Pet Foster Programs in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

Allen County residents can help local dogs, cats, puppies and kittens by becoming temporary foster caregivers. Humane Fort Wayne offers several foster opportunities, and Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control also uses foster homes for animals that need extra care before adoption.

Quick Answer

Humane Fort Wayne offers foster opportunities for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, plus a special Compassion Foster program for Allen County pet owners facing certain emergencies.

Learn About Humane Fort Wayne Foster Programs

Humane Fort Wayne: 260-744-0454

Humane Fort Wayne Foster Program

Humane Fort Wayne places animals into foster homes when they need extra time, attention or medical care before they are ready for adoption.

Foster opportunities can include:

Kittens
Cats
Puppies
Dogs
Animals recovering from medical treatment
Animals needing behavioral support
Pets with special needs

Humane Fort Wayne provides foster caregivers with information and a care plan based on the animal’s needs.

Become a Humane Fort Wayne Foster

Humane Fort Wayne Location

Humane Fort Wayne – Sharon Bodenhafer Critter Center
901 St. Francis Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-744-0454

Shelter hours are currently:

Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed

Compassion Foster

Humane Fort Wayne also offers Compassion Foster, which is different from ordinary shelter fostering.

This program temporarily cares for pets whose owners are experiencing certain serious life emergencies.

Qualified pets can generally be fostered for 30 days, with the possibility of requesting another 30 days.

Apply for Compassion Foster Help

Who Qualifies for Compassion Foster?

You must be an Allen County resident and meet one of the program’s qualifying circumstances.

These currently include:

Losing housing because of a fire, flood or natural disaster
Needing medical treatment with no family member available to care for the pet
Experiencing domestic violence and staying in a crisis shelter

Space is limited, and applications are reviewed individually. Proof of the situation may be required.

Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control Foster Program

Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control also uses foster homes to help animals that need temporary care.

Foster volunteers can be especially important for young kittens and other animals needing individual attention outside the shelter environment.

After completing a foster profile, prospective fosters may receive training and guidance from the shelter’s foster team.

Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
3020 Hillegas Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-427-1244

Visit Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control

What Does a Foster Home Do?

Foster caregivers provide a temporary home while an animal prepares for adoption or returns to its owner.

Depending on the animal, fostering may involve:

Feeding and daily care
Socialization
Giving medication
Transporting the pet to appointments
Helping shy animals adjust
Caring for young kittens or puppies
Monitoring recovery from illness or surgery
Providing photos and information for adoption

The shelter or rescue will explain the specific responsibilities before you accept an animal.

How Long Does Fostering Last?

Foster commitments vary.

Some animals may need a foster home for:

A few days
Several weeks
Recovery from medical treatment
Enough time to reach adoption age
A defined Compassion Foster period

Ask about the expected length of the foster placement before agreeing so you know whether it fits your schedule.

What Does the Shelter Provide?

Programs vary, but foster organizations may provide some or all of the following:

Food
Crate or carrier
Medication
Veterinary care
Bedding
Litter
Other pet supplies

Humane Fort Wayne notes that its programs support foster caregivers based on the needs of the animal.

Always ask what is provided and what you may need to supply yourself.

Foster-to-Surrender Programs

Humane Fort Wayne also offers special help for accidental litters.

Its Show Me the Mommy/Foster to Surrender program allows owners to temporarily care for puppy or kitten litters while Humane Fort Wayne provides necessary medical care, supplies and food at no cost until the litter is old enough to enter the shelter.

The mother can also be spayed at no cost through the program.

View Humane Fort Wayne Pet Surrender Programs

Why Foster?

Fostering can help shelters:

Make room for incoming animals
Care for very young pets
Help animals recover from illness or surgery
Reduce stress for animals struggling in a shelter
Learn more about an animal’s personality
Prepare pets for adoption

Even a short-term foster placement can make a meaningful difference for an animal that needs a break from the shelter.

Before You Apply

Before becoming a foster:

Ask how long the placement is expected to last.
Make sure everyone in your household agrees.
Ask whether foster pets can live with your current animals.
Confirm what supplies are provided.
Ask how veterinary emergencies are handled.
Find out whether transportation is required.
Be realistic about how much time and care you can provide.

Local Tip

If you want to help animals but aren’t ready to adopt permanently, fostering is a good middle ground.

Humane Fort Wayne offers several types of foster opportunities, so you may be able to choose something that fits your home and schedule—such as kittens, adult cats, dogs or puppies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I foster animals in Allen County?

Start with Humane Fort Wayne or Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control.

What kinds of animals need foster homes?

Foster opportunities can include dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and animals with medical or behavioral needs.

What is Compassion Foster?

It’s a Humane Fort Wayne program that temporarily cares for pets whose Allen County owners are experiencing qualifying emergencies such as medical treatment, domestic violence or disaster-related housing loss.

Can someone foster my pet temporarily?

Possibly. Humane Fort Wayne’s Compassion Foster program may help qualifying Allen County residents.

Does fostering always mean a long commitment?

No. Foster placements vary from short-term care to several weeks or longer depending on the animal.

Official Resources

Humane Fort Wayne
901 St. Francis Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-744-0454

Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
3020 Hillegas Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-427-1244

Summary

Allen County residents can foster dogs, cats, puppies and kittens through local animal-welfare programs. Humane Fort Wayne offers regular foster opportunities and a Compassion Foster program for qualifying pet owners facing emergencies, while Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control also relies on foster homes for animals needing extra care. Fostering can be short-term or longer-term, depending on the animal and program.