Love animals? Want to make a difference in someone’s life?

San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) and Public Health Policy and Planning (PHPP) are seeking volunteers for The Fostering Wellness Program, which provides temporary pet foster care through a network of volunteer foster homes.  

For someone facing mental health or substance use challenges, pets offer vital emotional support. But when someone needs a higher level of care, concern for their animal’s well-being becomes a major barrier to getting help. Many people delay or forgo treatment because they have no one to care for their pets. Foster support gives pet owners the peace of mind they need to seek treatment for themselves, knowing their animal companions are safe and cared for.  

We’re now recruiting volunteers to provide temporary foster care for pets – typically for 30-90 days. We are looking for foster homes located in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda and Santa Clara counties.  

 We welcome all animal lovers, especially those who can foster dogs and cats. The fostering program is confidential for clients and fosterers, provides training and home inspections and will supply all food and veterinary care for the pets as needed. All you provide is a safe, loving environment. For more information or to volunteer, email fosteringwellness@smcgov.org. 

Client Referrals

Providers and case managers can refer a client via the referral form here. For questions, please email fosteringwellness@smcgov.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Foster Volunteers

Q: What is Fostering Wellness Program? 

The Fostering Wellness Program provides temporary foster care for pets while their owners receive in-patient behavioral health or substance use treatment. For many people, pets are family. When someone needs a higher level of care, they worry about what will happen to their pet. This can become a real barrier to getting help. This program gives pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on healing — knowing their animal companion is safe and cared for. 

Q: What kinds of animals will I foster? 

Most foster homes are set up for dogs and cats, which are the most common placements. We are open to other animals on a case-by-case basis and will always do our best to find a safe placement when possible. 

Q: How long would I foster a pet? 

Most placements are temporary — up to 90 days, depending on the client’s situation and reunification timeline. 

Q: Do foster caregivers get paid? 

No — this is a volunteer opportunity. The program provides food, veterinary care, and supplies as needed. You provide a safe, loving home. 

Q: Where do foster homes need to be located? 

We are recruiting foster homes in San Mateo County, San Francisco County, Alameda County, and Santa Clara County. 

Q: How can I learn more or sign up? 

Email: fosteringwellness@smcgov.org 
Training, home inspections, and ongoing support are provided. 

For Providers & Case Managers

Q: Who is eligible for the program? 

Clients must be connected to a San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) program or another authorized San Mateo County program, have a serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD), reside in or be served within San Mateo County, and have a provider referral. There is no financial means criteria. 

Q: What situations qualify? 

Common examples include hospitalization, detox or residential treatment, short-term medical procedures, or crisis stabilization. If concern for a pet is preventing a client from accessing treatment, the program may be appropriate. The total amount of time the client and pet may be separated should not exceed 90 days. 

Q: How do I refer a client? 

Providers and case managers can refer a client via the referral form here. For questions, please email fosteringwellness@smcgov.org. 

Q: What if no foster home is available? 

Foster homes are prioritized. If a foster placement cannot be secured immediately, pets may be temporarily placed in a boarding facility until a foster home becomes available. The animal must be fully up to date on all vaccinations to enter the program so it is best to reach out well before the client will need the service. 

Q: What if the situation is urgent? 

If a client is unexpectedly hospitalized, incarcerated, a victim of domestic violence, or otherwise suddenly unable to care for their pet — and no emergency contact was provided — follow protective custody procedures through the Peninsula Humane Society & Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PHS/SPCA). 
 
Steps: 
1. Call (650) 340-7022. 
2. Follow prompts and press 2 for the dispatcher. 
3. State you are an official on scene requesting a protective custody impound. 
4. An official must be present (e.g., case manager, emergency medical technician, police officer, or firefighter). 
5. The dispatcher will send an officer to impound the animal. 
 
Animals are typically held for up to 30 days at County Animal Care & Control. 
If the client is a survivor of domestic violence, inform the dispatcher that Safe Pets Program placement is needed. 
Providers should also email fosteringwellness@smcgov.org as soon as possible to explore transition into foster care if appropriate. 

For Clients

Q: I’m going into treatment. What happens to my pet? 

If you qualify, your pet may be placed in a temporary foster home while you receive care. The goal is to reunite you with your pet as soon as it is safe and possible. 

Q: Will I lose my pet? 

No. This program is designed to keep pets safe temporarily (up to 90 days) so you can focus on your health. Reunification is always the goal whenever possible. 

Q: Will my foster caregiver know my personal information? 

The program maintains confidentiality. Foster homes are not provided with your personal details beyond what is necessary to care for the pet. A third party will transport your pet to the foster home and back to you when you are ready to be reunited. 

Q: How do I get help? 

Talk to your provider or case manager and ask them to email fosteringwellness@smcgov.org. 

Testimonials

From a fosterer in BHRS: “In late August it was brought to my attention that a client had surrendered her beloved pet cat to the SPCA on a thirty day hold. We had only two days left and the client was not going to be able to provide a home for her any longer. The Fostering Wellness program was contacted to explore the possibility of fostering her immediately. We volunteered to foster and were approved and provided with all the necessary items for her care. The next day, we picked her up and brought her home. The first day she was bouncing off the walls with glee. She settled in very well and was inseparable with us. Her extremely affectionate nature is a joy! We highly recommend the Fostering Wellness Program as the success has been amazing.  Her original owner has piece of mind, a pet has been saved, and her foster parents lives have been enriched beyond measure.”