Hey! Just wanted to share our experience with emergency foster call-outs in case it's helpful. Because of where we're located, we deal with hurricane season and a big spike in intakes over the summer, so we end up doing these call-outs more often than we'd like.
Funny enough, our biggest emergency foster event wasn't even storm-related - it was when our building had to shut down for 3 days due to power grid upgrades. We sent out 288 animals to foster in just 48 hours prior!
Each time we do a call-out, we learn something new and tweak our process to make it smoother. Our communication manager kicks things off by posting on all our social media and alerting local media outlets. The posts usually include info like:
We've found that posting the number of animals still needing placement - and updating it daily - really helps get people engaged.
During emergencies, we simplify our foster process even more. Basically, if you're over 18 and have a photo ID, you're good to go. Everyone signs a foster contract and a hold harmless waiver, we grab a copy of their ID, and they get a handout we call our "Emergency Return Guide" with all the basics they need to know (how to schedule a return, what to expect, etc.).
All animals can go out - altered or not, on meds, with behavior notes, etc. We attempt to individually counsel people based on the individual animal. The only exceptions are those on stray holds, law enforcement holds, or bite quarantines (those aren't visible to the public anyway). Every animal is microchipped and up to date on rabies if they're old enough.
We also provide basic supplies - leash/collar, kennel or carrier, a few days' worth of food, printed medical info, and any meds the animal is on.
On call-out days, it's definitely "all hands on deck," but having clear roles really helps:
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Greeters at the front explain the process to everyone walking in
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We've got a team helping people pick animals and runners grabbing them from kennels
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After meet-and-greets, the animals go back to their kennels while paperwork is being completed and supplies are being gathered
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Medical stuff is discussed, and we answer any questions before people head out with their foster
We use PetPoint, so we connect the animal with the person, and send a follow-up email right away with return dates, info on extending foster care, adoption steps, and emergency contacts.
It can feel a little chaotic, but honestly, it works. We've had very few issues compared to how many animals leave the building. The community really shows up when it matters most.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you would like to see any of our documents.
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Collins Fairley
Programs Director
Companion Animal Alliance
Baton Rouge LA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2025 07:56 PM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Emergency Foster Campaign/ Clear the shelter adoption event due to loss of facility
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
I need your help! My shelter is having to adopt out or move around 80 cats and dogs into foster care due to the loss of use of our current facility in a few weeks. Please share any resources, SOPs, social media appeal templates, dog and cat emergency foster programs and clear the shelter adoption campaigns that have been successful for you. We currently have a small cat foster program and online training that will allow us to onboard new cat fosters quickly but we don't have anything for dog fosters. I appreciate your input and support!
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#FosterPrograms
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