Foster Puppy Party Save an Animal's Life...
Become a Foster Home.

Foster A Cat
Foster A Dog
Next Step
More Fostering Information
Foster A Cat
Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, Inc. (C.A.R.E.) needs volunteers commonly referred to as foster caregivers, to provide quality, temporary, in-home care for homeless kittens and cats from Chatham County until they can be permanently adopted by a loving home. C.A.R.E. does not have a shelter. We can only rescue as many animals as we have space for in our volunteer foster caregiver network. Short term (as brief as a week) and longer-term foster caregivers are needed. Fostering can be an incredibly rewarding experience; however, it is a common misconception that fostering is easy!

While in the custody of C.A.R.E., the animals must receive affection, food, shelter, sterilization and socialization to be successfully adopted. C.A.R.E. pays for the cost of approved veterinary care and quality food. Fostering takes a great deal of time and energy - both emotional and physical.

To accomplish the goals of our foster program, standard policies and guidelines are in place to create an environment that is beneficial to the animal, the foster home and the organization. Several of the policies are highlighted below:
  • Each foster caregiver will attend a comprehensive training session after the approval process is complete.
  • Each new foster caregiver is assigned an experienced mentor and is given a foster handbook with standard procedures and guidelines for animal care, fostering and policies.
  • Foster caregivers must be able to provide a safe and caring home environment.
  • Foster caregivers showcase their animals at C.A.R.E. sponsored adoption events and should be able to show foster animals to potential adopters.
If you would like additional information on becoming a foster caregiver, please contact C.A.R.E. at 919-542-5757 or email us.

Thank you for making a difference by saving an animal's life!
Foster A Dog
Dog fostering information is currently under review.

If you would like additional information on becoming a foster caregiver, please contact C.A.R.E. at 919-542-5757 or email us.

Thank you for making a difference by saving an animal's life!
Next Step
If you are still interested the next step is to set up a home visit. A C.A.R.E. volunteer will come to your home and assess the suitability of your home for fostering and chat with you about fostering. We have established foster homes and a Foster Care Handbook to help you learn the basics of foster care. This is a great help to all the animals and to C.A.R.E.

Thank you for your interest. Please contact us to set up a home visit appointment:
Phone: 919-542-5757
Email: Click here to send an email request.
Thank you for CAREing!
More Fostering Information
  • The Pet Foster Network
  • Fostering Tips from Experienced CARE Fosters:
    • Strictly adhere to the 10 day quarantine for both dogs and cats.
    • Be aware that coccidia, which causes diarrhea, can become symptomatic after the 10 day quarantine has passed. At least, we have had that happen here.
    • Avoid sharing litter boxes between personal cats and foster cats whenever possible.
    • Closely watch for skin inflammation that might be ringworm. It spreads easily to other pets. Therefore, don't allow personal pets to share the same environment as new fosters, even if they aren't in the room at the same time.
    • Ringworm and coccidia can get in the environment and put your pets at risk of contamination. Wash your hands and even change clothes if possible between handling personal pets and new fosters.
    • Don't take on more fosters than you have places to separate them in case one or many get sick (parvo is the worst scenario for this).
    • Use a stepping pan containing clorox when going in/out of quarantined areas.
    • Pay attention to which shoes you are wearing in the new foster's environment. Don't wear these shoes elsewhere until the quarantine is over and you know the animal is "safe".
    • Give any new foster a bath immediately upon entering your home, before his/her feet even touch the ground or floor.
    • Consider a new foster's personality and how that animal will get along with your personal pets before you allow your compassion to take over your judgement.
    • Get fecals done whenever allowable, but always with pregnant or new moms to rule out giardia or coccidia that might spread to the offspring. It's easier and cheaper to treat one infected animal than ten.
    • Consider taking in at least two at the time so they can be companions for each other during the quarantine period.
    • Disinfect your quarantine area.
    • Make certain you are willing to deal with the everyday issues of pet interactions before you take on a new foster. It's hard to find someone else to take the animal if it doesn't work out at your house.
    • Have enough toys and spend enough time with each animal to reduce the jelousy factor.
    • Separate animals for feeding as needed.
    • Don't force your dog or cat to change its routine or personal space to accomodate another new dog or cat.
"The Reason"
(to rescuer from rescued pet)
I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted, skin that
isn't flea bitten, good food and enough of it, beds to sleep on,
someone to love me, to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands.
Your big heart saved me... You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair ...Why do I do it?
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes.
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter.
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes,
In the best way I know how. Reminding you why you go on trying.
I am the reason.
The dogs before me are the reason. As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given.
We would die if not for you.

--- Author Unknown ---