2. Our Mission
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Our Mission: The Chesapeake Humane Society works to promote the
welfare of companion animals through programs and initiatives that
reduce pet overpopulation, increase adoptions, and encourage
responsible pet guardianship through affordable pet care.
Our Vision: To help pets and the people who love them find each
other and stay together.
3. Introduction
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Founded in 1972
501(c)3
Funded by private donors – we do not receive local, state, or
federal government subsidies
Opened low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter clinic in 2008
Since 2008, CHS has helped over 14,000 animals through
spay/neuter, vaccinations, and/or microchipping
CHS supports Chesapeake Animal Services by facilitating off-
site adoption events and providing medical treatment to shelter
animals in immediate need
“we must not merely will our neighbors good
but actually work to bring it about”
4. CHS vs. CAS
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Although they are separate entities with very different roles, both are working
towards the same goal of reducing the number of homeless animals in our area.
Chesapeake Humane Society (CHS)
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on
funding by private donors and grants.
CHS operates a low-cost spay/neuter
clinic, provides temporary housing to a
small number of cats, and runs a foster
care program for cats and dogs. The
humane society also facilitates
adoption events for shelter animals.
Chesapeake Animal
Services (CAS) is a city
municipal agency that
enforces local ordinances and
humane treatment of animals.
CAS provides shelter to strays,
abused animals and owner
relinquished animals.
Both organizations are vital to animal welfare in Chesapeake. Neither one could
do it all alone or without the support of the community. They also have something
else in common: both rely on dedicated volunteers like you to help with the
animals during their (hopefully short) time at the shelter!
5. Foster Parent & Volunteer
Policies & Procedures
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Role of Foster Parents & Volunteers
Volunteers provide CHS with opportunities to enhance many of our
programs and services. Many of our programs and events would not be
able to function without the use of volunteers.
Volunteers are an extension of the CHS staff.
The four cardinal rules of volunteering at Chesapeake Humane Society
If you do not feel comfortable doing something, please do not do it.
If you have a question, ask your foster care supervisor.
Always remember to be professional, courteous, and positive.
Communication is the key to success.
“never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
6. About our Fosters
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Limited space at the shelter
Orphaned puppies & kittens
Mistreated animals
Elderly dogs and cats
Animals that need socializing
Special needs
Heartworm positive dogs
Demodex mange
Injuries
11. Foster Requirements
& Responsibilities
Objective: To create a nurturing environment in
the comfort of your own home, allowing the
fostered animals to grow, heal, socialize and
become/remain adoptable.
Responsibilities:
Be prepared to supply food and any supplies
Socialize, groom, begin basic obedience, and
medicate animals
Ensure the animal’s safety
Bring foster in to CHS for regular check-ups
and vaccinations
Communicate! Update often and report any
issues to foster care supervisor
Ensure that foster animals are at adoption
events
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12. Foster Requirements
& Responsibilities
Foster Care Rules:
Kittens and cats must remain
indoors, regardless of cat’s history
or desires. Screened-in porches
are okay under supervision.
Puppies and dogs must be
supervised whenever they are
outside. No doggy doors!
If fence is not adequate, puppies
and dogs must be walked on a
leash. Tie outs or chains are
unacceptable.
Fosters need to be fed a diet
approved by CHS. Table food or
human food is strictly prohibited for
fosters!
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13. Support for Fosters
CHS will work around your
schedule and match an
appropriate animal with foster
families
CHS will provide all medical care
Care MUST be coordinated
through your foster care
supervisor
Food and other supplies will be
provided to fosters as we receive
donations
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Your foster care supervisor is available to you 24 hours a day
for support or questions
14. Be Prepared!
Bottle babies mean feedings every
few hours …
Isolate fosters
Animal-proof the area for the safety
of the animal and to protect your
belongings
Remember, fosters don’t know your
house rules!
Positive reinforcement training
methods
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15. Be Prepared!
Expect some accidents to happen
Crate train
Know how to ‘read’ body language
Potential problems
Whining
Barking
Separation Anxiety
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16. Be Prepared!
The rewards of foster of great … you
are helping save so many more lives!
Even though adoption is the goal …
it’s always hard to say goodbye
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17. Commitment from Foster Families
Communicate with your foster care supervisor
There is no such thing as a stupid question
Respond to your foster care supervisor and adoption inquiries in a
timely manner.
Schedule ‘Meet and Greets’ with potential adopters
Not all adoptions work out. Be prepared to take a foster back in if
it doesn’t work out.
Foster failures ….
