Fostering with the Houston SPCA: My Experience + Why You Should Try It
I’ve been wanting to foster a kitten for a few years now, and recently I finally had the time and space to do it. Life slowed down a little, and I figured — there’s no better time than now to open my home (and my heart) to a little one who needs it.
When I signed up through the Houston SPCA, I was originally matched with a tiny three-week-old kitten named Mr. Pickles. But when I arrived to pick him up, the vet techs told me he was too sick to leave their care just yet. I still think about him and hope he’s doing okay — I’m planning to ask about him the next time I go back.
That’s when I met Bella. She was a seven-week-old kitten — timid, shy, and clearly unsure of what was happening. She really was a little “scaredy-cat.” I could tell she’d been missing out on a lot of love, and I was ready to give her everything I had.
That first week was all about building trust. I spent my days showering her with love, talking to her softly, and letting her explore at her own pace. Slowly but surely, she began to realize she was safe — and that’s when her personality bloomed. Within days, the shy little kitten hiding under the bed became this sweet, playful, and curious ball of energy who followed me everywhere.
How It Started — The Decision to Foster
Fostering had been on my mind for a long time. I’d talked about doing it for years, but life always felt too busy, too chaotic, or too unpredictable to commit. After a few big changes recently, I suddenly found myself with more free time — and that little nudge inside me said, “Okay, now’s the time to pull the trigger.”
The process was surprisingly simple. I filled out a quick online form through the Houston SPCA, watched a few short videos about fostering and animal care, and before I knew it, I was officially part of the Fostering Family!
I’ll be honest — I was nervous to bring Bella home. Not because I doubted I could care for her, but because I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to give her back. I’d heard so many stories about “foster fails” — when you fall in love and end up adopting your foster animal instead of letting them go — and I still think that might be me someday. But for now, I know that fostering means I get to keep giving love to animals who need it most, one at a time, until they find their forever homes.
Since Bella was my first foster, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the Houston SPCA made everything easy and supportive. We had weekly checkups where they tracked her weight and gave her vaccines, and they have a 24/7 foster helpline in case you ever have questions or concerns. They even send regular emails with updates and lists of animals currently in need of fosters, which makes it so easy to jump back in when you’re ready for your next one.
The Day-to-Day — What Fostering Is Really Like
Since Bella was already seven weeks old when I brought her home, she made things a little easier on me. She was already litter-box trained and eating kitten kibble, which was a huge relief for a first-time foster mom.
At first, she spent most of her time on the couch — that’s where I was during the day, and I think it made her feel safest. After about three days, though, she finally decided she trusted me enough to sleep in the bed with me. That moment felt like such a small but sweet victory.
She’s an excellent sleeper, which honestly surprised me. She’d get up a couple of times at night for water or a bathroom break, but she always came back to curl up beside me. Kittens sleep around 18 to 20 hours a day, which is both adorable and convenient. Bella would get these little bursts of energy — we’d play for a bit, then she’d curl up for a nap, and a few hours later, she’d pop up ready to do it all over again.
During her second week with me, she came down with an upper respiratory infection, which is really common for kittens since their immune systems are still developing. It can happen just from the stress of a new environment. At her eight-week checkup, the SPCA team caught it right away and sent us home with medicine: a probiotic I mixed into her food and two liquid prescriptions I had to give her by syringe — which she was not thrilled about.
Giving her medication twice a day for two weeks wasn’t easy (and I definitely got a few tiny scratches out of it), but I could tell it was helping. She’s finally starting to feel better and has more energy than ever. Seeing her playful and curious again has been so encouraging.
Despite getting sick, Bella’s personality has really blossomed. She’s spunky, endlessly curious, and insists on following me everywhere. Anytime there’s a new sound, she has to investigate. If I bring home a new toy, she’s on it immediately.
Fostering can be a lot of work — but it’s so worth it. Having Bella here has been good for my own sanity too. It’s taught me patience, kindness, and responsibility in a way I haven’t experienced in a long time. And when I think about the alternative — her sitting stressed out in a kennel, without space to run or play or just be a kitten — I know she’s better off here, even if only for a little while.
The Hard Part — Saying Goodbye
This week, I’ll be bringing Bella back to the Houston SPCA for her spay surgery — and then she’ll officially be ready for adoption. I know that day is going to be tough. The house will feel quieter, and I’ll probably keep glancing toward the couch expecting to see her curled up there.
But as sad as it will be, I know this is what fostering is all about — giving an animal a safe place to grow and be loved until they’re ready for their forever home. And Bella is so ready. She’s an absolute angel, and any family that adopts her will be incredibly lucky. I don’t have a single doubt she’ll be scooped up quickly.
I’ve already decided that when I drop Bella off, I’ll be bringing home another kitten that same day. It’ll help fill the quiet, and more importantly, it means I get to give another little one the same chance Bella had.
It’s bittersweet, of course. You can’t help but get attached — that’s the whole point. You’re supposed to love them hard and then let them go so you can love the next one. It’s the best kind of heartbreak: the kind that makes room for more compassion.
Why I’d Do It Again (and Why You Should Too)
Fostering has reminded me how much love and patience I have to give — not just to others, but to myself. It’s taught me that healing and growth can happen in small, quiet moments, like watching a scared kitten finally curl up next to you or play for the first time. Animals don’t ask for much — just safety, comfort, and consistency — and sometimes that’s exactly what we need, too.
If I had to describe fostering to someone who’s never done it before, I’d say it’s a mix between temporary parenting and therapy. You’re giving an animal a soft place to land, teaching them that the world can be kind. It’s not always glamorous — there’s litter to scoop and medicine to give — but every bit of it feels meaningful. Watching a tiny, timid animal transform into a confident, loving little soul is one of the most rewarding things you can experience.
What surprised me most was how quickly I got attached, but also how supported I felt through the whole process. The Houston SPCA makes it easy and approachable — they’re always there with guidance and resources. And honestly, I’m still amazed by how resilient these animals are. Even after rough starts, they still find a way to trust, to play, and to love again.
If you’ve ever thought about fostering, my advice is simple: just try it. Even once. You don’t need a big space or tons of experience — you just need to care. That’s it. You’ll make a huge difference for one little life, and in return, it’ll change you in ways you might not expect.
I already know I’ll keep fostering. I’ve found something that brings me so much purpose and joy. Every time one animal leaves for their forever home, it opens up space for me to say yes to the next one — another little soul who deserves to feel safe and loved. And that, to me, feels like the best kind of purpose.
How to Get Involved with the Houston SPCA
If reading about Bella’s story has you thinking about fostering, here’s how you can take the first step — or even just dip your toe into helping animals in Houston:
Become a Foster Parent
The Houston SPCA is always looking for fosters — whether you can help for a weekend or a few weeks. You can learn more or apply online here:
Fostering helps free up space in the shelter and gives animals a safe, calm environment to grow and heal until they find their forever homes.
Volunteer
If you’re not ready to foster yet, volunteering is another amazing way to get involved. The SPCA offers roles ranging from animal care and adoption support to community outreach.
Learn more or sign up here:
Adopt or Donate
Every contribution — big or small — helps.
Adopt — give a forever home to an animal in need.
Donate — support medical care, supplies, and shelter operations that make fostering possible.
Even sharing posts from Houston SPCA’s social pages can help animals get adopted faster!
💛 The Final Buzz
Fostering Bella has been one of the most heartwarming experiences I’ve ever had. It’s given me a new sense of perspective, routine, and compassion — and I can’t imagine not doing it again.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to foster, take this as your sign. There are so many animals waiting for someone like you — someone who’s willing to open their home, even for a little while.
You can learn more or sign up through Houston SPCA’s Foster Program. You never know — it might just fill your home (and your heart) in ways you didn’t see coming.
With love + a little Houston buzz,
Claire 🐝💛
Curious about the sweet face behind this story? Click here to see Bella’s photo gallery — the kitten who started it all. 💛