Foster | Paws Wakefield MA

Open your heart & home

Become a Foster Parent

At PAWS our foster homes are the heart

of our mission. We are a volunteer-run,

foster-based, feline rescue, so we don't have a shelter building. Our "shelter" is a network of

loving homes like yours across Wakefield and surrounding North Shore communities.

When you foster a cat you give a vulnerable

animal the time, security, and personal attention they need to prepare for their forever family.

What do Fosters do ?

Fostering doesn’t require expert skills or a big home, just a safe environment for the cat or kittens. We handle the heavy lifting (veterinary bills, medical supplies and prescription food), you provide the everyday care including:

A Safe, Indoor Space: A quiet, indoor room (a spare bedroom or bathroom works well) where your foster can settle in comfortably until they are ready to access more of the home.

Food & Litter: Fresh regular food, water, and a clean litter box.

Love & Socialization: From helping a timid cat blossom to keeping up with a playful kitten, socialization is at the heart of fostering. Give your foster kitties the love, play, and cuddles they need to thrive.

Vet Visits & Transport: Bringing your foster cat to our partner vet clinics for routine check-ups, vaccines, or spay/neuter appointments.

Prep for Adoption: Snapping a few photos, sharing details about their personality, and welcoming approved adopters for a brief meet-and-greet at your home or our office.

Need Advice? You are never on your own! The PAWS team is always just a quick message away to answer questions, offer tips, or help with any needs along the way.

The Rewards of Fostering

Save Lives Directly: Fostering gives innocent cats a chance at a second life after surrender, rescue or abandonment.

Watch Them Thrive: Help a timid, injured or traumatized cat bloom into a confident, loving companion.

Flexible Companionship: Enjoy short-term feline company without a 15–20 year commitment.

Make a Difference: Bring joy to local families and give cats in need the second chance they deserve.

Who Can Foster?

You don't need experience to foster for PAWS. We match cats to your specific lifestyle, home environment, and experience level. You must be 18 years or older to foster.

Current Pet Owners: You can foster even if you already have pets. We simply ask that your resident pets are up to date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and that you have a separate room to keep your foster cat isolated during the initial transition period.

Fill Out an Application

Taking the first step is simple. Fill out our online Foster Application today, and a PAWS foster coordinator will reach out to discuss current needs and answer any questions.