Finder to Foster Program
Found a pet? Help give them a safe, loving home during their 7-day hold period while we work to reunite them with their owner — or find them a new one.
The Finder to Foster program helps keep a found pet safe and comfortable during their 7-day hold period — giving them the best chance to be reunited with their owner or matched with an adopter.
This program is for pets found in the City of Fairhope and primarily includes medium to large breed dogs and kittens. Placement in this program is based on available resources and is at The Haven’s discretion.
If you have recently found a pet, please read these Found Pet tips from Best Friends Animal Society before completing the form below.
If Eligible, The Haven Will Provide:
Age-appropriate vaccines, flea and tick preventative, and dewormer
Pet food, a crate, leash, collar, and toys
A Lost & Found post on our social media pages to help find the owner
A flyer template to share in the community — and fosters can share videos and photos with us too
Benefits of the Finder to Foster Program
Pets are less stressed in a home environment than in a shelter.
Pets stay healthier with individualized care and attention.
Pets get more love and community exposure , increasing the chances of finding their owner or an adopter.
Fosters provide valuable personality insights that help us reduce the time the animal spends without a home.
What Happens After the 7 Days?
If the Owner Is Found
The Haven will contact you and schedule a time for you to bring the animal back so they can be reunited with their owner.
If No Owner Is Found
Schedule a time to return the animal to The Haven.
Continue fostering and join our Foster Program .
Adopt the pet after they are fully vetted (includes spay/neuter).
Foster Requirements
Age: Must be 18 years or older.
Location: Must reside within 30 miles of The Haven’s main facility.
Transportation: Must have reliable transportation for vet appointments or visits to The Haven.
Living Conditions: A secure, climate-controlled indoor space, separate from other household pets if applicable.
Commitment: Must provide proper nutrition, exercise, and socialization for the animal in their care.
Communication: Must provide regular updates and respond to coordinator check-ins within 24 hours.
Home Evaluation: An initial home visit by a Haven representative may be required, with follow-up visits every 12 months.
Training: Must complete The Haven’s basic animal care and fostering workshop before taking in the first animal.
Flexibility: Should be prepared to care for an animal for varying lengths of time, potentially up to several weeks.
Documentation: Must keep accurate records of the animal’s behavior, eating habits, and any medical concerns.
