In 2025, we saved the lives of 3,211 animals by 609 Foster Care Volunteers contributing over 129,321 hours of service. We continue to need volunteers who can participate in this rewarding, worthwhile endeavor.
Are you interested in helping the Cleveland APL from the comfort of your own home? Do you love animals but would rather have cuteness without long-term commitment? Consider becoming a Foster Care Volunteer.
Our Foster Care Volunteers provide temporary, in-home care for animals until they are ready for adoption. By temporarily opening your home to foster a pet, you give them a break from the shelter, help preserve extremely strained shelter resources, and create space for other animals in need. You can foster for a few days or a few weeks – it all makes an incredible difference!
You may choose which type of foster assignments to care for based on your interests, experience and home environment. We provide training, supplies, and support for each type of assignment, you provide a loving home!
Animals in need of foster care include:
- Animals too young to be adopted
- Mothers with their nursing offspring
- Animals being treated for an illness
- Animals recovering from an injury
How do you become a Cleveland APL foster parent?
1. Complete a Foster Home Application. Click here to sign up!
2. Complete your virtual orientation and survey.
3. Take home your first foster animal!
The Cleveland APL’s Foster Program has helped thousands of animals get a second chance at life and we couldn’t do it without the care and dedication of our foster care volunteers. Check out a testimonial from some of our incredible Foster Care families!
Questions? Please contact us 216-377-1635 or by e-mail at foster@clevelandapl.org
