Foster a Pet in Your Home

When you foster a pet from Maui Humane Society, you make an incredible difference for the pet in your home, and the next pet who needs critical care in our shelter. Fostering plays a crucial role in animal shelters by providing temporary homes for animals in need, expanding the walls of our shelter. It helps alleviate overcrowding, reduces stress on animals, and allows the animals to receive individualized care and attention. Fostering also helps animals socialize, recover from illness or injury, and increases their chances of finding furever homes.

Get started by submitting an application today! Please reach MHS’ Foster Department with any questions by emailing [email protected].

Become an MHS Foster

Step 1: Submit a Foster Application

Complete this form to apply to become a foster with Maui Humane Society. This will prompt you to watch our Virtual Volunteer Orientation video, as well as our Virtual Foster Orientation videos.

Step 2: Check Your Email

Once you have completed the orientation, you will be added to our email list that shares all of the wonderful animals in need of foster homes.

Step 3: Foster!

When you are ready, just say the word and we will match you up with a foster pet! It’s up to you when you want to start fostering. Our Foster Team will work with you to determine a pet who fits your home, family, lifestyle, and schedule.

Foster FAQs

What supplies does MHS supply to foster parents?

All materials needed for your furry foster will be provided for you by MHS. This includes carriers, beds, blankets, towels, kennels, toys, collars, leashes, bowls, food/formula, litter, medicines, veterinary care, as well as any other items the animal may require!

What does the foster parent provide?

As a foster parent you are responsible for feeding, cleaning, socializing and cuddling your furry guests.  In some cases, animals may need bottle feeding or medications.  In terms of space, you don’t need much for cats or kittens… a laundry room, bathroom or extra bedroom is helpful, but a cage set up in the corner of your room can work just fine.  For puppies usually a bathroom or crate will do.  As for the larger dogs, we recommend keeping them in a crate when you are away or asleep until you learn the behavior and training level of the dog.

Who can be a foster parent?

Almost everyone!  Whether you own or rent; if you have pets or not; if you’re a part time resident, retired, work full time, work part time, or if you are a student.  You choose what kind of foster animal works for you!  The Foster Coordinator is happy to discuss what each animal needs in terms of foster care so you can make the best decision for you and your home!!

How does the foster care end?

Unless you adopt your Foster friend, you must be prepared to let them move on to their Fur-ever Homes.  It can be sad to say goodbye, but remember, you have given them a great start toward a new life.  Thanks to you, they will have a loving, permanent home with some very lucky adopters.

What kinds of animals need foster care?

Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are selected as Foster Candidates when they are: 

  • Babies – MHS often takes in animals who are simply too young. This could be a mama with babies or just the orphans that have come in alone.
  • Ill or Injured – MHS is an open admission shelter, meaning we do not turn away any animal in need. We often take in animals who are not healthy enough to go up for adoption immediately. Some need a quiet place to recover as well as some additional care or TLC.
  • Under-socialized – An animal may be too timid to thrive in the shelter environment and needs a couple of weeks with a foster to learn that being with people can be a good thing.
  • Stressed Animals – Sometimes an animal just needs a break from shelter life, and could really benefit from having a place to decompress. We also get a chance to learn more about them and match them with the perfect home.
  • S.O.S. – Sometimes our pet population can grow faster than we can adopt out. Our current residents may need a place to stay for a week or so to allow for incoming animals.
I'm unable to foster at this time, but would love to support the program with donated items. How can I help?

We greatly appreciate donated items we receive for our foster families, as they are crucial for our animals’ wellbeing. See our Amazon Wish List for items you can contribute to our foster program! Mahalo for your support.

Interested in being a Wings of Aloha foster parent?

Visit our Wings of Aloha Program information page or contact our Foster Coordinator.

Maui Humane Society’s Foster Program is generously supported by Maddie’s Fund and the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.