Foster Program

Save Lives from Home: Become a Foster Hero!

Open your heart and home to cats and kittens in need. Every foster home allows Volcano Cat Sanctuary to rescue, care for, and rehome more animals across the Big Island.

Apply to Foster TodayMeet the Kitties
A rescue cat at Volcano Cat Sanctuary waiting for a foster home

Why Foster with Volcano Cat Sanctuary?

Save Lives

Fostering directly creates space at the sanctuary, allowing us to rescue more vulnerable, stray, or special-needs cats.

100% Supported

You'll never be on your own! Every foster is paired with a foster coordinator and mentor to guide you through health, socialization, and questions.

Flexible Commitment

From a single cat to a whole litter, we match placements to your lifestyle. We also need dedicated long-term fosters for young kittens or adult cats with special needs.

Kitties Seeking a Foster Home

These are the cats and kittens who would thrive in a foster home. Click a profile to see more information.

How the Foster Process Works

From application to happy tails — here is exactly what to expect when you foster with us.

  1. 01

    Submit Your Application

    Fill out our simple online form to tell us about your home, pets, and experience level.

  2. 02

    Quick Phone Call Interview & Orientation

    Our coordinator will review your application and go over next steps.

  3. 03

    Sign & Submit Required Paperwork

    Sign the foster agreement and choose your first placement!

  4. 04

    Pick Up Your Foster Placement!

    Pick up the cat(s) and available supplies.

    Please note: Supplies like meds, vaccines, and formula are provided. Other supplies depend on availability, as we are at full capacity.

  5. 05

    Care, Socialize, & Watch Them Thrive!

    Provide love, basic care, and a stable home. Share photo updates with us until they find their forever home!

Preparation & Responsibilities

Setting your foster up for success is simple. Here is what to have ready before they arrive, and what daily care looks like.

Before Bringing Them Home

  • Prepare a safe confinement area before your foster arrives.
  • Remove hazards, toxic plants, and dangerous cords.
  • Secure all windows and screens.
  • Separate resident pets if needed for the initial acclimation period.

Cats should never be allowed outdoors. Every foster cat stays safely indoors.

Daily Care

  • Provide fresh food and water.
  • Clean litterboxes daily.
  • Monitor appetite, behavior, and overall health.
  • Provide enrichment, play, and socialization.
  • Communicate promptly with our team about any concerns.

Not sure about something? Your foster coordinator and mentor are only a phone call away — no question is too small.

Foster Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior rescue or fostering experience?
Not at all! We match placement difficulty with your experience level.
What if I have resident pets?
As long as your pets are up to date on vaccinations and you have a separate room for initial acclimation, you can foster!
How long do placements last?
Placements range from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on medical needs, age, or adoption timelines.
What if I want to adopt the cat I am fostering?
We recognize foster-to-adopt can be a positive outcome! Just notify us immediately and complete the standard adoption process.
What if I want to take a break?
Fostering should be sustainable. There is no penalty for taking time between fosters to avoid burnout.

Ready to make room in your heart and home?

Apply to Foster Today

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