Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Mission Meow?
Mission Meow is a new foster program specifically created to give adult cats a better chance for adoption. The objective is to place adult cats into foster homes during the summer months when we see a large influx of cats. They'll then be returned during the slower months of winter for a better chance at being adopted.

How do you choose which cats will be part of this program?
Mission Meow cats are carefully chosen by Animal Humane Society staff. These are animals that have been evaluated by veterinary staff and deemed adoptable. They are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped.

Can I pick the cat I get to take home? Will there be kittens available?
Cats eligible for foster care are chosen by our veterinary services staff and made available at the completion of each Mission Meow workshop. Due to the variety of cats that qualify for the program, a lottery will be utilized to assign foster cats to Mission Meow participants. If your home requires specific traits or characteristics in a foster cat, we can work with you to find a feline that will fit your home. Because this program is focused on giving adult cats a home, kittens are not available.

Can I rename the cat I take home?
You are welcome to pick a name for your foster cat if s/he doesn't already have one.

What is the minimum commitment I have to make to foster a cat?
We are asking that you make a minimum six-month commitment to qualify as a foster parent for the Mission Meow program. If a shorter foster assignment works better for you, consider other foster care or volunteer opportunities available at Animal Humane Society.

Can I bring the cat back early if something unexpected comes up?
If you find yourself in a situation where you're unable to continue caring for your cat, please contact Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Foster Coordinator, as soon as possible at 763-489-2228 or kanderson@animalhumanesociety.org. We'll try to find another foster home for your cat.

What if my cat doesn't work out, but I still want to be a Mission Meow foster parent?
It's important to understand that any cat coming into a new environment will need time to adjust. It could take weeks or longer for them to feel comfortable in your home. If you find the cat is not a good fit after an adjustment period, you can return it and we'll try to find another cat for you. Contact Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Coordinator, at 763-489-2228 or kanderson@animalhumanesociety.org for more information.

How much will it cost me to foster a cat for six months?
All you need to provide is a loving home. Animal Humane Society will provide a temporary cat carrier, food, litter, a litter box and cat toys.

What if I need more food or litter?
When you pick up your cat you'll receive a Mission Meow identification card. The identification card can be presented at the Incoming Animals desk at any of our five facilities for additional food and litter throughout the six-month foster period.

What can I get with the Mission Meow identification card?
The card allows you to replenish your supply of litter and cat food. Additional cat toys can also be provided. Please present your card at the incoming animals desk of any of our five facilities. The card can not be used for items sold in the adoption center.

Where do I pick up more food and litter?
You can pick up additional supplies at any of our five facilities. We are located in Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul and Woodbury.

How do I handle vet-related issues if they come up?
Please contact the shelter location where you picked up your cat if s/he is showing signs of illness. Veterinary services staff are available at the Animal Humane Society from:

8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Behavior concerns should be directed to Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Coordinator, at 763-489-2228 or kanderson@animalhumanesociety.org.

What if the cat gets out and I can't locate it?
Please take every measure possible to find your cat and bring it to your home safely. Each cat is microchipped to aid the Animal Humane Society in recovering him/her. If it is found and brought to an animal welfare organization or veterinarian's office, we'll be contacted.

Please contact Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Coordinator, at 763-489-2228 to report a missing cat.

What housing guidelines do I need to meet and follow to foster a cat?
All cats must be kept indoors and live as members of your family to ensure their safety and the consistent monitoring of their health and behavior. The loving care and attention you give your cat will help him/her continue to be friendly and social with people-qualities that will get the attention of future adopters.

Do I have to separate the cat from other animals in my home?
Initially, we ask that you provide a living space separate from your other animals for 7-10 days. This will help the cat adjust to a new environment and your pets adjust to a new roommate. The isolation period will allow you to observe the cat for any signs of illness, such as an upper respiratory infection, that can be triggered by the stress of moving into a new home.

The Mission Meow workshops will provide you with a foster parent manual that details how to introduce the cat to your other pets. These instructions will help facilitate a positive experience for the cat and the rest of your family (furry and otherwise).

How many cats can I take home through the program?
We recognize that already compatible pairs of cats will be less stressed by the transition to a new home if they have each other for company. You can take home two cats through the Mission Meow program if we have a compatible pair available.

I have children at home. What do I need to consider when bringing home a foster cat?
There are several things to consider from a parent's perspective. Do your children have experience with cats? Do they interact with animals in a gentle and safe manner? Would they enjoy the experience of having a feline houseguest?

From a cat's perspective, please know some cats have no experience with children and may be fearful of them. Others enjoy the attention of respectful children and will seek them out for play and physical contact. The best match is often a cat with a successful history with children and also one that is relaxed and engages children.

Background information on each cat will be available after the workshop to help you make the best choice for your family. Adult supervision of child/pet interactions is always important with any new animal you bring into your home.

How do I become a Mission Meow foster parent?
Becoming a Mission Meow foster parent is a three-step process. Before taking that initial step, please carefully consider the time and responsibility that goes into caring for an adult cat. If you'd like to discuss the opportunity, please contact us at 763-432-4826 or missionmeow@animalhumanesociety.org.

Once you've determined you're committed to becoming a foster parent, you'll need to complete the application and submit it to missionmeow@animalhumanesociety.org. We will contact you within one week for a phone interview to determine if you're qualified. Once approved, you'll be asked to attend one of the scheduled Mission Meow workshops to learn more about your specific duties and pick up your cat.

What are the workshop dates and times?
Please review our Workshop Information page. Weekday evenings and Saturday morning sessions are scheduled at each of our five locations.

What can I expect at the workshop?
The mandatory workshops provide you with an opportunity to learn the objectives of the program, foster parent expectations and information on caring for your cat. You'll be able to pick up your cat at the end of the workshop session.

What if I have a question or concern about the cat during the six-month foster period?
If health-related, please contact our veterinary services staff at the site where you picked up your cat. You can reach them by calling the General Info line. Otherwise, contact Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Coordinator, at 763-489-2228 or kanderson@animalhumanesociety.org.

What do I need to do to return the cat after the foster period?
A return date will be set at the time you pick up your cat. Please contact Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Coordinator, at 763-489-2228 or kanderson@animalhumanesociety.org prior to the expected return date to inform her that the cat is coming back. Cats must be brought back to the site where s/he was picked up.

How likely is it that the cat will be adopted when I return it?
The cats are deemed adoptable when they leave Animal Humane Society and go into foster care. Our goal is to place ALL Mission Meow cats into loving, permanent homes. However, it's important for foster parents to understand that a significant change in health or temperament may make it necessary to re-evaluate a cat's adoptability.

What if I want to keep the cat after the six-month period?
If you're interested in adopting your cat after the Mission Meow program, please contact Kelly Anderson, Mission Meow Coordinator, at 763-489-2228 to start the adoption process.

What are your admission and euthanasia policies?
We have an open admission policy and accept all animals brought to the shelter provided they have not bitten during the last 10 days. Each animal is evaluated for placement by qualified veterinary staff. The evaluation is based on a variety of factors, foremost of which are the animal's health and temperament. Animals deemed adoptable are placed in the adoption center to await a new home. We DO NOT impose a time limit on the animals available for adoption. They stay with us until adopted as long as they remain healthy and friendly. If the difficult decision is made to euthanize an animal, the procedure is humanely performed by certified veterinary staff.

What other foster or volunteer opportunities are available?
We always have great volunteer and foster opportunities available. To learn more, please review our Volunteer Program information, contact us at volunteer@animalhumanesociety.org or leave a message at 763-522-4325.