Furry Pets Foster Program

What is the Furry Pets Foster Program?

The District 5 Furry Pets Foster Care Program is designed to help more pets in District 5 find loving homes. Foster parents serve as Adoption Ambassadors by sharing photos and videos of their foster pets on social media and introducing them to friends, family, and others who may be interested in adopting.

For a limited time and while funding is available, eligible foster parents will receive a stipend of $10 per night for each pet in their care, for up to 21 days*. A maximum of two pets per foster home is allowed. Eligible pets are dogs, puppies and kittens that have been in the shelter for more than 30 days.
To participate, foster parents must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid government-issued ID
Live within Riverside County District 5

If a foster parent successfully finds an adopter for their foster pet, or chooses to adopt the pet themselves within 14 days of fostering, they will receive an additional $600 bonus.

*Please note:

Payments will not be processed until 31 days after the adoption has been finalized.
Payment delivery may take approximately 60 to 90 days after the adoption is finalized.
Funding is limited and available only while program funds remain. Participants may continue fostering after 21 days and may be eligible to renew their stipend, subject to funding availability. Renewal is not guaranteed.

How do I apply?

Before you apply, make sure you qualify.
✓ District 5 resident
✓ 18 years or older
✓ Valid ID
✓ Ready to help a pet find a home

Not sure if you reside in District 5?
View this map.

Step 1- Apply (with link below)

All interested foster parents must fill out a Furry Pets Foster Application. An email address MUST be provided in order to receive payment. Please complete the form below.

Furry Pets Foster Application Form

Step 2- Come Meet Available Pets - ask about pets who have been here for over 30 days

Please come down to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, located at 581 S. Grand Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92582, to meet available pets.

Step 3- REQUIRED Register as a County Vendor

After submitting your application, you will receive an email from [email protected] with instructions for registering as a supplier/vendor through the Riverside County Auditor-Controller's eSupplier Portal. Completing this registration is required in order to receive any program payments.

Please check your inbox, spam, and junk folders for the email. As part of the registration process, you will be required to complete and submit a W-9 form. W-9 Form. Click the link below to watch a short video with step-by-step instruction on how to register:

More helpful videos and tools can be found on our website Supplier Training Videos | Auditor Controller County of Riverside. If you have any questions during your registration process, you must contact the ACO Supplier Registration Team via email at [email protected].

Step 4- Look for an adopter for your foster

As an Adoption Ambassador, your goal is to help your foster pet find a loving home. Share photos and videos, talk to friends and family, and spread the word in your community. If you find an adopter, or if you decide to adopt the pet yourself, simply bring the animal back to the shelter to complete the adoption process. If the pet is adopted within 14 days of entering your foster care, you may be eligible to receive a $600 bonus stipend.

Tips for Success:

Post photos and videos on social media.
Ask friends, family, and coworkers to share your posts.
Take your foster pet on walks or outings to increase visibility.
Highlight your pet's personality, favorite activities, and unique qualities.
Create short videos and update followers regularly to help generate interest.

Step 5- Payment

Stipend payments are available for up to 21 days of fostering. After the 21-day period, you may either return the pet to the shelter or continue fostering.*

Foster stipend payments will be processed once the pet is returned to the shelter. If you would like to continue fostering after the payment period ends, there is no need to bring the pet back. Simply contact [email protected] to let us know.

Please allow approximately 30 to 60 days to receive your foster stipend payment.

If your foster pet is adopted within 14 days and you qualify for the $600 bonus, bonus payments will be processed after the adoption is finalized. Please allow approximately 60 to 90 days for the bonus payment to be received.

Registration as a County Vendor MUST be completed in order to process payment. Please be advised that all payment is taxable income.

*Please note: Participants may continue fostering after 21 days and may be eligible to renew their stipend, subject to funding availability. Renewal is not guaranteed.