Neonatal and Special Needs Fosters

The HSEP's foster care program gives you a chance to help us save lives! Animals that need foster homes include: puppies & kittens under 8 weeks, pregnant or nursing dogs & cats, animals recovering from injuries or surgeries, animals with special needs.

What does it cost?

Nothing but time, patience and love! There is no fee to become a foster. You will be provided with all the necessities required to take care of the animal or animals you are fostering.

What will the HSEP provide?

The foster department will strive to provide the support you need for the duration of each foster period. Each animal receives all necessary medical care & vaccinations. New foster parents are provided with food, enrichment, and medical supplies necessary to care for your foster animal. The Foster Department wants to make sure your foster experience is a positive, rewarding experience! We do our best to meet the needs of both the foster animal and your family.

What type of animals will I foster ?

During the application process you can specify what you feel comfortable fostering. For example bottle fed puppies or kittens, older animals, special needs etc. View our Types of Foster Pets page to read stories from past foster pet experiences to give you an idea of what to expect. 

How long will I be fostering a pet?

Fostering can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, It's dependant on the individual animal you are fostering. You do not need prior experience and it's okay if you have pets at home so long as they're up to date on all of their shots and friendly.

How do I become a Foster?

1. Apply!
2. Application Review: The foster staff will go through each application thoroughly to make sure your family is a good fit for our program! The review and approval period can take anywhere from couple of days to a  week. Be patient and remember we are trying to make the best fits possible for your family and our program!
3. Home Visit: A home visit may be required. The home visit is an opportunity to meet with the Foster Care Coordinator, and to ensure you are matched with the right foster pet.
4. You will be contacted once your application has been approved. At that point your name will be added to our “Active Foster Family” file. You are now eligible to receive calls and foster pleas!
5. Once you have received and confirmed your first foster assignment, you will meet with the foster staff in advance to go over policies and procedures before taking home your first foster animal!

For more information please contact Foster Staff:

Rosario Olmos
Foster Manager
915-532-6971 ext. 130
foster_dept@hselpaso.org

Can't Foster but Want to Help?

If you can't foster but would like to help the program you can do so by donating supplies! We are always in search of the following items:

• Newborn animal nursing bottles
• Puppy Kongs
• Humidifiers
• Heating Pads (with a stay-on feature)
• Food scales
• Pee pads
• Exercise pens (metal)
• Travel crates
• Wet kitten & cat food
• Wet puppy & dog food
• Kitty litter & litter boxes
• Scratching boards for cats
• Metal & ceramic food dishes
• Lysol spray
• Pet food containers (10 lb & 20 lb)
• Thundershirts
• Fleece blankets
• Ziplock bags (quart & gallon)

You can also help out by gifting an item from the Foster Program Wish List on Amazon!