Becoming a Foster Parent at CCAS

Our team at CCAS provides critical and loving care to all of our animals. However, we rely on our foster families to help us care for some that may not thrive in a shelter environment. These types of animals primarily include neonatal and animals under eight weeks of age; animals that need socialization before becoming available for adoption; animals struggling medically with a short or long term illness; animals being held administratively as part of a welfare investigation; seniors who have found themselves at the shelter in the midst of their golden years. Some may only need a few weeks of care while other may stay with you for a more extended period of time. By investing your time, energy, love, and caring home to an animal in need, you prepare the animal for adoption into a forever home as well as assist us with circumventing the potential for overcrowding in our shelter. Our program is continuously growing and we are always looking for more foster families to help us save more lives. CCAS is here to help ensure your success in being a foster parent. We will provide training, supplies, and our caring and knowledgeable staff are just a phone call/email away. The staff at CCAS would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the consideration to open your heart and home to our animals in need, and giving them (and the homeless animal who took his/her space at the shelter) a chance at life and a happily ever after! We could not do this without your support! 

Types of Fostering at CCAS

Sunset Fostering:

Our Sunset Foster program is designed to place elderly and terminally ill pets in a loving foster home where they have the ability to thrive and be as comfortable as possible. Our Sunset program extends to dogs and cats primarily over the age of 8 years old. However, we do encounter animals with serious illnesses under that age on occasion. Sunset foster placements can extend anywhere from a few weeks, a few months, and even as long as a few years. This is dependent on the age and medical needs of the animal in your care.  The CCAS team oversees all medical care and critical decision making regarding animals in the Sunset Foster Program making it as stress less as possible for our Sunset Foster Parents.

General Fostering:

*Underage animals do not thrive in a shelter setting, and often times need critical care, feeding, and monitoring that can be challenging to administer in the shelter. The time frame for kitten/puppy fostering is typically a maximum of 8 weeks, depending on the animal(s)’ need. Animals under 8 weeks old are more prone to illnesses in a shelter setting and are extremely vulnerable. Kitten and puppy fosters provide critical care for socialization, administering medication, and provide a safe and healthy environment for the animal to develop in preparation for adoption.

*Shelter related illness is common in a shelter environment and is almost impossible to avoid entirely. While we do our best to provide adequate housing and a sterile environment to prevent such an occurrence, stress is the ultimate connection between the overall good health of an animal and shelter illness. Quite often, an animal’s recovery is contingent on its surroundings and removing the stress component. If an animal is struggling to improve despite antibiotic therapy, we often rely on fosters to take them home until they are feeling better.

*We are responsible for all welfare investigations here in Cecil County. There are occasions when an animal is held administratively and could be pending a court hearing or internal decision for the overall wellbeing of the animal’s future. So that these animals in particular do not have to wait in a shelter for what could be as long as a few months, we rely on fosters to care for them in a loving home until a decision is rendered regarding their status.

Foster to Adopt:

Fostering with the intention of adoption is a great way to know if an animal is a good fit for your household prior to committing to adoption. We foster out underage kittens for those planning to adopt once the animal is of age and weight, and cats and dogs who have displayed behavioral or medical issues. Generally the pre-determined time is two weeks to allow the pet to integrate into your home to ensure it is an appropriate fit. Eligibility for fostering with the intention of adoption is at the discretion of shelter staff.

To become a Foster Caregiver

To become a Foster Caregiver through CCAS, you will need to fill out the Foster Application and email it to: ccasfosters@ccgov.org. The applications can also be faxed, mailed, or delivered in person. 

• Foster Application

CCAS will provide you with all supplies needed to set you up for success! This includes food, additional supplies, and medication if necessary. Our animals can’t wait to have you on our team!