Fostering with SWRC

At Snow White's Rescue Cottage, our foster program is essential in providing high-quality care and a loving environment for our hamsters. We focus on lifelong fosters, best described as "adoption with a backup plan."

Why Our Program is Structured This Way:

• Overpopulation: SoCal has an ENORMOUS dwarf hamster overpopulation problem. There are simply more dwarf hamsters than there are people who want them. Short-term fostering isn't feasible as it’s extremely unlikely that we'll find a permanent home quickly, nor will we be able to make room in the rescue for their return.
• Aging: Hamsters are short-lived animals. Fostering a hamster for just 4 weeks is equivalent to them aging 4 human years. When older hamsters are returned, they are less likely to be adopted.

Foster Options:

• Lifelong Fosters: For those willing to commit to the foreseeable future, you can foster any one (or more!) of our amazing squad. You will (hopefully) provide a stable and loving home for the rest of their lives, ensuring they experience the love and care they deserve. If things do change, we have your back! The hamster can return at any time.
• Golden Fosters: If you’re on a shorter timeline and/or have a giant heart, consider fostering our senior hamsters. Give them brighter days filled with love and attention during their golden years. Most of our hamsters end up spending their entire lives in rescue. Your work as a Golden Foster gives a special hamster a chance to experience the love of a family in their lifetime.

Your Role as a Foster:

• Commitment to Care: We ask our lifelong fosters to provide a stable home for the rest of the hamster’s life, with the understanding that we are your backup plan if anything is needed. By fostering with us, you become a special person who shows these creatures unique love, family, and personal attention that they might never experience otherwise.

Our Role:

• Customizable Support: Some people want more or less input from us. It's completely up to you! As much as you request, we can provide:
  • All supplies needed
  • Veterinary care
  • Transport
  • Lifelong support with questions, supplies, and more!

Ready to Foster?

Submit a foster application to start the process! The hamsters and the humans at Snow White's Rescue Cottage would be incredibly grateful for your help.