Foster homes save lives 🐾

Foster homes are a vital part of the work we do at Sigonella Animal Welfare Society Inc. (SAWS).
Without foster families, we simply could not rescue animals in need.

By opening your home—whether for a short time or longer—you provide safety, stability, and the opportunity for an animal to begin a new life.

New to fostering?
You don’t need to be an expert. We guide you through the process and match animals carefully based on your experience and comfort level.

Why fostering matters
Many of the animals we rescue have never lived in a home before, while others may have experienced instability, neglect, or life on the street.

A foster home gives them:
- A safe and calm environment
- Structure, routine, and human interaction
- Time to decompress and learn what it means to be part of a household

Fostering allows SAWS to continue rescuing animals responsibly while ensuring each one receives individual care and attention.

Long-term fostering
Long-term foster homes care for an animal as if it were their own until a forever home is found.

This includes:
- Providing daily care, routine, and affection
- Helping the animal learn good household behavior, such as:
     - Potty training
- Basic commands
     - Crate training
- Proper eating habits
- Supporting the animal as it adjusts to life in a home environment

Long-term fosters also assist with veterinary visits when needed. Animals are taken to SAWS-approved veterinarians, often accompanied by a SAWS board member or consultant.

Long-term fosters are essential:
- When an animal is newly rescued and needs stability
- When a current foster can no longer continue, such as during a PCS or other life changes

Short-term fostering
Short-term fosters provide temporary care when:
- A long-term foster is traveling or unavailable
- Additional support is needed during busy periods or holidays
- An animal needs a short transition placement

Short-term fostering plays an important role in maintaining continuity of care for our animals.

Who can be fostered?
SAWS places a wide variety of animals in foster homes, including:
- Puppies and kittens
- “Teen” dogs and young cats
- Adult dogs and cats
- Senior animals
- Special-needs pets

We carefully match animals to foster homes based on experience, comfort level, and availability.
You will never be asked to foster an animal you are not prepared for.

What SAWS provides
SAWS supports our foster families throughout the foster period.

We provide:
- All food, bowls, collars, leashes, and necessary supplies (usually from donations)
- Medications and guidance on administering them when needed
- Coordination and coverage of veterinary care
- Full responsibility for finding adopters and managing the adoption process

Fosters are not responsible for screening or selecting adopters, but can of course find, suggest and recommend adopters. Foster families are not responsible for finding adopters, reviewing applications, or managing the adoption process.

You are never fostering alone. We are here to support you every step of the way.

What we ask from our foster families
Our foster application includes detailed questions, and we know it may feel extensive.
These questions help us ensure:
- The animal is allowed in your home (for renters)
- The placement matches your experience and comfort level
- The foster arrangement is safe, stable, and sustainable

Once fostering, we ask that foster families:
- Keep SAWS informed about the animal’s overall well-being
- Share regular updates, including photos and videos (typically weekly or biweekly)
- Communicate openly if any challenges or concerns arise

These updates are essential for:
- Monitoring medical and behavioral progress
- Understanding the animal’s personality, routines, and specific needs
- Creating accurate adoption profiles on our website
- Matching each animal with the most suitable applicants and forever home

Regular communication helps us advocate properly for the animal and ensures the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

A volunteer-run organization
SAWS is entirely volunteer-run, and our foster families are the backbone of our rescue work.
We deeply appreciate the time, patience, and commitment it takes to foster an animal.

Your support allows us to rescue responsibly and give each animal the care it deserves 💛

Ready to foster?
If you’re interested in fostering with SAWS, please complete our foster application.
Your answers help us make the best possible match for both you and the animal.

👉 APPLY TO FOSTER A PET