The HSSM Foster Hero network page is dedicated to keeping our foster parents updated about available foster opportunities and ways to assist the shelter.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a HSSM foster parent. HSSM saves more than 2,000 animals each year through our Foster Care Program.
Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in their own area homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for up to three months.
Our greatest foster needs are:
• Adult Dogs
• Cats
• Momma cats with litters
• Orphaned kitten and puppies
Fostering is flexible enough for most lifestyles and HSSM will custom-match the animals to each foster home. By offering your time, energy and home to an animal in need, you prepare the animal for adoption into a permanent home as well as help prevent overcrowding in our shelter. HSSM is always looking for more foster homes, especially throughout the busy spring and summer seasons.
Most common reasons cats and dogs need foster care:
• They are too young to be spayed or neutered and adopted out into permanent homes. When kittens and puppies are eight weeks old and weigh at least two pounds, they can be spayed or neutered and made available for adoption.
• They are nursing a litter of kittens or puppies. Although the shelter is a safe environment, it is not the best for raising babies.
• They are being treated for injuries or illnesses.
HSSM provides: All veterinary care and medicine for foster animals, plus plenty of support to foster parent volunteers.
Foster parent volunteers provide: Time, pet supplies (e.g. cat litter, food), a place in their home and lots of love.
How foster care works
• Foster parents come to our shelter located in Gulfport, Ms. to pick up the foster animal(s) to take home. At that time, volunteers receive information about the animal’s condition and needs.
• Foster parents may need to bring the animal to PAWS periodically to be examined by our veterinarian, receive vaccinations or other treatment.
• Once the foster period is over, the foster volunteer returns the animal(s) to HSSM.
• HSSM’S medical team will complete final steps necessary to prepare the animal for adoption.
Get started
If you are interested in volunteering with PAWS, please follow these steps:
1. Be of age. The primary caregiver of the foster animal must be at least 18 years old. However, young people can help at home and potentially receive school credit. Inquire more about school credit at the orientation.
2. Be in the area. Foster volunteers must be able to get to our shelter in Gulfport, Ms on a regular basis. Please consider the potential commute before applying to volunteer.
3. Start saving lives. PAWS will match you with the foster animals that suit your lifestyle.