Sumter County Animal Services Foster Program

At Sumter County Animal Services (SCAS), our Foster Program gives community members the chance to make a direct impact in the lives of animals. The program is open to pets at any stage of their shelter journey, and fosters can choose the length of time that works best, from a single day to several months.

Flexible Fostering for Every Situation

Fostering not only eases overcrowding in the shelter but also gives animals a calmer environment where their true personalities can shine. Whether you can help for a short period or until adoption, every foster placement makes a meaningful difference.

Types of Foster Opportunities

Stray Hold Foster

Provide a safe and caring environment for animals during their legally required stray hold. These fosters care for the pet until the hold period ends or the original owner reclaims the animal.

Available Foster

Offer temporary care for an adoptable animal until a permanent adopter is found. These fosters are not looking to adopt but provide the stability animals need while waiting for their forever homes.

Foster to Adopt

Sometimes an animal is not yet ready for adoption due to medical care or pending evaluations. A foster-to-adopt placement allows families to care for the animal during this period, with the intention of completing adoption once the pet is cleared.

Heartworm Warrior Foster

Heartworm-positive dogs require quiet time and consistent care during treatment. Heartworm warrior fosters provide a safe environment through recovery but do not intend to adopt after treatment is complete.

Heartworm for Adoption Foster

These fosters commit to supporting a heartworm-positive dog through treatment with the goal of adopting once the dog is healthy. It’s a way to provide continuous care and ensure a smoother transition into a permanent home.

Foster Requirements and Responsibilities

To participate in the SCAS Foster Program, caregivers must:

• Reside within 35 miles of the shelter, as the crow flies, to ensure timely access to veterinary appointments, supplies, and shelter check-ins.
• Provide humane and responsible care, including clean shelter, food, water, and daily attention as instructed by SCAS.
• Ensure foster pets are never sold, given away, or transferred to another person, business, or organization.
• Return foster pets to SCAS when requested, including if the pet becomes adoptable and the foster cannot be reached for two weeks.
• Attend scheduled medical check-ins at least once per month, or more often as required by SCAS veterinary staff.

Important Disclaimer

SCAS does not guarantee the health of any animal placed in foster care. Many pets come to us with unknown medical histories and may have been exposed to contagious illnesses before arriving. While symptoms may not be visible at the time of fostering, incubation periods vary.

By signing the foster agreement, caregivers acknowledge these risks and agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCAS, the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners, and their agents or employees against any claims related to the health or behavior of the fostered animal. SCAS also reserves the right to reclaim animals at any time.

Why Fostering Matters

Fosters save lives. Each placement creates space in the shelter, reduces animal stress, and increases adoption opportunities. Foster families also help us learn more about pets’ personalities, which makes it easier to match them with forever homes.

Get Involved

Thank you for your interest in fostering! SCAS provides supplies, support, and veterinary oversight to help you succeed. Whether you can commit for one day or one year, your involvement is vital. Together, we can create brighter futures for Sumter County’s animals.

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