Crisis Fostering

Paw Shield Crisis Foster Program

Protecting Pets. Supporting People. Strengthening Community.

For nearly a century, the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County has stood as a safe haven for animals who are hungry, hurt, neglected, or abused. But sometimes, the animals who need us most are deeply loved — and simply caught in the middle of life’s unexpected hardships.

That’s where Paw Shield Crisis Fostering comes in.

Paw Shield is our temporary safety net program designed to keep pets safe and cared for while their families face a short-term crisis. We understand that emergencies happen — eviction, hospitalization, domestic violence, financial hardship, military deployment, or other unforeseen challenges. During these moments, surrendering a beloved pet should not be the only option.

Through Paw Shield, pets are placed in carefully screened foster homes where they receive love, stability, and care — with the goal of reunification once their family regains stability.

What Is a Crisis Foster?

A crisis foster provides short-term, temporary care for a pet whose owner is experiencing a documented hardship. Unlike traditional foster programs focused on adoption, Paw Shield is rooted in preserving the human-animal bond. These pets are not being surrendered — they are being safeguarded during a difficult season.

Eligibility & FAQ

What is the goal of Paw Shield?

The goal is reunification. Paw Shield exists to protect the bond between pets and their families during difficult times — not to permanently separate them.

Who is eligible for Paw Shield Crisis Fostering?

You may qualify if:

• You are experiencing a temporary crisis (Sudden Misplacement, hospitalization, or domestic violence)
• You can provide proof of ownership
• You have a clear plan toward stability and reunification
• You agree to maintain consistent communication with our team
• Your pet is medically stable and suitable for a foster home

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

How long can my pet stay in crisis foster care?

Paw Shield Crisis Fostering operates on a month-to-month basis, depending on the applicant’s needs and foster home availability.

At intake, we will discuss your reunification plan and establish an initial timeframe. Continued placement requires consistent communication and adherence to program guidelines.

In total, pets may remain in the program for up to 90 days, unless otherwise approved by the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County.

Is my pet guaranteed placement?

No. Placement depends on foster home availability and your pet’s medical and behavioral evaluation. Completing an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Program Requirements & Process

• A completed online application and intake review
• A required behavior assessment conducted prior to foster placement to ensure the safety and well-being of the pet, the foster family, and any other animals in the home
• Medical review to confirm the pet is stable for foster care
• Placement in a screened and approved foster home
• Ongoing communication and updates
• A structured reunification plan

Behavior assessments are an essential step in the process and must be completed before a foster home can be secured.

Please Note

While we are committed to supporting families whenever possible, certain circumstances may prohibit participation in the Paw Shield Crisis Fostering program. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Severe untreated medical conditions
• Significant aggression or dangerous behavior
• Legal ownership disputes
• Situations that are not temporary in nature
• Failure to maintain communication or comply with program guidelines

Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the pet, our foster families, and our community. In some cases, alternative resources may be recommended if Paw Shield is not the appropriate fit.

At the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, we believe that helping animals also means helping the people who love them. Paw Shield Crisis Fostering allows us to extend our mission beyond our shelter walls — protecting pets, preserving families, and strengthening our Memphis and Shelby County community.

Because temporary hardship should never mean permanent separation.

Services: Policies & Rules

We help survivors of domestic violence in Memphis and Shelby County who need a safe, short-term place for their pets.

This program gives emergency shelter for pets when there is no other safe option. Help lasts only while there is no other option.

• This is not an adoption program. You must plan to get your pet back.
• You do not have to live in a domestic violence shelter to use this program, but talking to a shelter or program can help you learn about other resources.
• Because we have limited space and money, we cannot help with long-term boarding, jail-related boarding, or non-emergency pet housing.
• You may use veterinary and/or housing services no more than two times in a three-year period.
• We may decide a pet is not safe to take or to keep in the program (for example, because of health or behavior problems).
• We may move a pet to another safe location without telling you beforehand.
• You must speak with us at least 24 hours before dropping off or picking up your pet at the facility.
• We can cover up to 60 days of pet housing and basic vet care. In some cases, it may be less. The exact help is up to Paw Shield Crisis Foster Program.
• Basic vet care we provide includes vaccines (Rabies, DHLP-P, Bordetella for dogs; FVRCP for cats), tests (Feline Leukemia/FIV, Heartworm for dogs), and a wellness exam.
• We must spay or neuter cats and dogs as required by city rules.
• We choose the foster home or boarding facility. For safety, we do not share foster home names or locations.
• Check in’s with us are required once a week and tell us about any changes within 24 hours.
• You may call 901-937-3911 or email foster@memphishumane.org between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to ask about your pet.
• You may take your pet back at any time before the time limit ends and must notify a paw shield representative 48-72 hours in advance.
• When you leave a shelter or other temporary housing, you must reclaim your pet within 24-48 hours.
• You should plan to stay in Memphis, TN. If you are moving to another state, ask us for a referral in that state. If you leave Tennessee without permission while your pet is in our program, your pet is considered abandoned.
• We will try to warn you by phone, email, or certified letter when you are close to your time limit.
• When the time limit ends, your pet is considered given up (relinquished). After 3 days, your pet may be put up for adoption, sent to animal control, or euthanized.
• If a serious problem occurs, we may require you to pick up your pet. You will have 24 hours from when we call (including if we leave a message). After that, your pet is considered given up.
• We may end services at any time for any reason, but we will try to give reasonable notice.
• If a vet believes the pet has been abused or neglected, we may contact the proper authorities.
• If your pet is in a foster home, we cannot allow visits. We can give weekly updates and send photos upon request.