Foster homes are a vital component of the overall health of our shelter and also help teach important social skills to pets.
Fostering helps animals gain more skills on how to behave in a home environment, work on training, and sleep more comfortably at night.
Being in a foster home rather than a shelter environment lowers the emotional and physical stress of animals, making them happier, healthier, and more adoptable.
For more information about fostering please call the shelter at 618-235-3712 ext. 102 or email: foster@bahspets.org
Are you a business owner looking to increase foot traffic in your store while helping animals in your community?
Email Amanda at foster@bahspets.org to learn more about our Retailer Partnership Program!
Foster FAQ’s
Q: Does it cost anything to foster an animal for BAHS?
A: No! Fostering is 100% free, and BAHS provides all supplies needed to care for the animal while they are in your care. BAHS also supplies all medical care for the animal.
Q: Do I need experience to foster through BAHS?
A: No!
We love to expand our foster team to anyone interested in helping. BAHS staff and foster mentors are here for you with questions, concerns, and anything you may need while fostering.
Q: What is the average time commitment for fostering an animal?
A: You can foster for as long or as little as you would like. The average length of time our pets need to be fostered is a week or two. In some medical cases, such as nursing mothers and babies, the commitment is longer (up to 8 weeks).
However, the length of time you choose to foster is up to you.
Our foster families receive weekly emails from our Foster Manager about what pets are needing foster, or you can join our BAHS Facebook Group for fostering opportunities!
Q: What if I just want to take a dog out of the shelter for a day?
A: Introducing Bark Breaks — the paw-fect way to give our shelter pups a much-needed breather!
Whether you’re a runner looking for a jogging buddy or just want to spread some love and snuggles outside the kennel, Bark Breaks are your chance to make a difference — even if you only have an hour to spare.
✅ No appointment needed
✅ No prior training or approval required
✅ Open to the public, volunteers & fosters
✅ Just swing by during Bark Break hours and take a pup out for an adventure!
🕒 Available:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am–2:00 pm
🚫 Closed Mondays
Before heading out, you’ll need to provide your info and sign a quick form. That’s it!
Q: Does the foster parent get to pick which animal(s) they foster?
A: Yes! On the foster application, you can select which species and types of animals you are interested in fostering. While the BAHS Placement Team may suggest foster animals to you, it is ultimately up to the foster parent.
Q: I work, have children, and other pets. Can I still foster?
A: YES!
Fostering is a family activity, and we encourage you to get your children involved. The BAHS Placement Team will ensure that your foster pet gets along well with your resident pets, as well as facilitate meet and greets between your pets and your potential foster pets.