Questions Meet Their Match
Have questions about Hattie's Foster Haven? We're glad you're here! Whether you're looking to adopt, become a foster, volunteer your time, or support our mission, we've answered some common questions to help you get started.
About Hattie's Foster Haven
What is Hattie's Foster Haven?
Hattie's Foster Haven is a foster-based animal rescue dedicated to helping animals in need find safety, receive compassionate care, and work toward brighter futures. We believe every animal deserves kindness, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive, no matter their age, medical history, or circumstances.
What types of animals do you help?
Our focus is on helping animals in need, with a particular passion for those who may be overlooked, medically complex, senior, or in need of extra time and care. The animals we can accept depend on available foster homes, resources, and individual needs.
Where are you located?
Hattie's Foster Haven is based in the Portland, Oregon area. Because we are foster-based, our animals live in private foster homes rather than a public shelter. Please contact us to coordinate any visits or meet-and-greets.
Adoption
How can I adopt an animal?
Start by exploring our available animals and submitting an adoption application. We'll review your application and work with you to determine whether the animal is a good fit for your home, lifestyle, and existing pets.
Are your animals vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and medically evaluated?
We prioritize appropriate veterinary care for every animal in our program. The specific care provided varies depending on age, medical condition, and individual circumstances. We'll share the available medical history and discuss any ongoing care needs before adoption.
Can I meet an animal before adopting?
Absolutely! Meet-and-greets can be coordinated when appropriate for the animal. Because our animals live in foster homes, all visits must be arranged in advance.
Fostering
What does it mean to foster an animal?
Fostering means opening your home to an animal while they await adoption, recovery, or their next safe placement. Foster homes provide a comfortable environment, daily care, and love while helping animals prepare for their next chapter.
Do I have to pay for supplies or veterinary care?
Our goal is to provide approved supplies and cover authorized veterinary expenses for animals in our care. Specific arrangements will be discussed before placement, so fosters understand what is provided and what is expected of them.
How long does fostering last?
Every animal is different. Some may need only a short stay, while others may require weeks or months of care, particularly if they are recovering from medical issues or need extra time to find the right home. We'll discuss anticipated needs and timelines before placement whenever possible.
Can I foster if I have other pets?
Yes! Homes with existing pets may be a great fit for certain animals. We'll consider your household, available space, resident animals, and the needs of the foster animal to help determine whether a placement is appropriate.
Volunteering
How can I volunteer with Hattie's Foster Haven?
We welcome people who want to make a difference! Depending on our current needs, volunteer opportunities may include helping with animal care, transportation, adoption events, fundraising, supply organization, administrative tasks, and community outreach. Submit a volunteer application to get started.
Do I need previous animal rescue experience?
Not necessarily. Reliability, compassion, communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable qualities. Some roles may require specific experience or training, depending on the responsibilities involved.
Donations and Support
How can I support Hattie's Foster Haven?
There are so many ways to help! You can make a monetary donation, contribute supplies, foster an animal, volunteer, share our social media posts, or help connect animals in need with potential adopters and fosters. Every contribution makes a difference.
Where do donations go?
Donations help support the animals in our care, including veterinary treatment, medications, food, litter, supplies, and other essential needs. We strive to use available resources thoughtfully so we can help as many animals as our capacity allows.
Can I donate supplies instead of money?
Absolutely! Supplies such as food, litter, carriers, bedding, cleaning products, and other animal-care essentials can be incredibly helpful. Please contact us to learn which items are currently most needed and how to arrange a donation.
Helping Animals in Need
I found a stray or abandoned animal. Can you help?
Please reach out and share the details, including the animal's location, condition, and any immediate concerns. While we cannot guarantee intake or emergency assistance, we may be able to offer guidance or suggest appropriate resources.
Can I surrender an animal to Hattie's Foster Haven?
If you can no longer care for an animal, we encourage you to contact us through our surrender request form. We'll review your situation and determine whether we have the capacity and resources to help. Submitting a request does not guarantee acceptance, but we'll approach your inquiry with compassion and without judgment.
What if Hattie's Foster Haven cannot take an animal?
Our foster space and resources are limited, and we cannot help every animal directly. When possible, we'll do our best to suggest alternative resources or responsible next steps.
Still have questions?
We'd love to hear from you! If you don't see the answer you're looking for, reach out through our contact page. Whether you're here to adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about what we do, we're happy to connect with you.
Thank you for being part of a community that believes every animal deserves a chance.