Being a foster parent in the TLC Program means saving lives. Being a foster isn’t the easiest task, but it’s one of the most rewarding. Upon taking a foster litter into your home you commit to long nights, highs and lows, stressful moments, and the joy of watching your teeny tinies grow into their personalities. Without assistance, these helpless and fragile neonates are set up for disaster. By giving them your time, love, and care you give them the chance they never had.

While the “normal” fostering program revolves around dogs and cats who are ready for adoption, the TLC pays special attention to bottle babies and special case animals (puppies and kittens who wouldn’t survive without an extra little push from humans). Each program has different needs and it’s important to consider which program is the right fit for you.

• You must be 18 years or older to fill out the application
• Applications must be approved by a member of the foster care team
• All resident pets are up to date on all vaccines
• Reliable transportation for both you and your bottle babies
• Working phone/computer to be able to message the TLC text in line

Once you commit to a bottle baby/bottle litter you are required to see them all the way through. Each foster animal needs to be given proper care under your watch which includes but is not limited to waking up at off hours for middle-of-the-night feedings, trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone, and time. Fostering bottle babies is a very time-consuming commitment as they depend on their caretakers for even the most basic of needs such as regulating body temperature, going to the bathroom, cleaning them, etc. While it’s a rewarding experience, taking care of bottle babies also requires a lot of work and determination. With all this in mind, it’s important to consider the realities of fostering before making the commitment.

No previous or special training is required. Skills will be taught along the way as needed. Fostering is a great way to gain learning experiences and the skills you learn from one litter will carry over onto the next one.

Generally, kittens will be ready to be put on the adoption floor at eight weeks old, however, every kitten is different. We require every bottle baby foster get spayed/neutered before being sent to their forever homes. This procedure is available to them once they hit 2lbs. Some bottle babies may be right on track and be able to be fixed at eight weeks of age while others might hit 2lbs a week or two after/before.

While fosters aren’t responsible for medical expenses, they are required to pay for dry/wet food, toys, and playpens, however many of these items are frequently donated and the TLC will help out whenever possible.

Help will be available every step of your fostering journey through the TLC text in line. There you can ask any questions you may have from general inquiries to medical emergencies if they should happen. Checkup and concern appointments are always able to be scheduled through the appointment link. Bumps in the road are to be expected when saving babies so small, but you’ll never have to navigate them alone.

Bottle babies will be treated with flea preventative upon arrival to PAC, however, it’s recommended that foster pets be separated from resident pets for both parties’ wellbeing. As your bottle babies grow up, dewormer and distemper will be given to them free of charge.

Absolutely! No foster parent is obligated to commit to every opportunity they’re offered. The TLC respects that fostering bottle babies is a ton of work and breaks between litters are needed. The best path to success is setting kittens and puppies up with foster families who are completely ready to take them on.

Our goal is to make the pickup process as easy as possible! When new bottle babies come in the TLC will reach out to you to ask if you’d like to foster. Upon saying yes you’ll be given a meet-up time. When the agreed-upon time rolls around you can make your way to the main lobby of PAC and tell the greeter at the front desk you’re here to pick up bottle baby fosters. A staff member will meet you upfront and hand over your bottle babies and any supplies you need (incubator, formula, bottles, nipples, etc.)

Just like with the pickup process, the TLC aims to make the adoption process as easy as possible. Kittens and puppies are put up for adoption after getting spayed/neutered. Foster babies will be dropped off at PAC for the surgery and then will be picked up the same day after their procedure. The next day they can hit the adoption floor! The only thing the foster parent needs to do is drop them off (time and day will be arranged by the TLC text in line).

It happens to the best of us. Sometimes saying goodbye to a certain foster baby can be impossible. In that case, you can definitely adopt a foster. Just be sure to let the TLC know before they’re posted on the PAC website/Instagram (providence_ac) and fill out all adoption paperwork (which is available on the PAC website). On your fosters’ scheduled adoption day finalize the adoption at the front desk. It’s important to let the TLC know of your intentions BEFORE your fosters are posted because after they’re made public it’s first come first serve and no guarantees can be made.