Foster a Pet

Nearly 50% of victims of domestic violence report that they delayed seeking safety out of concern for their pets. Nobody should have to choose between their own safety and that of their pets in order to escape violence, so Ahimsa House offers up to 60 days of temporary care for pets anywhere in Georgia while their owners seek safety from domestic violence — but we can only do so with the help of our foster homes. You may be asked to give a few days or weeks of your time, but to the person and pet(s) who benefit, it means a lifetime. Please consider becoming an Ahimsa House foster care provider today!

There are no out-of-pocket costs to providing foster care.

We provide food, crates, bowls, bedding, collars/leashes, toys, pet transportation, and veterinary care. We’re available 24/7 if you need advice or help.

Fewer than 1 in 5 domestic violence shelters nationwide allow pets.

Can you take in a pet until its owner can reach safety and find stable, pet-friendly housing? Foster homes are needed for all types of animals: dogs (especially medium to large dogs), cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, turtles, lizards, fish…even horses and other large animals.

By providing temporary foster care to a pet in need, you’re helping to ensure a brighter future for the animal and human victims of domestic violence. Our program offers up to 60 days of assistance, so we don’t ask foster homes to take in a pet for longer than that time frame unless circumstances warrant an extension of stay and the foster home is willing. We can also accommodate foster volunteers’ travel/vacation schedules by finding alternate arrangements for foster pets.

If you have any questions about becoming a Foster Volunteer, please reach out to vanessa@ahimsahouse.org.

The steps involved in becoming and being a foster home are:

  1. Complete the foster home application found here. Prepare to answer questions about your home and pets, and provide a copy of your driver’s license. The application will provide instructions on undergoing a background check that can be completed from home at no cost to you.
  2. We process the application, complete your reference check, and await the results of your background check — please understand that this process may take several weeks depending on the availability of our staff, your references, and the Emory PD (who completes the background check).
  3. We place you on our foster home list. You’ll receive periodic emails detailing the pets in need of foster, and you’ll let us know if if one sounds like a good fit!
  4. Per the GA Department of Agriculture, we will complete a foster home check prior to placing your first foster pet.
  5. We’ll arrange all transportation for your foster pet and will provide all vet care and pet supplies. You’ll have 24/7 support from Ahimsa House staff while the pet is in your care.