Foster Care Program
Have you ever thought about fostering?
Current Fosters
Ready to Foster?
Together our foster parents make an enormous contribution to Greenhill and the animals of our community by caring for over 600 animals per year when they need us the most. Without these dedicated volunteers, Greenhill could not provide loving homes to nearly as many deserving animals as we do each year.
We are always looking for foster parents who can open their hearts and their homes to many types of animals such as kittens, puppies and rabbits, nursing Moms with babies, as well as adult animals recovering from surgery or illness. Foster stays can vary from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the animal’s needs and the foster parent’s availability.
If you have questions or would like more information about this rewarding opportunity, please contact Kristi Chizacky, Foster Care Manager, at 541-689-1503 ext. 114 or e-mail foster@green-hill.org. Or click on the Foster Care Application link below to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
Click on the next tab to view some FAQs about Fostering!.
Thank you for your interest in the Foster Care Program!
Can I foster if I have animals of my own?
Yes! But foster animals do need to be kept completely separate from your own animals with the exception of puppies and some adult dogs. And in most cases your animals need to be fully vaccinated. We suggest talking to your vet prior to fostering to make sure your vet feels fostering is safe for your pets.
Can I foster if I rent my home?
- Yes! We do require landlord approval for all foster parents who rent their residence. Please confirm with your landlord that you are approved to foster animals prior to submitting a foster care application.
Does Greenhill provide any supplies to take care of the foster animal?
- Yes! We can supply most or all of the items that you will need, so that you can take the best care possible of your foster animal(s). We do ask that if you can help with some supplies like food that would be extremely helpful! We try to make it as easy as possible for foster families since you are helping the animals and the shelter so much!
Does Greenhill provide medical care for my foster animal?
- Yes! Greenhill provides on-site medical care.
Can I adopt my foster animal?
- Yes! On most occasions we give the foster parent priority to submit an adoption application for the foster animal. We will explain more in our foster training.
I need temporary housing for my own animal. Is this something Greenhill can help me with?
- Unfortunately, due to our limited resources, Greenhill is not able to provide foster homes for owned animals. Greenhill can only provide foster homes for shelter animals in need.
I am unable to foster animals, is there another way I can help?
- Yes! We understand that not everyone can help an animal in their own home, but there are a lot of other ways you can help! As we rely primarily on donations and service fees to operate our shelters, donations are always greatly appreciated! We are also always in need of supplies to help in caring for our shelter animals. You can check out our wish list here. Anything from food to bottle baby supplies to towels and blankets! Also, volunteering out at the shelter is another huge way you can help! We are always looking for volunteers to help in various areas throughout the shelter! Visit the volunteering page on our website for more information!
Find out What it's like to be a foster
Ready to Foster?
Review the foster program requirements.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to become a foster parent. Children are encouraged to participate fully in this rewarding experience with their parents.
- Landlord approval is required for all foster parents who rent their residence. Please confirm with your landlord that you are approved to foster animals prior to submitting a foster care application.
- Current vaccinations are required for all foster parents’ dogs/cats prior to placing a foster animal in your home. Please confirm that your animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations prior to submitting a foster care application. We also recommend you speak with your veterinarian to make sure fostering is a good fit for you and your pets.
Complete the online Foster Care Application by clicking here.
If you would like to volunteer (not foster), please complete the online Volunteer Application on the Volunteering page.
Upon receipt of your Foster Care Application, we will contact you to further discuss your interests and the foster care program with you.
Complete the foster care program online foster care training and paperwork. A background check will be completed for all new foster parents.
Foster Spotlight
July 2025
Moria
Meet our Foster of the Month for July, Moira! Moira has been helping Greenhill as an adult dog foster since March of 2015. She said “Apparently it has been ten years, and I can’t believe it! I wanted to volunteer to help animals and to find some way to participate in my community. I was looking for opportunities to volunteer with Greenhill, but my work schedule (working evening shift) made it impractical for most of the jobs on site. Fostering provided a more flexible way to help.”
Moira had trouble picking just one unique case, but tells us, “They were all enjoyable! I don’t remember her name but there was a little Chihuahua pup. This was back before the remodel of the shelter and there was that hording case with nearly 100 small dogs. I remember the shelter had difficulty keeping them contained because they were small enough to slip under the kennel gates. It was an enjoyable challenge, yet very rewarding seeing her grow and gain both weight and confidence. She was so small I had to put a cat bell on her collar to help keep track of her. I hand made some coats for her for warmth.”
Moira likes to see each foster case as a chance to meet a new animal, explore a new circumstance, and the problem-solving care that comes with them. She tells us she finds it all the more rewarding to help animals recovering from surgery or underweight and on a weight gain diet. For her, “Seeing them heal and grow was a delight. Seeing a dog relax from the shelter environment and learn to trust you is a satisfying and peaceful feeling.”
Born on the east coast, raised in the mid-west, Moira has lived in Oregon for the past two decades and she loves it here! Having settled here after coming off of active duty in the Navy. Now an Operating Room nurse, Moira spends her off time in the garden or exploring nature with her dogs. You’ll find she has a natural talent for making things, enjoying knitting, sewing, cooking, and caring for her animals.
Moira relates to those who want to foster, but are worried about falling in love with their foster animal. She shared- “When people find out that I volunteer as a foster I always get the comment about how they could not foster as they may get to attached to the dog and they ask how I do it. I tell them it can be hard, but it is very rewarding knowing you have helped the dog be more adoptable and successful in their new home. The fact is there is an overpopulation of cats and dogs, and any one person cannot adopt their way out of the problem or fix the root causes. I cannot take each one home myself, so I do what I can. I donate to shelters and spay/ neutering programs. I talk to neighbors and co-workers about shelter adoption. And I foster.”
