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Foster

A large foster program is critical to any shelter’s success. Fostering animals creates more space in the shelter for other dogs and cats. Animals who get to go to foster homes get a break from the shelter and their time in foster can increase their adoptability. Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience and we highly recommend giving it a try, even if just for a month or two.

The Yakima Humane Society provides care for thousands of animals each year, some of which require time in foster care before they are ready to be adopted. Fostering a homeless pet is both a rewarding and enriching experience; it is also great for families or individuals who love animals but cannot commit to having a full-time companion animal.

For more information about being a foster or if you have any questions, please call 509.457.6854 or email Rachel at: [email protected]. If you are located in Kittitas County please call 509.925.7387 or email Kristine at: [email protected].

Apply to Foster

Foster an Animal in Yakima
Animals That Can Be Fostered

Animals That Can Be Fostered Include:

  • Pregnant and/or nursing
  • Underage / Unweaned (bottle fed babies)
  • Sick and Injured
  • Underweight
  • Under socialized/Semi-Feral (young puppies or kittens)     
  • Adult altered dogs needing a break from the shelter                                   

Benefits Of Fostering:

  • Help end animal cruelty and find homes for animals
  • Work in a partnership with other pet enthusiasts
  • Increasing knowledge of animal behaviors
  • Yearly appreciation events
Benefits Of Fostering
Responsibilities As A Foster

Responsibilities As A Foster:

  • Provide basic needs and appropriate care for animals
  • Assist with the mental and physical growth of an animal
  • Teach an animal basic commands and how to be a loving and well behaved pet
  • Follow the guidelines of the YHS Foster Program

Requirements To Foster:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Submit a Foster Application and be approved
  • Live in Yakima County or City of Ellensburg Area
  • Must own your own home or have landlord permission
Requirements To Foster
🐾Foster Spotlight of the Month – February🐾
      Chelsea Stewart!
This February, the Yakima Humane Society is proud to recognize Chelsea Stewart and her family for their dedication to fostering. Chelsea has been fostering with YHS since 2023, and throughout that time, she and her family have opened their home and hearts to so many animals in need. We are truly grateful for the compassion, time, and love they consistently give to the animals in our care.
 
We always love hearing about our fosters’ experiences, and Chelsea shared what fostering means to her:
 
“I love being a foster because it’s the perfect mix of giving back and getting all the fun parts. Helping the humane society feels incredibly meaningful, especially knowing I’m playing a small role in getting these animals ready for their forever homes. I get to help socialize them, teach them confidence, and watch their little personalities come out day by day—which is honestly the best part.
 
And let’s be real… I get to live in the puppy and kitten stage on repeat. The zoomies, the tiny meows, the clumsy cuddles, the unconditional love—it never gets old. I get all the joy, the laughs, and the snuggles, while knowing that every foster I care for is one
step closer to finding the perfect family. It’s messy, loud, heart-filling, and completely worth it every single time.”
 
Chelsea and her family truly embody the heart of fostering. Because of families like theirs, animals receive the extra care, comfort, and socialization they need to thrive and find loving forever homes.
 
Thank you, Chelsea and family, for everything you do for the Yakima Humane Society animals — we appreciate you so much!
 
📸 Below are some photos of the wonderful animals Chelsea and her family have fostered over the last few years. 🐾💙