What Does Fostering Mean?

Every year, the Gulf Coast Humane Society takes in thousands of displaced animals. Many of these animals—including orphaned kittens and puppies who aren’t yet ready for adoption, sick or injured pets needing time to heal, and animals who simply need a break from the shelter environment—require extra care, comfort, and love to thrive. This is where our foster families make an incredible difference!

By joining our foster program, you open your home and heart to a shelter pet in need, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment as they prepare for their forever family. Whether permanent adoption isn’t an option, you want to help a special needs pet, or you’d love to care for an animal temporarily—whether for a short stay or a longer visit—fostering with the Gulf Coast Humane Society is a meaningful way to help.

We provide all the supplies and medical care your foster pet may need.  All you need to provide is love, patience, and a safe place for them to heal, grow, and thrive.

Who Can Be a Foster?

Anyone with a compassionate heart can join our foster program! No matter your level of experience or how much time you can give—whether it’s a few hours a day or more—we’ll support you every step of the way and match you with a foster pet that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re helping an animal decompress in a calm home, providing life-saving care to orphaned kittens and puppies, giving nursing moms a safe and comfortable space to care for their babies, or offering socialization and training to prepare animals for their future forever homes, your support makes a meaningful difference and we are incredibly grateful for your support!

Please note: All applications undergo a background check. We cannot accept any application from a person with a felony record (current or previous) and absolutely no Domestic Violence, Battery, or Animal Cruelty charges (current or previous) or anyone with a history of disobeying county or state animal ordinances.

How Do I Become A Foster?

That’s easy! Just fill out the foster application found HERE or stop by the shelter.  After your application is reviewed, you’ll have a one-on-one meeting with our Foster Coordinator to discuss what type of fostering best fits you and your family’s lifestyle.

How do I get started?

Fill out an application and schedule a meeting! You’ll be so glad you did. Thank you for wanting to help the animals of Gulf Coast Humane Society. We truly appreciate your dedication!

Please send completed applications or any questions regarding our foster program to:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 239-332-0364 Ext 304
​By Mail: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers FL 33916

Bonus: You can help animals in foster care at anytime, by ordering much needed supplies from our Foster Wish List!