Fostering
At Chippewa Humane Association, every animal has the chance to be fostered. Whether it’s a shy dog who needs a little extra confidence, a litter of newborn kittens, a pet recovering from medical care, or simply an animal who needs a break from the shelter for a day — fosters make all the difference. By opening your home, even temporarily, you give them comfort, care, and a better chance at finding their forever family.
CHA Foster Plea Board
Our Foster Plea Board highlights shelter pets who urgently need temporary homes. It is updated regularly so you can see which animals are currently looking for foster care and what type of home might suit them best. Checking the board is a quick way to find pets who need help right now and learn how you can support them while they wait for their forever homes.
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![A white dog with light brown spots wearing a yellow bandana that says 'ADOPT' with paw print and bones, standing on a gravel path outdoors under a blue sky with some clouds.]()
Day-Cations/Sleepovers
Pre-approved dogs can head out for walks, day trips, or even overnight stays with foster volunteers. These little adventures give the dogs a chance to relax and reset while giving us valuable insight into their behavior outside the shelter. A simple night out can make a big difference in their well-being — and help us find them the perfect forever home.
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![A brown dog with a wide-open mouth, showing teeth, on grassy ground.]()
Medical Foster
Many of our animals just need a soft place to land while they heal. From simple procedures like spays and neuters to more involved recoveries like amputations or heartworm treatment, foster homes give these pets the rest and care they need. Timeframes can vary depending on their medical needs, but every foster home plays a vital role in helping them get back on their paws.
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![A cute orange and white kitten peeking out from a pet cage, with one paw hanging over the edge and looking directly at the camera.]()
Neonates and kittens/puppies too young for adoption
Neonatal kittens are some of the most vulnerable animals that come through our doors, and fosters are truly lifesavers for them. These bottle babies (1 day to 6 weeks old) need 24-hour care, including regular feedings and warmth. With dedicated neonatal fosters, we can give these tiny kittens the best possible start in life.
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![Close-up of a beagle puppy lying on a person's lap inside a vehicle, with one eye partially closed and resting its head on the person's arm. In the background, there is a Christmas-themed gift bag with reindeer and pine trees.]()
Behavior Buddies
This program is designed for pets who need a more experienced foster home or a little extra time and patience before they’re ready for adoption. These animals may be more challenging to place due to behavior or socialization needs.
Examples include:
Socializing pets with little or no prior human interaction
Helping dogs work through basic manners or puppy behaviors that were never properly addressed
Supporting cats with litter box issues or other behavioral challenges
Our Behavior Buddies fosters play a key role in helping these pets gain confidence, learn positive habits, and prepare for their forever homes.
