work, love and patience that they put in when working with Greenhill animals. Especially those dogs that need the extra confidence boost!