Foster & Volunteer in Yuma
We are 100% volunteer-run β no one here earns a salary or stipend. Without people like you, we couldn't save the hundreds of lives we do each year. Whether you have a spare room or a few spare hours β you can make a real, measurable difference for Yuma's animals.
The Power of Fostering
Fostering is the backbone of our rescue. By opening your home, you free up space in overcrowded shelters and give a pet the chance to decompress, heal, and show their true personality in a loving environment.
Research in animal behavior confirms that shelter animals experience chronic cortisol elevation β the "stress hormone" β while foster-based animals show normalized hormone levels, improved immune response, and significantly better socialization (Hennessy et al., 2001). Your home is literally medicine.
Foster animals are adopted faster, arrive at their forever homes healthier and better-adjusted, and form stronger bonds with their new families. And the science of prosocial behavior shows that caregiving activates reward pathways in the human brain β you benefit too.
"Fostering is the most rewarding thing I've ever done β and I've fostered 14 pets!"
β Jennifer R., YHBR Foster ParentFoster-to-Adopt: Love Now, Adopt Later
Some animals arrive with us before they're fully ready for adoption β they may still need their spay/neuter surgery or to complete their vaccination series. For these pets, we offer our foster-to-adopt pathway.
You Foster First
The animal moves into your home right away. You care for them, love them, and help them settle in β while we complete their medical needs.
We Handle the Medical
YHBR covers all vet costs β spay/neuter, vaccinations, and any other needed care. You don't pay a thing while fostering.
Adoption is Finalized
Once the animal is fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered, adoption is officially completed. No waiting periods, no surprises β just a seamless transition.
Questions about foster-to-adopt? Contact us and we'll walk you through the process.
What to Expect as a YHBR Foster
We make fostering as easy and supported as possible. Here's how the process works from application to completion.
Apply Online
Complete our foster interest form below. Tell us about your home, experience with pets, and what types of animals you're comfortable caring for.
Orientation Call
A team member will reach out for a quick phone or video call to match you with the right animal and answer all your questions.
Meet Your Foster
We'll arrange a meet-and-greet and set you up with all supplies, food, and medical records for your new temporary housemate.
Love & Care
Provide a loving, safe environment. Send us updates and photos (we love them!). Our team is just a text away if you need support.
Volunteer Opportunities in Yuma
Can't foster right now? No problem. We have roles for volunteers of every availability and skill level. Every hour you give saves a life β and research confirms that volunteering increases life satisfaction, reduces loneliness, and builds a sense of purpose.
Adoption Events
Assist at our weekly adoption events and community outreach programs in Yuma. A great role for social, animal-loving volunteers who want to help make the adoption match happen in person.
Shelter Volunteers
Help care for our cats at the shelter location. Samantha Wilder coordinates daily care and meet-and-greets β join her team to make sure every cat gets the attention and enrichment they deserve.
Pet Photography & Admin
A great photo can be the difference between a quick adoption and a long wait. Help our animals shine online β or assist with writing bios, processing applications, and answering inquiries.
Fundraising
Help organize bake sales, community drives, online fundraisers, or corporate outreach to fund our medical care programs and day-to-day operations.
From Our Volunteers
"I started fostering as a way to 'try' having a pet. Three years and 14 foster animals later, I've officially adopted two of them and I'm more passionate about rescue than ever. YHBR is family."β Jennifer R., YHBR Foster Parent, Yuma
"Volunteering at adoption events on weekends is the highlight of my week. Watching a scared animal walk out with their new family is the most meaningful thing I do with my time."β Carlos M., YHBR Event Volunteer
"As someone who works in social media, I was thrilled to put my skills to use for a cause I care about. Helping YHBR's animals get seen and adopted is the best 'unpaid gig' I've ever had."β Priya S., YHBR Social Media Volunteer
Manage Your Volunteer Profile
YHBR uses RescueBase to coordinate volunteers, schedule shifts, and track foster assignments. Sign up or log in to get started.
RescueBase β Volunteer & Foster Portal
Track your hours, sign up for shifts, manage your foster assignments, and stay connected with the YHBR team β all in one place. Launched in 2026.
Foster Interest Form
Ready to open your home? Fill out this form and our team will reach out within 2β3 business days.
Volunteer Interest Form
Want to give your time but not ready to foster? Tell us how you'd like to help and we'll match you with the right opportunity.
Stay in the Loop πΎ
New animals, events, and rescue news β straight to your inbox.