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
August 2026
Charlotte
Meet our Foster of the Month for August, Charlotte S! Charlotte started fostering for Greenhill this year in February, and we are so glad to have her as a part of the foster family! “I have wanted to for years now, and I am so happy I am now! I always have had a special place in my heart for animals and I have wanted to give a nice home to shelter animals who need it. Also who doesn’t love to cuddle with kittens at home.”
We asked Charlotte what one of her most unique foster experiences has been so far and she said that one was the most recent litter she fostered. “Three girls one boy, and the boy was medically fragile at the time. They all made such an impact on me, my friend even adopted one of the girls! That litter was so wonderful I ended up adopting the boy, who is now known as Monkey.” Monkey not only won over Charlotte’s heart but many of us here at the shelter throughout his journey, we are so happy for them both!
There’s really not a lot to dislike about fostering kittens, but we wanted to know, what is Charlotte’s favorite? She told us “My favorite thing about fostering is seeing animals open up as they learn to trust you. I’ve had cats that have been shy and nervous and watching them learn to trust humans feels great. I also love giving them a space to relax in and get love constantly because for some of the animals that’s their first time ever experiencing love and human kindness.
So, Charlotte is a very loving foster parent, but what is she doing when she is not fostering for Greenhill? “When I’m not fostering I’m in class, baking, with friends or shopping! I am in college ultimately for nursing and in the fall I’ll be doing the EMT program at Lane Community College. If I wasn’t doing nursing, I would love to work with animals!”
If you have thought about fostering but haven’t been sure, here is why Charlotte thinks you should give it a try! “People should consider fostering because the love animals can give humans is unmatched. It is a lot easier than people would think. Getting to wake up in the morning with kittens curled next to you is such a wonderful feeling that I’ve been lucky to experience many times through fostering. Overall fostering is such a fulfilling experience and the joy it brings you is worth every minute.”