Foster a Cat — Alaska Humane Society Anchorage

Why it matters

Some Cats Need More Than a Shelter Can Give

For shy, recovering, or medically sensitive cats, a quiet home is often the difference between thriving and shutting down. Foster families provide what we can't — and it changes everything.

Gives shy cats a quiet space to decompress without the stimulation of the shelter environment.
Provides recovery space for cats after surgery or medical treatment.
Opens shelter capacity so we can help more cats.
Helps us learn more about each cat's true personality and needs.
Can transition to a permanent adoption (foster-to-adopt).

Volunteer Alyssa holding Frosty, a white and grey cat, at the Alaska Humane Society shelter

Types of Foster Placements

Every foster situation is a little different. Here's what we currently need.

Shy Cat Foster

A quiet home for cats who need weeks or months to decompress before they're ready to meet the public.

Medical Recovery

Post-surgical care, wound monitoring, or medication management while a cat recovers.

Emergency Foster

Short-term placement when the shelter is at capacity or a cat needs immediate removal from a stressful environment.

Foster-to-Adopt

Host a cat you're seriously considering adopting. A trial period that can lead to a permanent match.

What AHS Provides

✓ All food and litter
✓ Medical care and veterinary appointments
✓ Medications and supplies
✓ Carrier and basic cat supplies
✓ Training and ongoing support
✓ Emergency vet contact 24/7
✓ Pickup and drop-off coordination

What You Provide

✓ A safe, indoor space (a single room is sufficient)
✓ Time and patience — especially for shy cats
✓ Daily check-ins and socialization
✓ Transportation to adoption events when possible
✓ Regular updates to the shelter team
✓ A cat-safe environment (no outdoor access)

Foster FAQ

Not necessarily. We provide training and support for all foster families. Experience with shy cats is helpful but not required for most placements.

Timeframes vary. Medical fosters may be 1–3 weeks. Shy cat fosters are often 1–3 months. Emergency fosters can be days. We work with your availability.

Foster-to-adopt is always an option if you're interested. We'll walk you through the process.

We have a 24/7 emergency contact. All veterinary expenses are covered by AHS — you should never pay out of pocket.

Yes, in many cases. We'll discuss your current pets during the matching process and pair you with a cat that's appropriate.

Communicate with us as early as possible and we'll arrange backup care. We understand life happens.

Foster Application

We'll reach out to discuss your home, your current animals, and the best cat match for your situation.