Foster Care

Animal Welfare Foundation of Iowa is in the process of raising funds to build an animal shelter in Jones County. But until we have a shelter, we rely on a network of state-licensed foster homes to provide a nurturing environment for stray dogs and cats until permanent homes can be found. Foster homes are essential to our life-saving work.

What is a foster parent?
A foster parent must be at least 21 years of age. It is their job to care for the foster animal’s needs, making sure the dog or cat receives daily exercise and socialization. Each foster parent is assigned a foster coordinator who will act as a mentor and guide each foster parent through the process.  A foster care handbook is also provided to each foster home.

What is the cost of being a foster parent?
The only monetary responsibility foster parents are asked to assume is the purchase of quality food for their foster pet and in the case of cats, litter as well. AWF provides all of the veterinary care for each foster animal, including spay/neuter and vaccinations. These basic veterinary needs are taken care of before the animal is placed in foster care. AWF will also provide additional veterinary care if injuries or health issues arise while a dog or cat is in the foster home. During summer months, we do ask foster homes to pay for flea/tick and heart worm preventatives as long as this does not create a financial burden.  AWF provides these medications if the foster homes request them.

What are the requirements for fostering?
Each prospective foster parent must complete a foster application, a personal interview and a home visit. Upon acceptance to our foster program, you will receive a call from one of our foster coordinators. If you would like to apply to become an AWF foster DOG parent and help save lives, please click here for the application. If you would like to apply to become an AWF foster CAT parent, click here.

Questions? E-mail wesavepets@netins.net or call (319) 462-5683.