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
June 2026
Molly M.
Meet our Foster of the Month for June, Molly M! “I have cared deeply about animal welfare from a young age. Before moving to Eugene, I volunteered with organizations including Multnomah County Animal Services and the Oregon Zoo, and also participated in international nonprofit efforts focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and returning wildlife to their natural habitats after they had been exploited in tourism.” Molly recently returned to fostering, and we are so happy to have her back! “I first started fostering for Greenhill Humane Society in 2016.” “When my daughter was born . . . I took a step back from fostering to focus on that new chapter of life. Fast forward . . . I felt ready to start fostering again and wanted to share the experience with my seven-year-old daughter. Fostering has given us the opportunity to work together to care for vulnerable animals, help them grow, and prepare them for adoption into loving homes.”
Molly says, “Every fostering experience is unique, which is part of what keeps me coming back. Some of my favorite moments are the small milestones. . . There is nothing quite like the feeling of a scared foster animal building trust and beginning to show it back to you. Singleton kittens are one of my favorite types to foster. While they require extra attention for socialization, they tend to form very strong bonds with their foster…There is something very special about being such a central source of safety and comfort, knowing you are giving them the foundation they need before they go on to their forever homes.”
Molly said her “favorite thing about fostering is watching animals transform with time, care, and love. It is amazing to see scared, sick, or very young animals grow into confident and healthy pets” “I also love that fostering allows ordinary people to make a direct impact on a community wide issue. Opening your home temporarily to these animals can completely change an animal’s life and allows Greenhill Humane Society to do more to help the animals of Lane County. Sharing that experience with my daughter and watching her develop compassion, patience, and responsibility has made fostering even more meaningful for me.”
We asked Molly, what do you do when you are not fostering? “Outside of fostering, I am a mom to a wonderful eight-year-old daughter who is also my adventure buddy. We love doing puzzles, building Legos, making art, and spending time outdoors riding bikes, kayaking, and enjoying everything Oregon has to offer. My daughter and I also enjoy Greenhill Humane Society reading to cats program. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to practice reading while helping kittens and adult cats become more comfortable around children and gain valuable socialization.”
If you are considering fostering, here is why Molly thinks you should give it a try! “Fostering is one of the most meaningful ways to help animals in need, and Greenhill Humane Society provides exceptional support to its [fosters]. They offer training, supplies, and a dedicated team that cares deeply about both the animals and the people fostering them. Greenhill also matches animals with fosters based on experience, preferences, and availability, making it accessible whether someone is just starting out or has years of experience. There is also a strong foster community that steps in to support one another when life comes up. I recently took in a three-day old bottle baby kitten knowing I had travel planned a few weeks later. Once she was ready to transition off the bottle, another foster stepped in to continue caring for her until she is ready for adoption.” “What stands out to me about fostering for Greenhill Humane Society is the level of support behind it. Foster homes are connected directly with a fully trained medical team, along with access to veterinary support and 24 hour guidance if concerns arise. Having that structure in place means you are never guessing alone, and it allows foster families to focus on providing stability and care so animals can heal and thrive. I would encourage anyone who feels drawn to fostering it to give it a try with Greenhill Humane Society!”