Become a Puppy or Kitten Foster with Houston Humane Society

Every year, the Houston Humane Society receives calls about litters of puppies and kittens that need immediate care. Many of these babies arrive without their mother and are too young to survive on their own.

 

That's where our foster volunteers step in.

 

Foster Coordinator Bree Porter recently introduced three tiny puppies on KPRC 2 who were rescued from a city shelter after arriving without their mom. Their story is a reminder of how important foster homes are for the youngest animals in our care.

 

“Without a foster home, we wouldn't have been able to accept these,” Porter said.

 

Why Foster Homes Matter

 

When the Houston Humane Society is notified about newborn puppies or kittens at a public shelter, or babies found outside alone, having a foster ready can be lifesaving.

 

Young animals need warmth, regular feedings, and a safe place to grow. A foster home provides the calm environment they need to stay healthy during their most vulnerable weeks.

 

The good news is that you're never on your own when you foster.

 

The Houston Humane Society provides supplies, guidance, and ongoing support. Our team also works with each volunteer’s schedule so fostering fits comfortably into their routine.

 

“The commitment is flexible so you don’t get burned out,” Porter said.

 

What to Do If You Find Kittens Outside

 

During spring and summer, it's common to find kittens outside in neighborhoods. If you see a litter, it's important to pause before intervening.

 

Mother cats often leave briefly to search for food and usually return.

 

If several hours pass and the mother doesn't come back, the kittens may need help.

 

“At that point you want to get the kittens on heat support,” Porter explained. “Babies this young can’t regulate their body temperature. Once they're warm, you can try bottle feeding and contact your local animal shelter to see if they can assist.”

 

Foster homes play a critical role in situations like this. Without foster volunteers, many shelters simply do not have the capacity to care for newborn animals.

 

Not Able to Foster Right Now?

 

You can still help.

 

Caring for young animals requires food, medical supplies, and round-the-clock attention. Community support helps make that possible.

 

“It’s not cheap to take care of babies,” said Marketing Associate Tiana Bell. “We're running our Spring Surge Donation Fund, and every donation helps us care for the animals in the shelter.”

 

Your support helps provide formula, blankets, medical care, and everything these babies need to grow strong and healthy.

 

Join Our Lifesaving Work

 

Become a foster or make a donation.