Be a Buddy Foster Program

• Support of The Capital Humane Society’s mission and philosophies. 
• Access to a reliable source of transportation. 
• Primary caretaker must be at least 19 years of age. 
• Active email address and social media account.
• Proof of up to date vaccination and licensing for all animals already within the household.
• Own home or proof that residence is “animal friendly”.
• Cannot have a documented history of neglect or abuse towards animals.

Animals whose length of stay at the shelter has already exceeded, or is anticipated to exceed, the current average length of stay are eligible for the Be A Buddy Program.  All animals in the program will already be spayed or neutered, have received a thorough health check as well as necessary vaccines, and have passed a behavior assessment.

Capital Humane Society’s Behavior Coordinators in collaboration with the Be A Buddy Committee determines an animal’s eligibility for placement in the program.  The following are some general factors that may influence an animal’s length of stay and make them a candidate: age, health, “breed”, size, and/or behavior (observed in the shelter and/or reported by a previous owner).

Ideally an animal in this program will be adopted within 1-2 months of being placed in a foster home; however the actual foster length of stay will vary from animal to animal.  The program has been designed with the hopes that the animal will continue to reside in foster until they are adopted, even if this exceeds the 1-2 month goal.  Fosters participate in regular weekly check-ins with the Behavior Department in order to evaluate the status of the foster and determine if additional support or changes are needed.  Fosters should also note that if the animal in their care is not a suitable match for their household or lifestyle they may return the animal at will.

In addition to general foster training, Be A Buddy Foster's receive training in the following areas: 

• Behavior modification specific to their animal’s needs, if applicable.
• Administering medication/ general medical, if applicable.

• On-site medical, behavioral support, & supplies for the foster animal only.
• Behavioral support and training with Behavior Coordinators.
• Basic pet supplies including food, litter, bedding, toys and enrichment items for the foster animal only.
• “Adopt me” vests and collars.
• Other customized promotional materials for their specific foster animal.
• Opportunities to attend media and adoption events.
• The animal's adoption profile will be visible on The Capital Humane Society’s website and corresponding third-party adoption search engines.  Capital Humane Society will post on the organization’s various social media platforms in order to assist with recruitment of an adopter.