The Central Dakota Humane Society's foster care program is another vital way you can help animals in need. We typically strive to house all animals at the shelter, but circumstances often demand a need for sheltering services when all kennel space at the shelter is occupied. This is where foster homes become so valuable. Foster care volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.


In the case of an injured animal, depending on the circumstances, we usually try to house that animal at the shelter where they can receive experienced health care. To provide space, a healthy animal currently housed at CDHS awaiting adoption may be placed into temporary foster care with private individuals. This way we know a little more about the health and disposition of the animal you are asked to care for.


CDHS provides all food, veterinary care and the supplies you may need to temporarily house a needy pet. Another desperately needed service is volunteers willing to take in orphaned kittens and puppies who may need to be bottle fed and constantly cared for. This is labor intensive, but a true labor of love. Shelter staff handle these situations as they arise, but we often find that there are more needy animals than we can care for.

It takes a special person to take an animal into their lives, care for it, love it like their own and be able to pass him or her on when it is old enough/healed enough to be adopted into its permanent home. This experience is one of the most gratifying services you can provide. It's a hands-on way to save a life and make a difference that matters to the life of a needy animal.

Volunteers must follow CDHS Policies and Procedures and complete the Volunteer Application and Release Form above and the Foster Care Agreement above.