A volunteer foster parent assists in the rehabilitation of an animal by providing in home care. The goal of the Foster Parent Volunteer is to help animals outside of the shelter environment who are underage, sick, injured, or under-socialized so that they may become healthy, adoptable animals. Foster parents provide a clean, safe, loving environment for the animals in their homes. Our goal is to care for as many pets as possible in order to make them available for adoption.
Your involvement in our foster program will prepare animals for a full and healthy life! The Kansas Humane Society’s foster program provides a very rewarding experience for both the foster family and the lucky animal(s) involved. The goal of the foster program is to reduce euthanasia of potentially adoptable animals.
We can give you all of the supplies needed to care for foster animals. This includes food, litter, and medical care. If available we can also supply crates, toys, bedding, playpens, and enrichment to keep your foster engaged.
Our Foster program can loan most supplies to our foster families, though all supplies come on a donation basis. We loan any supplies on hand, though these are common items you may need for your foster animals that we encourage you to have on hand if possible.
General Supplies
Medical Supplies
Learn about the differences between Urgent and Non-Urgent emergencies. For Urgent and Non-Urgent the Foster Department must be contacted prior to travel to the shelter for medical purposes. It is important that we are contacted as we have designated appointment times for appointments to ensure that the flow and needs of the shelter are met, as well as the DVM schedule may vary during the week.
You will take animals to your home until the animal is deemed ready to be put up for adoption at the shelter. Reasons for foster care vary, but some of the common reasons we send animals to foster homes can be:
Our foster program is not meant for those wanting to "test drive" an animal before adopting - your role as a foster is to help multiple animals become healthy and adoptable.
You must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer independently, though fostering can be a wonderful way to involve the whole family! You must have the time and ability to work with your foster animal(s) and live within 1 hour of KHS. Your own pets should be spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated. It is ideal if you have a room or space in your home where the foster animals can be “isolated” from your own pets when necessary. You MUST also watch the KHS Foster Orientation video included on this page.
The average stay is two weeks but can vary depending on an animal's personalized needs. Below is an estimated time commitment grouped for specific needs;
Before you bring home your foster(s), make sure that you have a suitable place for them to stay. A bathroom often works well. The room should adhere to the following guidelines:
Everything you will need to care for your foster will be provided free of charge including food, potty pads, and medical services. Check below for further tips on how to properly set up your new fosters environment.
Remember that if you give the dog too much freedom in your home without adequate supervision, you will accidentally teach him bad habits, such as pottying in the house, chewing on inappropriate items, etc. If you are not able to have your eyes on the dog, make sure he is confined to his crate, exercise pen, or other safe spot. If you are experiencing a lot of trouble with crating your foster dog please let the foster coordinator know.
Everything you will need to care for your foster will be provided free of charge including food, litter, and medical services. Check below for further tips on how to properly set up your new foster environment.
Emergency situations include:
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The "Paws for Points" loyalty program is designed to reward loyal customers of the Kansas Humane Society retail store. In order to ensure a fair, transparent, and enjoyable experience for all participants, the following rules, restrictions, and regulations apply:
This program and its terms are governed by the laws of the state of Kansas. Any disputes arising under or related to the "Paws for Points" program will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Kansas.
Have questions about your pets past or upcoming procedure? Please contact our clinic by filling out the form below or calling us at (316) 524-9196.
To schedule a classroom visit, please fill out the form below. If you experience any difficulty with the online form, email Lauran at lskelton@kshumane.org with your information so we can get you scheduled.
*Copyright Notice: By submitting content through this form, you grant us permission to feature the image on our website and social media channels. You affirm that you own the rights to the photo or have obtained appropriate permissions, and you agree to allow its use for promotional purposes without compensation.*
By checking below ,I/we agree to allow the Kansas Humane Society the right of first refusal to ownership of the above-described animal if at any time we are unable or unwilling to care for the animal and are considering euthanasia for it.
I/we agree to contact the Kansas Humane Society and, if so desired by the Kansas Humane Society, return said animal to the Kansas Humane Society for evaluation so that the Kansas Humane Society may make an informed decision prior to exercising their right of first refusal. Rescue representative understands that animals are unpredictable, and the City of Wichita and the Kansas Humane Society cannot guarantee appropriate behavior of animals transferred from our facility. Rescue representative acknowledges the City and the Kansas Humane Society has not made through its agents, volunteers or employees, any guarantees regarding the future condition, temperament or conduct of the animal, including bites, and Rescue Representative hereby fully and completely release, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and the Kansas Humane Society, its officers, directors, volunteers, agents, servants and employees from any claim, cause of action or liability of any sore or nature, whether known or unknown, directly arising out of, or, in connection with the adoption, care, or ownership, maintenance, retention, temperament, conduct or condition of the animal.
As a Kansas Humane Society Youth Education program participant, you will be required to abide by the terms of the following contract. The agreement below describes what KHS will expect of you, and what you can expect of KHS.
My signature below indicates that I understand and agree to the following:
I hereby certify that all entries on this application are true and complete. I understand any falsification of this information may cause forfeiture of my community service with the Kansas Humane Society. I understand that the Kansas Humane Society of Wichita, Kansas, Inc. (“KHS”) Youth Education Programs (“Programs”) will involve exposure to animals, including cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens, as well as conditions found in a veterinary hospital and dog and cat kennels.
I recognize that there are risks and health hazards directly and indirectly involved in participation in KHS Programs. I understand and agree that KHS is not liable for any injuries or damages sustained by any child attending KHS Programs. I am the natural parent or legal guardian of the participant listed below, and represent that the facts set forth in this registration are true. I hereby give my permission for my child/ward to participate in the KHS Programs, hereby release and discharge KHS and its employees and agents, for any liability, loss, damage or injury sustained by my child or ward as a result of attending said Programs.
I also agree, to the full extent allowed by law, for myself and my minor child or ward, to hereby release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless KHS and its employees and agents, from any and all claims and liabilities arising from or in any way relating to my child or ward’s participation in KHS Programs. This indemnification extends to any liability, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees), claims and all other forms of damages which arise from or in any way relate to my child or ward’s participation in KHS Programs.
I hereby authorize KHS to use the photographic image of the minor listed below for the following:
By signing below, I am certifying I am the parent or legal guardian of said minor, have read the foregoing and fully understand and agree with the contents thereof.
We’re dedicated to teaching children the importance of responsible pet care and respect and compassion for other living things. Our Youth Education program offers a wide variety of activities for kids, including spring, summer and winter Critter Camp, classroom presentations, Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs, birthday parties, Tot Tuesdays, Read to Rover and tours of KHS.
If your pet is placed for adoption, we will make every reasonable effort to find your pet(s) a new home. We cannot make any guarantee that your pet(s) will be placed for adoption or be adopted. Other options we may explore for your pet include breed-rescue groups, transfer to another shelter, or humane euthanasia. You may choose to reclaim your pet through our Reclaim Program in the event that your pet is not a candidate for our adoption program. Please ask an Admissions staff member for details.