The Rowan County Animal Services 30-Day Foster Program gives selected dogs and cats the opportunity to spend up to 30 days in a temporary home while they wait for adoption.
Fostering gives animals a break from the shelter environment, helps staff learn more about their behavior and personality in a home, and provides new photos, videos, and information that can help them find adopters.
A placement may end before 30 days if the animal is adopted, needs to return for medical or behavioral reasons, or Rowan County Animal Services requests the animal’s return.
About the Pilot Program
The program will begin as a limited pilot with a maximum of two dogs and two cats during the first three months.
The pilot will be reviewed at the end of each three-month phase. If a phase passes review and Rowan County Animal Services determines that the program can safely support additional placements, the program will expand incrementally during the next phase.
Expansion will not happen automatically. Each phase must be reviewed before more animals are added. Decisions will be based on staffing, available supplies, foster participation, animal outcomes, and the shelter’s ability to provide appropriate support.
Because this is a pilot, some requirements and procedures may be adjusted as the program develops.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old
Live in Rowan County
Provide a safe indoor home
Have permission from their landlord or property owner, if applicable
Be able to safely separate the foster animal from household pets when needed
Have reliable transportation
Attend required shelter or medical appointments
Submit weekly updates, including clear photos or videos
Maintain regular communication with shelter staff
Be willing to attend at least one approved adoption event
Household pets must meet the shelter’s vaccination requirements.
Important Information
Foster animals remain under the ownership and authority of Rowan County Animal Services throughout the placement.
Foster caregivers may not:
Give the animal to another person
Transfer the animal to another foster home
Surrender the animal to another shelter or rescue
Promise the animal to a potential adopter
Approve an adoption
Seek outside veterinary care without prior shelter approval, except when specifically directed by shelter staff
All adoptions, transfers, medical decisions, and changes to the foster placement must be approved by Rowan County Animal Services.
Before you Apply
Foster caregivers should be prepared to care for an animal for up to 30 days and follow all care, safety, medical, and return instructions provided by Rowan County Animal Services.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or placement. Foster matches are based on the applicant’s household, experience, availability, and the needs of the animals currently available.
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