Open homes for animals in need foster volunteers make a difference with hands - on care Foster care volunteers play an integral role in helping Hawaiian Humane fulfill its mission. They care for animals who are too young to be spayed/neutered, need extra socialization, or are recovering from an illness or injury. In other words, they help to save lives. “It’s nice for animals to get the care they need in a quiet home as opposed to a shelter environment, where there’s a lot going on,” said Michelle Garcia, foster care coordinator at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Foster volunteers must complete a simple orientation and application and be committed to helping animals. Hawaiian Humane provides food, other supplies and veterinary care, while caregivers provide their homes and all the TLC the animals need. “Every foster situation is different. We let our volunteers know as much as possible about the situation — the approximate length of time, the animal’s medical needs, whether he has a contagious issue such as ringworm or lice,” Garcia said. “Finding volunteers for animals with special needs can be more difficult, but we really appreciate those who are willing to take on tough situations.” Fostering is an emotional and incredibly rewarding experience. Volunteers get to help the animals in their care and watch them grow along the way. “We work with foster volunteers toward a shared goal: to make more animals available for adoption. And every day, we achieve our goal when an animal who benefitted from foster care finds a new home,” Garcia said. “Our foster caregivers are an extension of the Society and we couldn’t do what we do without them.” To become a foster volunteer, call 356-2222 or visit HawaiianHumane.org/FosterCare.
8
1,292
animals benefited from foster care