Fostering a pet is a big commitment, however temporary it may be. Our fostering program is designed to place shelter animals in a nurturing environment in the comfort of your home allowing the fostered pets to grow, heal, socialize and become/remain adoptable while they wait for their “forever home”.  Experience has shown that the foster program dramatically increases the chances of a pet being adopted and allows us to continue our fight against the euthanasia of adoptable animals.

Potential foster families must complete an application and host a home visit by a BCHS representative.  Foster homes are considered an extension of the Shelter and, therefore, must be inspected prior to fostering and at intermittent intervals.  Contact the shelter at 812-988-7362 for an application and to set up a time for a home visit.

Foster Responsibilities

• Feed, socialize, exercise, groom and medicate animals as needed.
• Ensure the animal's safety and respond to the animal's needs. 
• Isolate foster animals from your own companion animals when necessary. 
• Ensure that your companion animals are current on vaccinations and spayed or neutered.
• Observe and report any problems with the animal to the shelter. 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding foster animals and their situations.
• Return the animal to the Society at the appropriate time. 
• Comply with the Society's philosophies and policies and act as a Society representative.
• Bring foster animals to BCHS adoption events so that they will be given every opportunity to be placed in permanent, adoptive homes. 
• Ensure fostered pets remain under the care of the foster family at all times.