Thanks for thinking of fostering an animal in need!
Volunteer fosters are the true heroes of Brooklyn Animal Action as they are the reason we are able to rescue animals. Please review the FAQs below to learn more about our fostering process. If after reading this page, you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at foster@nullbrooklynanimalaction.org, but note that it may take 1-2 weeks for us to respond. We highly recommend reading our Foster Guidebook for an overview of fostering. You can also watch this informational video from one of our superstar fosters!
Foster Application
Please note that kittens must be fostered in pairs — they are extremely active and playful and they require feline companionship. If you would like to foster a cat (or cats), please complete the foster application below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Typically how long does it take for an animal to be adopted? It usually takes anywhere from a couple of weeks to half a year. As long as you give us sufficient notice, we can move the animal to another foster home if you can’t keep him or her any longer. You can continue to foster different animals.
2) Is fostering tax-deductible? Expenses you incur through fostering an animal from BAA are tax-deductible. Just make sure you keep your receipts, and note that expenses over $250 will require a letter from BAA for the deduction (which we will happily provide).
3) Is there financial help from the organization for basic care expenses? We prefer that foster volunteers pay for day-to-day expenses such as food and litter, but we can help if necessary.
4) Can I name the animal? Animals will usually come already named, but we can talk about it!
5) When the animal arrives, will he or she be vetted? The animal will have had basic vetting (de-worming and de-flea’ing, testing for common diseases, vaccinations) when he or she comes to you. We may need to take him or her to the vet for additional shots and spay/neuter while you are fostering. We can do the transporting, though help is always appreciated.
6) Is it okay to have other pets and foster at the same time? You can have pets with fosters, but especially if they are the same species, you should make sure your pet is up to date on shots (FVRCP and rabies shots for cats). Also, it’s best to keep the foster in a separate space (even a bathroom) for a few days so that your pet can get accustomed to the foster and the foster can acclimatize to new environment.
7) What happens if the animal gets sick? We cover all vet expenses if the animal gets sick or hurt.
8) What if the foster situation isn’t working out? If the foster situation isn’t working out, we will seek an alternate foster home for the animal. We only ask that you give us sufficient notice, to give us time to find a new situation.
9) Can I end up adopting my foster animal? You may apply to adopt your foster animal. In that case, the normal adoption procedures apply.
10) What if someone wants to adopt the animal? If a potential adopter expresses interest in the animal, they must first fill out an adoption application. If they seem like a good fit, we ask that the foster volunteer to make an appointment with the potential adopter to meet the animal. The animal does not typically go home with the adopter after that first meeting. If the potential adopter is interested, we will contact references. Assuming everything checks out, we will then bring the animal to his or her forever home.