pets
Temporary Pet Foster Options
Where to find safe temporary housing for pets during DV situations.
pet safetyfoster
PETS & SAFETY
Temporary Pet Foster Options
Overview
This page outlines options for short-term care of pets when you need to be away from home, including shelter-based pet programs, local foster networks, and veterinary boarding, plus quick steps to prepare pets to move.
Additional tools and professional supports related to safety planning and animal care can also be found through resources listed at DV.Support.
Shelters with Pet Programs
Some human shelters and related organizations offer on-site pet housing or partner programs.
How these programs usually work
- Short-term housing for pets while someone is staying in a shelter or transitional setting
- Care provided on-site, through nearby kennels, or partner rescues
- Basic needs covered (food, water, shelter; sometimes basic medical care)
- Pets returned once a more stable housing option is in place
Ways to locate shelter pet programs
- Search for shelters or support services in your area plus terms like “pet program,” “pet housing,” or “safe haven for pets.”
- Contact local animal shelters or humane societies and ask if they partner with human shelters for temporary pet care.
- Ask any advocate, case manager, or social worker you are connected with whether they know of “safe pet” or “pet foster” partnerships in your region.
Information to have ready when you contact them
- Type and number of pets (species, breed if known)
- Approximate age, size, and sex of each pet
- Any known medical conditions or medications
- Behavior notes (good with kids, other animals, indoor/outdoor, special handling needs)
- Any vaccination or vet records you can access quickly
Local Foster Networks
Local foster networks are individuals or groups that temporarily care for pets in their own homes.
Types of foster networks
- Animal rescue organizations that place pets in volunteer homes
- Community-based foster groups organized through social media, neighborhood platforms, or local volunteers
- Faith or community groups that informally match people needing pet care with members who can help
Options for finding local fosters
- Contact animal rescues and ask if they offer emergency or short-term foster placement.
- Check local humane society or SPCA websites for “foster” or “emergency boarding” information.
- Ask veterinarians if they know trusted rescues or clients who sometimes foster in emergencies.
- Look for regional “safe pet” or “foster for survivors” programs in your area.
Questions to ask foster organizations
- How long can they keep the pet?
- What costs are covered (food, supplies, medical care)?
- How often will you receive updates or photos?
- What happens if your situation changes faster or slower than expected?
- What identification or paperwork do they need from you?
Veterinary Boarding
Some veterinary clinics offer boarding or can refer to trusted boarding facilities.
How veterinary boarding usually works
- Pets stay in kennels or runs at a clinic or boarding facility.
- Staff handle feeding, basic care, and monitoring for health concerns.
- Some locations may require recent vaccinations before boarding.
- Billing may be daily, weekly, or per night.
When to consider veterinary boarding
- Pets with medical conditions that need monitoring or medication.
- Pets that are elderly, very young, or have special care needs.
- When foster options are limited or not available.
Questions to ask clinics or boarding facilities
- Do they offer any flexible payment plans, discounts, or sliding scale options?
- What are their vaccination and health requirements?
- How long can they board in an emergency situation?
- What is their policy if you cannot pick up the pet on the planned date?
- Can they help connect you to longer-term foster or rescue options if needed?
How to Prepare Pets Quickly
When time is limited, focusing on core items and information can make it easier for someone else to care for your pet.
Essentials to gather if possible
- Identification:
- Any tags, microchip information, or recent photos of your pet (full body and face)
- Proof of ownership if available (adoption papers, vet bills, registration)
- Medical:
- Vaccination records or recent vet paperwork
- List of medications with doses and timing
- Veterinarian’s name and clinic contact information
- Basic supplies:
- Leash, collar, harness, crate or carrier if available
- Small bag or container of current food and any special treats
- Any necessary litter, bedding, or small-animal habitat items
Information to write down for caregivers
- Pet’s name and what they usually answer to
- Feeding schedule and amount (include any restrictions or allergies)
- Bathroom routines (walk schedule, litter box habits, cage cleaning notes)
- Behavior details:
- How they react to strangers, kids, and other animals
- Any fears (loud noises, certain handling, specific triggers)
- Bite or scratch history, if any, so caregivers can handle safely
- Comfort items they like:
- Favorite toys, blankets, or sleeping spots if you can send them
- Any routines that help them settle (short walk, quiet time, specific words)
If you have only a few minutes
- Take clear photos of each pet (full body and face).
- Take photos of any vet records or tags instead of packing papers.
- Write or type:
- Pet name, age, and any health issues
- Feeding instructions in one or two lines
- Vet clinic name and phone number if known
- Grab:
- One leash/collar or carrier per pet, if available
- Small amount of their usual food in a labeled bag or container
Planning for return or longer-term care
- Clarify with the caregiver or program:
- Approximate length of stay
- How you will communicate (phone, email, through an advocate)
- What happens if plans change or you need more time
- Keep a record (even a short note) of:
- Where each pet is staying
- Names and contact details of caregivers or organizations