Beaufort County Animal Services (BCAS) believes that fostering is a vital lifeline for animals in need, providing them with the love and care they deserve while they await their forever homes. At BCAS, we make the fostering process accessible and fulfilling for compassionate individuals and families in our community.

The journey to becoming a foster parent begins with exploring our website, where you can learn about the different types of pets that need temporary homes. Fostering not only helps alleviate overcrowded shelters, but also gives animals a chance to thrive in a loving environment, making them more adoptable.

Once you decide to take the next step, you can complete a foster application directly on TakeUsHome.org. Our team will review your application and reach out to discuss your preferences, lifestyle, and any questions you may have. We aim to match you with a pet whose needs align with your home and experience.

Upon approval, you’ll receive guidance and support from our team, including information on care, training, and resources to ensure a successful fostering experience. Whether you’re fostering a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or an adult cat or dog, your role is crucial in giving these pets a safe and loving space.

By fostering through BCAS, you’ll make a significant impact on the lives of animals in Beaufort County. Join us in this rewarding journey of compassion and care—together, we can help these wonderful pets find their forever homes!

What is fostering? And why is it so important?

Beaufort County Animal Shelter (BCAS) provides animal care and control services to all of Beaufort County for domestic animals only.  It is the only animal shelter or rescue organization in Beaufort County that is required by ordinance to take in all homeless pets.  This means our doors are open to over 5,000 animals a year that have no where else to turn or who may otherwise be left on the street. Because of this, we usually have many more animals than our shelter can hold.

In opening up your home to fostering animals, cats and dogs are given the time necessary to meet the adoption requirements and are given an increased opportunity to find their forever homes. Animals that cannot currently be adopted and are in need of foster care are:

• Too young or small to be spayed/neutered; or
• Moms with nursing litters; or
• Injured or ill; or
• Heartworm positive dogs

How can I learn more about the foster program & become a foster care volunteer?

Our foster programs is undergoing very exciting improvements.  This will result in an even more rewarding foster volunteer experience for both volunteers and animals.

Currently, we are accepting new foster applications – please email shelter@bcgov.net to receive an application that you can fill out by typing in your answers and emailing it back for processing.  You may also pick up an application at BCAS.

Please note: while we are continuing to accept new foster applications, if you are approved, this is a temporary foster position while the program is being re-structured.  In the future to continue fostering in our program, you will be required to do the following once the volunteer and foster programs are finalized:

• Attend a foster orientation session & fill out an application
• Interview upon request
• Attend training for foster volunteers, depending on the needs of the shelter & type of fostering you are able to do

What if I’m unable to physically foster animals in my home, but I would like to help with the foster program?

Please fill out an application – there are many different ways to volunteer your time to BCAS&C and its foster volunteer program – that do not involve physically fostering an animal.