Foster Program

Kitten Foster Program

Thank you for your interest in the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center’s Kitten Foster Program.  This program allows us to provide a loving environment for the babies until they are ready to go through the adoption process.

Caring for kittens is a lot like caring for human babies.  Depending on their age, they may require bottle feedings every few hours, assistance with elimination, temperature regulation and/or socialization

As a foster parent, we require a few things from you:

√ Your participation in a 30-minute training orientation, so that you can learn what you need to do, how the program works, and have your questions answered

√ A separate area in your home to keep the kittens away from any other pets.  Ideally, this should be someplace that can be easily cleaned and disinfected

√ Your commitment to taking care of our babies until they are ready to be spayed or neutered

√ Adherence to the foster kitten examination schedule provided with the kittens

BCAS will provide you with the following:

√ All supplies for taking care of the foster kittens – food, litter, litter boxes, a crate, towels, etc.

√ Access to information that will answer any questions

√ Veterinary staff to monitor the kittens, provide them with vaccines and any
necessary medical care

What types of kittens are available to foster?

Moms with Babies –  nursing mother with her litter.  Mom needs three meals a day.  Once the kittens wean, mom will come back to the shelter, and the kittens will remain in foster until they are old enough for spay/neuter

Bottle Babies – kittens that have come in without their mothers and need around the clock care, including feedings every 2-4 hours, assistance with elimination, and a warm, quiet space

Young Ones – kittens less than 8 weeks old that are not big enough to be spayed or neutered.  They need lots of play time, feedings 3-4 times a day, and a place away from other animals

Unsocialized – kittens of varying ages that may be “hissy/spitty” and uncomfortable with human interaction.  They need time to learn to trust and frequent interaction with their foster family

Why do I need a separate place for the foster kittens?

Kittens sent out to foster are generally too young to be tested for contagious diseases like FIV/FeLV.   They may get colds or have a parasite that can be transmitted to your personal pets.

How long will I have the kittens?

Kittens can be spayed/neutered at 2 pounds for males and 2.5 pounds for females. Depending on the age of the kittens you are working with, they can stay with you for anywhere from 2-8 weeks.

Dog and Cat Foster Programs

In addition to the kitten foster program, we also encourage dogs and cats to be placed in foster homes, so they can experience the freedom of being out of the stressful shelter environment. You would be helping the shelter staff get a good feel for a cat, or dog’s personality and can make a difference in making them more adoptable and ready for their forever home. 

Foster to adopt is also an option that we have available for all fosters. If you are unsure about adopting a specific cat, or dog, you can do a “trial run” to see if it is a good fit for you and your family. 

Long Term or Temporary Medical Fosters (aka Fospice)

What is a long-term medical foster?
This means the animal has been diagnosed with a chronic or complex health condition that requires long term and ongoing veterinary care including medications and/or special diets 

What comes with being a long term/medical foster?

• Speak with shelter veterinary staff to learn about the specific medical condition and any medications or special care they may need
• Pay close attention to any new or worsening health or behavioral issues and contact the shelter if needed You will need to schedule and bring the animal to the shelter for regular checkups, refill medications and pick up prescription diets
• The shelter covers the cost of veterinary care, medications, and prescription diets! You cover the cost of love!

To apply to be a foster, please fill out the application and email it to petfoster@bergencountynj.gov.

For more information on the Foster Program, please email petfoster@bergencountynj.gov or call the shelter 201-229-4600.