​​​What is Fostering?​


Fostering is a vital part of our mission, and we are grateful for the individuals who open their hearts and homes to animals in need. Fostering provides temporary care and housing to shelter animals until they find their forever homes. It is an incredibly rewarding experience that not only saves lives but also enriches the lives of both the foster families and the animals that they care for.


Why Foster?













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How Do I Become a Foster?













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What Kind of Animals Need Fosters?

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  • Orphaned Kittens: Orphaned kittens are typically in greatest need of foster homes. These tiny, vulnerable creatures require round-the-clock attention, bottle-feeding, and socialization to thrive. By fostering orphaned kittens, you have the opportunity to play a crucial role in their early development, helping them grow into healthy and well-adjusted companions. Not all orphaned kittens will require bottle feeding, most just need a little TLC and a place to crash until they are old enough for adoption. 


  • Nursing Moms: Fostering nursing moms plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and her kittens. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, fosters give these moms the space they need to care for their babies and recover from the challenges they may have faced before arriving at our shelter.


  • Animals with Behavioral Challenges: Some animals may require behavioral training or rehabilitation due to past experiences. Fostering provides the stability and personalized attention needed for their emotional well-being.


  • Senior Animals: Older animals often have a harder time adjusting to shelter life. Foster homes offer them a comfortable and loving environment to spend their golden years.




Every animal that finds a temporary home through fostering opens up space in the shelter for us to rescue and care for more animals in need. Your dedication as a foster parent ensures that these animals receive the individualized attention and care they require, increasing their chances of finding loving permanent homes. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these animals and provide them with a second chance at happiness.

If you're ready to make a difference, we invite you to apply to become a foster parent today. Join us in our mission to save lives!


​​​Dog Foster Application

​Cat Foster Application

Becoming a foster parent for SAMS is an easy, straightforward process. Here's how you can get started:

Submit an Application: Start by filling out a foster application on our website or by visiting our shelter in person. This form helps us understand your preferences, availability, and the type of animals you can accommodate. Once your application is approved, our foster coordinator will contact you with the next steps.

Training and Support: We provide any necessary training to all our foster parents, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to provide the best care for your foster animals. We have devoted shelter staff available 24/7 to answer any questions or assist in case of emergencies.

Matching Process: Based on your preferences and the needs of our animals, we will match you with a foster animal that suits your home and lifestyle. We take into account factors such as the presence of other pets or children in your household to ensure a successful match.

Fostering plays a crucial role in our shelter's ability to save lives. There are many reasons why we rely on foster homes:

     1. Limited Shelter Space: Our animal shelter has a finite number of kennels and cages. By placing animals in foster homes, we can free up space at the shelter and provide a more comfortable and stress-free environment for all our residents.

     2. Special Needs Animals: Some animals require extra attention, care, or medical treatment that can be better provided in a home environment. Fostering allows us to give these animals the individualized care they need to recover and thrive.

     3. Socialization and Training: Many animals, especially those that have experienced trauma or neglect, benefit greatly from living in a home environment. Fostering provides them with opportunities for socialization, training, and building trust with humans, making them more adoptable in the long run. 

SAMS Stray Animal Midway Shelter

​328 S. PINKERTON RD. HANNA CITY, IL  61536                PHONE: 309.565.4821