Office: (570)-596-2200  Clinic: (570)-596-2270  |  353 Sanctuary Hill Ln, PO Box A East Smithfield, PA 18817

Foster Program

“We find it richly rewarding to work with foster animals, helping a dog acclimate, and socialize with other pets in the home, eating side by side with other dogs, the experience and joys of riding in the car, snuggling on the sofa, and getting used to a normal lifestyle. We get excited to know that this animal is soon going to be placed in a perfectly suited home, and that makes our hearts happy.”

-Jerene, Foster Family Program Participant

How Does Fostering Help Animals?

Be a Foster- Save a Life!

What Does Being a Foster Ambassador Entail?

Animals tend to reveal their true personalities once placed in a home setting, and as their foster ambassador, you’ll help them find their ideal adoptive home.

By promoting your foster pet to friends and family, you expand their network of potential adopters. When taking foster dogs out into your community, having them wear their ACS “Adopt Me” gear can spark conversations and raise awareness about your foster pet. You can invite friends and family to meet your foster cats in the home, which helps them show off their personalities in a relaxed setting. These interactions boost socialization, visibility, and the chances of a successful adoption.

You’ll receive a full adoption bag when you take your foster animal home, so they can be adopted without having to return to ACS!

To be a Foster
As a foster, you’re the voice for your animal and play a vital role in shaping their future. Shelter animals thrive because of dedicated fosters like you. And remember—every goodbye makes room for another life saved.
Foster Responsibilities
Which animals need a foster the most?
We Supply Everything, You Supply the Love!

No need to be nervous — we’ll guide you through every step of fostering and provide all the supplies you’ll need to succeed. We’re incredibly busy helping animals find homes, so we may not get to the phone right away. Please stop by — we’ll get you set up and ready to foster!

What’s Included When You Foster a Dog:  
What’s Included When You Foster a Cat:  

Fostering Is Fun for the Whole Family

When you become a foster at Animal Care Sanctuary, we set you up for success! We provide all the supplies you’ll need and offer a helpline for any emergencies or questions that arise.

The length of time an animal needs a foster home varies on a case-by-case basis, but we’re flexible and will match you with a pet that fits your schedule and lifestyle. Experience the joy and fulfillment of opening your home — and your heart — to an animal in need.

Ready to make a difference? Complete our Foster Application Form today and join our life-saving team! Fostering extends the reach of our shelter, giving more animals the chance to find safety, love, and a forever home.

Kittens, Kittens, Kittens! Team Tiny Hearts, Wellness Foster, and Nursing Mothers With Litters Biggest Need

Kittens, Kittens, Kittens! Urgent Foster Need Team Tiny Hearts, Wellness Foster, and Nursing Mothers With Litters

Ever wondered what a pile of kittens is called? A meowtain! Every spring and summer, our shelter is overflowing with tiny, vulnerable kittens—many of them bottle babies who need round-the-clock care.

These little ones are too fragile to thrive in a busy shelter environment. They need feeding every 2–5 hours, help going to the bathroom, and a consistently warm, cozy space to grow. Without dedicated foster homes, many of these kittens simply won’t get the care they need.

We urgently need foster heroes like YOU! By opening your home to a bottle baby kitten, you’ll give them a fighting chance at life. Fostering provides critical care, socialization, and love until these kittens are ready to find their forever homes.

Every hour, every bottle, every cuddle matters. Can you help us save lives this kitten season?

If You've Found Kittens, Here's What to Do

If you have found kittens, please take a look at our Found a Kitten Info-Graphic for the right steps to take! It’s important to keep in mind, not all kittens are in need of human intervention.

Doggie Day Trip

Adventure Awaits: Doggy Day Trips! Not ready to adopt? Take a shelter dog on a day of fun and freedom! Our canine companions love a break from shelter life—think walks, park adventures, car rides, and all the cuddles you can give.

Doggy Day Trips: Pick up at 10 AM, return after 2+ hours (Day Out Trips should be completed by 4 PM). We’re flexible when it comes to pick up times, just give us call and we’ll work with your schedule. Sleepovers: Take a dog home for TWO nights! Pick-up between 12–2 PM for an extended adventure.

Dogs come backpack-ready and tail-wagging excited, and posting your photos, videos, and stories help them in the search for their forever homes. Just #ACS or #DoggyDayOut on your social media platforms.

Apply now and let the adventure begin!