Foster Program

At this time, in addition to kitten fostering, we are collecting applications to foster dogs while people are home practicing self-quarantine and social distancing.  Please complete the application below and forward it to the Shelter via fax (201-440-4358) or e-mail and one of our Volunteer Coordinators will contact you.  Thank you so much for your interest in helping one of our shelter dogs!

Thank you for your interest in the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center’s Kitten Foster Program.  This program allows us to provide a loving environment for the babies until they are ready to go through the adoption process.

Caring for kittens is a lot like caring for human babies.  Depending on their age, they may require bottle feedings every few hours, assistance with elimination, temperature regulation and/or socialization

As a foster parent, we require a few things from you:

√ Your participation in a 30-minute training orientation, so that you can learn what you need to do, how the program works, and have your questions answered

√ A separate area in your home to keep the kittens away from any other pets.  Ideally, this should be someplace that can be easily cleaned and disinfected

√ Your commitment to taking care of our babies until they are ready to be spayed or neutered

√ Adherence to the foster kitten examination schedule provided with the kittens

BCAS will provide you with the following:

√ All supplies for taking care of the foster kittens – food, litter, litter boxes, a crate, towels, etc.

√ Access to information that will answer any questions

√ Veterinary staff to monitor the kittens, provide them with vaccines and any
necessary medical care

What types of kittens are available to foster?

Moms with Babies -  nursing mother with her litter.  Mom needs three meals a day.  Once the kittens wean, mom will come back to the shelter, and the kittens will remain in foster until they are old enough for spay/neuter

Bottle Babies – kittens that have come in without their mothers and need around the clock care, including feedings every 2-4 hours, assistance with elimination, and a warm, quiet space

Young Ones – kittens less than 8 weeks old that are not big enough to be spayed or neutered.  They need lots of play time, feedings 3-4 times a day, and a place away from other animals

Unsocialized – kittens of varying ages that may be “hissy/spitty” and uncomfortable with human interaction.  They need time to learn to trust and frequent interaction with their foster family

Why do I need a separate place for the foster kittens?

Kittens sent out to foster are generally too young to be tested for contagious diseases like FIV/FeLV.   They may get colds or have a parasite that can be transmitted to your personal pets.

How long will I have the kittens?

Kittens can be spayed/neutered at 2 pounds for males and 2.5 pounds for females.  Depending on the age of the kittens you are working with, they can stay with you for anywhere from 2-8 weeks.

For more information on the Foster Program, please contact the Foster Coordinator, Rose Cigna at or 201-229-4610.

Contact Us

Deborah Yankow


Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608

Animal Shelter & Adoption Center: 201-229-4600

Animal Control Phone: 201-229-4616    or

For Directions to the Shelter, please click here