Fostering Is Easier Than You Think!

That's really all it takes to help save a life. Foster animals don't need perfection, they simply need a safe place to stay while they wait for their forever home. Whether you live in a house, apartment, or condo, fostering can fit into many different lifestyles.

1. Complete application ONLINE
2. Download and email to glbas.org@gmail.com OR
3. Mail application to: Great Lakes Bay Animal Society | PO Box 2891 | Midland, MI | 48640-2891 

As a foster parent, you'll provide more than food and shelter. You'll offer a safe, loving environment where an animal can thrive while waiting for their forever family. Through daily care, attention, and socialization, you'll help your foster pet gain confidence and prepare for a successful adoption.

Every animal's journey is different. Some foster pets may find their forever homes within a few weeks, while others may need a few months of care before the right match comes along. GLBAS is committed to finding loving, permanent homes for every animal and will support you throughout the fostering experience.

GLBAS provides all necessary veterinary care for foster animals, including routine exams, vaccinations, and medical treatment. Foster parents provide the day-to-day care that helps animals thrive, including food, litter, bedding, toys, and plenty of love and attention.

Forming a bond with your foster animal is one of the most rewarding parts of fostering. While saying goodbye can be difficult, it's also a reason to celebrate. By opening your heart and home, you've helped prepare that animal for a loving forever family.

And sometimes, the perfect forever home turns out to be your own. Many foster parents fall in love and choose to adopt their foster pet, a happy outcome often known in the rescue world as a "foster fail." If that happens, we're thrilled for both you and your new family member. 

Every GLBAS foster animal is featured on Petfinder to help connect them with potential adopters. Foster parents can also help increase their pet's visibility by sharing photos, videos, and updates with GLBAS for posting on our Facebook page. Many foster parents also choose to share their foster pets on their own social media pages and within their personal networks to help spread the word. The more people who get to know your foster pet's personality and story, the greater the opportunity to find the perfect forever home.

When an adoption application is received, the foster parent will typically have an initial phone conversation with the prospective adopter to learn more about their experience, lifestyle, and what they are looking for in a pet. This conversation is an opportunity to answer questions, discuss the animal's personality and needs, and determine whether it may be a good match.

If both parties would like to move forward, a home visit can be scheduled to meet the potential adopter, see where the animal will be living, and offer guidance to help ensure a successful transition. 

This may include discussing introductions to existing pets, daily care, and any special considerations for the animal.

If the adoption is approved, GLBAS will guide you through the remaining steps, including any necessary paperwork and finalizing the adoption.