We can only rescue cats when they have somewhere to go. That’s where our amazing foster volunteers come in.
Out of the city but want to help out? We are also looking for Foster Coordinators! This role can be performed from anywhere in the US. Learn more and apply here.
Foster Coordinators play a key role in our ability to help as many cats as possible. Coordinators typically manage approximately 5 - 8 foster cases - ensuring that each foster volunteer has the support they need to succeed. This is a fully remote role that requires approximately 5-10 hours per week (flexible with your schedule).
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering
I’m busy—what's involved in fostering?
Most fosters have busy work schedules and resident cats of their own, so yes, it's possible! Fostering usually requires a time commitment of around 1-2 (cuddle filled) hours per day, normally centered around meal times. Some foster projects may require more intensive efforts, such as those involving socialization or complex medical needs, but you’ll know about those things beforehand!
Where should fosters be based?
We are now accepting foster applications from cat lovers all over Brooklyn. If you live slightly outside the areas, but are willing and able to get cats back and forth to Flatbush as needed, that’s great too.
I have my own cat. Where would the foster cat(s) stay?
Fosters usually stay in a bathroom or a safe, smaller space away from your resident pets. If you have an extra room like a small office, that’s fantastic, but it’s not required.
Will my fosters meet my resident cat? Is that safe?
Foster cats often do not meet resident cats at all! If your foster has been with you for a few weeks, has been vaccinated and tested, and you want them to meet your forever buddies, let us know and we’ll walk you through the"introduction process." Many foster parents eventually prefer to have their fosters out of the bathroom and hanging out with their residents, it depends on your space, your pets and your schedule.
How long does a foster period last?
Fostering typically lasts about 1-2 months or until your foster is adopted. It can last longer for special needs situations or for young kittens in the summer. It can be shorter too, but that's the average. Make sure you don't have any major travel during that time frame, although if you’re away for a few days, we’re happy for your favorite sitter to step in or may even be able to find you a volunteer to stop by.
What does it cost?
Most volunteers choose to purchase their own supplies for fosters, including food, litter, litter boxes, toys and bedding. That generosity allows us to put more of our limited resources toward our mission to end the outdoor cat crisis in Brooklyn. We recognize this may represent a financial barrier, so to keep our volunteer experience accessible for more of our neighbors, we can provide food donations if needed. We’re also able to lend out some supplies, such as carriers and crates. Unreimbursed expenses related to fostering with us are considered tax-deductible charitable donations which can be written off annually. Flatbush Cats covers 100% of medical costs.
Things to know about fostering:
While we hope you can keep your foster until adoption, we recognize that Life Happens. If at any point, you are unable to continue fostering, please notify us ASAP so we can make arrangements—we appreciate you providing us as much lead time as possible.
We ask fosters to check in often with updates (several times per week), so we know how things are going. Questions are great; there is no question too small, silly, or random, and, despite constant exposure, we love cat pictures!
We use Slack as our primary communication tool for foster updates.
Fosters take lots of photos and videos to share with us, so we can help find cats homes!
We ask all our fosters to review our Foster Guide, which includes tips on what constitutes a medical emergency, what to do in case of a minor health concern, and answers many other questions you may have.
Only feed your foster(s) the food we suggest unless we’ve discussed otherwise. For example, do not add dry food or any other new foods to their diet.
Our fosters spend a minimum of 2 hours per day with fosters (i.e. one hour for each meal time and cleanup), and more if possible. The goal is to get our cat friends comfortable in a household and cozying up to humans, so the more time you spend loving on them and playing with them, the better!
Fosters need to be reasonably available for video visits with potential adopters. You'll be able to schedule visits at times that work for you (evenings, weekends, etc.)
Fosters handle transportation to vet visits if needed. Most foster cats will need to visit the vet once or twice on average. If you do not have access to a vehicle, we ask that you transport your foster via a ride/share service and not public transportation, for safety’s sake. In some cases, we may be able to connect you with a volunteer transporter.
If you’re interested in adopting your foster cat or kittens, that’s wonderful! We still require adoption fees and applications from our foster homes. If a friend is interested, they will also need to submit an application to us and go through the same process.
Fosters are expected to administer any meds needed (dewormer, flea treatments, etc.) We provide all medications and can help with any questions you have.
Mostly, fostering is all about providing a clean, safe and secure space for your fosters, along with fresh water, regular meals, and lots of love, attention and playtime.