FOSTER

Foster-to-Adopt

Open your home to an animal who needs a little more time—and discover whether they might be the right fit for your family.

A little time can lead to a lifetime

Get to know them before making it official.

Some animals arrive at Anderson Humane needing treatment, surgery or extra support before they can be adopted. Foster-to-Adopt gives an approved foster family the opportunity to welcome an eligible pet home while that care is completed. You’ll give them the comfort of a home, learn who they truly are and have the first opportunity to adopt once they are cleared.

A calmer place to healGive an animal room to rest, recover and grow.

Time to learn who they areExperience their routines, personality and needs firsthand.

Support along the wayOur Foster Team guides you throughout their care.

From first hello to forever home

Three simple steps.

1
Register to fosterComplete the foster application form, onboarding process and become an approved Anderson Humane foster.
2
Choose an eligible petReview current Foster-to-Adopt animals and coordinate pickup with the Foster Team.
3
Decide when they’re clearedWhen the pet is ready for adoption, you’ll have five days to make it official.

Which animals qualify?

Pets who need a little more time.

Eligible for Foster-to-Adopt

Pets with medical concerns, animals awaiting spay or neuter surgery, and pets with approved behavioral needs.

Not eligible for the program

Healthy adoption-ready pets, animals already spayed or neutered, and kittens.

Extra support, when it matters most

All-Star animals are always eligible.

Our All-Star pets may need a little more patience, training or medical support—but they have just as much love to give. Anderson Humane provides added resources to help you understand their needs and set everyone up for success.

Find your match

Meet eligible Foster-to-Adopt animals.

Dogs

Current Foster-to-Adopt candidates

Meet dogs who need a little extra time in care before adoption.

View eligible dogs →

Cats

Current Foster-to-Adopt candidates

Meet cats who could benefit from a caring home while they complete treatment.

View eligible cats →

Small Animals

Current Foster-to-Adopt candidates

Meet small animals who need a caring home while they wait for adoption.

View eligible small animals →

Eligible animals are typically posted 5–7 days before arrival and at least 48 hours before transport whenever possible.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Foster-to-Adopt program?

The program allows approved fosters to take in an animal with the potential to adopt once the pet is fully ready. It is designed for animals not yet available for immediate adoption because of medical, surgical or approved behavioral needs.

Which animals are eligible?

Eligible pets may have medical concerns such as heartworm, be awaiting spay or neuter surgery, or have an approved behavioral need. Healthy pets without medical or behavioral concerns, animals already spayed or neutered, and kittens are not eligible.

Where can I see available animals?

Eligible pets are posted in live photo albums by species. View the Foster-to-Adopt cats or Foster-to-Adopt dogs.

How soon before transport are animals posted?

Images are ideally posted 5–7 days before arrival and at least 48 hours before transport. Animals not claimed within that window may be placed into standard in-house or foster care.

Can I reserve a specific animal?

Yes. When more than one family is interested, Anderson Humane makes placements based on the best fit for each household. Foster-to-Adopt homes receive priority over standard foster homes. For puppies, Anderson Humane determines individual placements within the litter.

What happens once I’m matched?

The Foster Team will coordinate your pickup appointment and provide all the details you need.

What is the pickup process like?

Pickup works the same way as a standard foster pickup. You will receive a date and time to collect the animal from our South Elgin shelter.

When can I officially adopt?

Once the animal is cleared, the Adoptions Assistant Manager will contact you. You have five days to finalize. If you decline, the animal is listed publicly and you lose adoption priority while honoring any scheduled appointments.

When are adoption appointments?

Appointments are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9–11 a.m., and Wednesdays and Sundays from 4–6 p.m. Other times require approval from the Assistant Manager of Adoptions.

Can I give the pet to someone else?

No. During the first month, the animal must be adopted into the foster’s household. Rehoming, gifting and transfers are not allowed through this program.