We have a special program called the Good Samaritan Foster Program to help stray pets in our community. We work together with the county and city animal shelters. First, we try to find the pet's owner. If we can't, we get the pet ready for adoption and find them a new home without sending them to crowded shelters.
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Here's how it works:

1. You fill out a form to tell us about the pet you found.
2. Check your email for a link to sign-up for an intake appointment at our Webster Pet Adoption Center location. 
3. At the intake appointment, Lifeline team will check the pet's health, behavior and give them vaccines. We will also look for a tiny chip (called a microchip) inside them that has information about their owner. We will share their information with the animal control agency associated with the city they were found in case the owner is looking for them.
4. Our team decides if the pet can be adopted. If yes, we put their picture on our website, and people can apply to adopt them.
5. The pet or pets stays with you or someone you know who can take care of them for at least 2 weeks (but usually longer) while their vaccines take effect, we find space for them at the adoption center, or they are adopted. You will be considered a Good Samaritan Foster. The pet can begin receiving adoption applications the same day as their intake exam.
6. We give you pet supplies like food and crates to help you care for the pet until they are adopted or space at the adoption center is found.

Are there options if I cannot foster the pet until they are adopted or space is available at the adoption center? 

No. Due to the size of our facility & staffing, we are limited on the number of pets we can care for at the adoption center. If you are unable to foster and you cannot find anyone to foster, this program is not right for the pet(s) you have found. 

What if something happens while they are in my home & I can no longer foster? 

While we try our best to accommodate our fosters, if this happens, you will need to contact your contracted animal control facility & bring the pet there. We make absolutely no guarantee that we will have space for them at the adoption center, and Good Samaritan fosters should be prepared to foster long-term. 

How long are pets typically in a Good Samaritan foster's home before being adopted? 

It really depends on the pet, the time or year, etc. Most of the time kittens & cats can come up to the center if they are not adopted straight from their foster home within  2-6 weeks. Puppies and adult dogs often times take longer (2 - 4 months & sometimes longer). 

Why don't you take every pet that's brought to your shelter? 

We have a very small facility. Also, we are NOT contracted animal control for any city. We receive ZERO funding from any city or municipality to shelter pets unlike your city's contracted animal sheltering facility which your tax money goes to support. We have limited money, resources, and space. We try to assist shelters that do have these contracts by providing this program. If you are having a problem finding shelter for a pet you found, you should take up your concerns with your contracted animal sheltering facility or your city council, etc. 

Request Intake Into Good Samaritan Program

*If you are trying to find placement for outdoor cats/kittens being fed in your neighborhood, etc, check out our Community Cat Program first. 

Reminder: We do not guarantee intake into our program until after the in-person exam is completed at our adoption center. 

Questions? 
Call or text our Pet Assistance Helpline at 409-797-6033
We typically answer our Pet Assistance Helpline Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-4pm