Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become a Foster Parent?
Contact the Humane Society to get started. One of our foster coordinators will contact you to schedule an interview and provide the details about the foster program you are interested in. During the orientation, we will go over all of the paperwork, responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in fostering neonate kittens/puppies or if you would like to foster an animal that needs medical care, additional training will be provided before you can bring your foster animal home.
Contact the Humane Society to get started. One of our foster coordinators will contact you to schedule an interview and provide the details about the foster program you are interested in. During the orientation, we will go over all of the paperwork, responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested in fostering neonate kittens/puppies or if you would like to foster an animal that needs medical care, additional training will be provided before you can bring your foster animal home.
Why is There Such a Great Need For Foster Homes?
There are many dogs, cats and other animals that end up in the streets and shelters due to irresponsible pet ownership and pet overpopulation. These pets are ready for a loving, second chance, but we can't take them into our program without a foster home lined up as we are completely foster based.. Fostering a pet will not only save their life, but also open up kennel space at local shelters to save in incoming pet.
There are many dogs, cats and other animals that end up in the streets and shelters due to irresponsible pet ownership and pet overpopulation. These pets are ready for a loving, second chance, but we can't take them into our program without a foster home lined up as we are completely foster based.. Fostering a pet will not only save their life, but also open up kennel space at local shelters to save in incoming pet.
Where Do Foster Pets Come From?
90% of pets that enter our program come from Lawton Animal Welfare, our partner shelter. The remaining pets come from a mixture of owner surrenders, adoption returns and other animal shelters in Comanche County.
90% of pets that enter our program come from Lawton Animal Welfare, our partner shelter. The remaining pets come from a mixture of owner surrenders, adoption returns and other animal shelters in Comanche County.
What Does the Humane Society of Lawton- Comanche County Provide for the Foster Pets?
- All costs for veterinary care, including spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, heartworm/FELV test and any other treatment the animal may require
- All food for foster pets
- Based upon donations, we provide fun and useful supplies such as toys, beds, treats and more.
What Do Foster Families Provide for Foster Pets?
- A healthy, safe environment for their fosters
- Transportation to and from veterinary appointments and adoption events
- Socialization, training and exercise
Can I Foster a Pet if I Don't Have a Fenced Yard or Live In An Apartment?
YES! Even if you have a fenced yard, we request that you supervise all outdoor activities with your foster dog, and always have them on a leash when you're on walks. Foster cats must remain indoors . We will match you with the right pet to match your living situation.
YES! Even if you have a fenced yard, we request that you supervise all outdoor activities with your foster dog, and always have them on a leash when you're on walks. Foster cats must remain indoors . We will match you with the right pet to match your living situation.
How Long Will The Pet Need to Be in Foster Care?
The average foster commitment is 2-3 weeks. There are special behavior and medical cases available that may be longer term.
The average foster commitment is 2-3 weeks. There are special behavior and medical cases available that may be longer term.
When Will My Foster Pet Ready to Be Adopted?
All animals up for adoption will be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchiped, heartworm or FELV tested and deemed healthy by a veterinarian. When you pick up your foster pet, your foster coordinator will go over the medical records for your pet and determine what medical appointments need to be made before your foster can be made available for adoption. Once available, foster coordinators will work with your to schedule your foster pet to attend an adoption event.
All animals up for adoption will be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, microchiped, heartworm or FELV tested and deemed healthy by a veterinarian. When you pick up your foster pet, your foster coordinator will go over the medical records for your pet and determine what medical appointments need to be made before your foster can be made available for adoption. Once available, foster coordinators will work with your to schedule your foster pet to attend an adoption event.
Once Available, How Will My Foster Pet be Adopted?
Once a foster has been cleared medically and behaviorally for adoption, we ask that foster families begin to schedule for adoption events. Adoption events are held every other Saturday at PetSmart in Lawton, Oklahoma. You may also be asked to bring your foster cat or kitten to an adoption center located at PetSmart and Petsense in Lawton, Oklahoma. Your foster pet will also be posted on the Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County webpage, Facebook page and on PetFinder. The Comanche County community is very supportive of adopting pets from the Humane Society and pets are usually adopted after attending a few adoption events.
Once a foster has been cleared medically and behaviorally for adoption, we ask that foster families begin to schedule for adoption events. Adoption events are held every other Saturday at PetSmart in Lawton, Oklahoma. You may also be asked to bring your foster cat or kitten to an adoption center located at PetSmart and Petsense in Lawton, Oklahoma. Your foster pet will also be posted on the Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County webpage, Facebook page and on PetFinder. The Comanche County community is very supportive of adopting pets from the Humane Society and pets are usually adopted after attending a few adoption events.
Can I Let My Foster Play With My Personal Pets?
This will be up to you! We can give you tips on pet introductions to set you and your pets up for success. We do advise that you visit your veterinarian and ensure your pets are healthy, spayed/neutered, and up to date on their vaccines before you bring in a foster pet. The Humane Society of Lawton Comanche County will not pay for any veterinary care for personal pets who are injured or become ill due to a foster pet.
This will be up to you! We can give you tips on pet introductions to set you and your pets up for success. We do advise that you visit your veterinarian and ensure your pets are healthy, spayed/neutered, and up to date on their vaccines before you bring in a foster pet. The Humane Society of Lawton Comanche County will not pay for any veterinary care for personal pets who are injured or become ill due to a foster pet.
Who Will Take My Foster Pet if I Need To Go Out of Town?
If you have a planned vacation, we ask that you do not pick up a foster pet right before your vacation. If you have a current foster pet and need to leave town, please give the foster coordinators as much notice as possible (preferably a week) so we can work on alternate placement while you are out of town. If an unforeseen emergency arises, we can always take our foster pets back immediately.
If you have a planned vacation, we ask that you do not pick up a foster pet right before your vacation. If you have a current foster pet and need to leave town, please give the foster coordinators as much notice as possible (preferably a week) so we can work on alternate placement while you are out of town. If an unforeseen emergency arises, we can always take our foster pets back immediately.
What if My Foster Is Not Working Out?
We have many resources available for you if you are experiencing any issues with your foster such as house training, separation anxiety, etc. Please let us know if you have a concern, and we can get you the resources you need and help you solve the issue. If it is still not working. you are not required to continue to foster if you are uncomfortable doing so. We will work on moving your foster out as soon as possible, but ask for your understanding and patience.
We have many resources available for you if you are experiencing any issues with your foster such as house training, separation anxiety, etc. Please let us know if you have a concern, and we can get you the resources you need and help you solve the issue. If it is still not working. you are not required to continue to foster if you are uncomfortable doing so. We will work on moving your foster out as soon as possible, but ask for your understanding and patience.
How Can I Help My Foster Find a Great Home?
As you get to know your foster, we ask that you stay in contact with the foster coordinators so that they can update the pet’s biography online to reflect accurate information about their preferences and quirks. Some people write their own biography for their foster, which we encourage, though they may be edited. We also welcome any quality photos that you take of your fosters. Great photos and bios are key in getting your pets adopted and helping them find a good match! After all, you know them best. In addition, we suggest getting some adorable “Adopt Me” bandanas, leashes, collars or vests from Amazon. Simply put the gear on before a walk, outing, or photoshoot, and everyone who sees him will know he’s looking for a home. We also encourage the use of social media and word of mouth. Please keep in mind that anyone who shows interest in adopting your foster pet will need to go through the adoption process with a staff member before taking the pet home
As you get to know your foster, we ask that you stay in contact with the foster coordinators so that they can update the pet’s biography online to reflect accurate information about their preferences and quirks. Some people write their own biography for their foster, which we encourage, though they may be edited. We also welcome any quality photos that you take of your fosters. Great photos and bios are key in getting your pets adopted and helping them find a good match! After all, you know them best. In addition, we suggest getting some adorable “Adopt Me” bandanas, leashes, collars or vests from Amazon. Simply put the gear on before a walk, outing, or photoshoot, and everyone who sees him will know he’s looking for a home. We also encourage the use of social media and word of mouth. Please keep in mind that anyone who shows interest in adopting your foster pet will need to go through the adoption process with a staff member before taking the pet home
What Do I Do When My Foster is Adopted and I'm Ready For a New Foster?
When you are ready for a new foster, you will be able to reach out to the foster coordinators and let them know what you are interested in fostering, and when you would like to pick up. Once signed up to be a foster with the Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County, you will also be a part of our foster Facebook group where animals looking for foster homes will be posted.
When you are ready for a new foster, you will be able to reach out to the foster coordinators and let them know what you are interested in fostering, and when you would like to pick up. Once signed up to be a foster with the Humane Society of Lawton-Comanche County, you will also be a part of our foster Facebook group where animals looking for foster homes will be posted.
Will It Be Hard To Say Goodbye To My Foster?
Saying goodbye can be the most difficult part of fostering, but keep in mind that many more pets in shelters need wonderful foster homes like yours. Each time you foster, you are saving a life. You are playing a crucial role in helping to save them all. Thank you
Saying goodbye can be the most difficult part of fostering, but keep in mind that many more pets in shelters need wonderful foster homes like yours. Each time you foster, you are saving a life. You are playing a crucial role in helping to save them all. Thank you
