We’re so excited to have you as part of our lifesaving team! Here are some tools and tips that you can refer to while you are fostering a pet for us.

EMAIL: EPASFoster@elpasotexas.gov
PHONE: (915) 212-8732

YOUR FOSTER TEAM

Marc Chavez | Adoptions Coordinator | (915) 820-4264
Joe Cortez | Community Programs Manager | (915) 218-8176 | cortezja1@elpasotexas.gov

We’d love for you to join our Facebook page to meet other EPAS fosters. You can share your pet’s photos on the page, ask questions, and communicate with other foster families.

This is a great resource for new fosters and includes marketing tips, how to get your pet adopted, medical and behavior resources, and much more.

Getting down on your foster pet’s level will create more personal portraits and highlight their unique features. 

Most cellphones have a burst or portrait mode, use these to your advantage! These modes work best when there is plenty of light, so consider using them when you’re by a window or outside. 

Making noise or using a toy is a great way to get your pet’s attention and get them to look at the camera. Make sure you’re ready to snap a photo when they are looking—you might even catch them in an adorable head tilt! 

Some of the best photos come from an environment that’s well-lit and uncluttered. If there are too many objects in the background, it can take away the focus from your foster pet, and a dimly lit photo can come out grainy. 

Use key moments throughout the day to capture their true personality—nap time to show their calm side, and playtime to show their goofy side. Bonus tip: put their bed by a window to get good lighting!

Our Marketing Team is happy to share your foster pet’s photos and videos to help get them adopted. Be sure to tag us on social media!

Email your photos to EPASContent@elpasotexas.gov and fill out your foster pet’s bio in the link below:

We’re working on a Foster Social Media Kit to help you market your foster pet—stay tuned!

We’re here to help! If you’re in need of training or behavior advice for your fosters, contact our Training & Enrichment Coordinators at EPASTrainers@elpasotexas.gov. We also host a weekly video series on our Facebook page called Waggin’ Wednesday, where we chat about frequent training questions that’s helpful for any pet owner!

Cats & Kittens

Cat Body Language →
Cat/Cat Introductions →
How Cats Learn →
Scent Enrichment for Cats →
Clicker Train Your Cat →
Introducing New Cats Into Your Home →
Litter Training Your Kittens →

Dogs & Puppies

About Dog Decompression →
Dog Body Language →
Dog/Dog Introductions →
Dog/Cat Introductions →
Crate Training →
Multidog Household Management →
Housetraining →
Loose-Leash Walking →
Separation Anxiety →
Resource Guarding →
Barking →
Destructive Chewing →
Helping Fearful Dogs →
Dog Enrichment Activities →

Thank you for fostering a shelter pet! We are here to support you in caring for your foster. Here are some great resources to help keep them healthy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our Foster Team or the Foster Facebook Community. 

Cats & Kittens

Syringe Feeding Kittens →
Fading Kitten Syndrom →
Fading Kitten Protocol →
About Ringworm →
About URI →
About Parvovirus/Panleukopenia →
About Calicivirus →
Aging Kittens →
Cleaning & Disinfecting Foster Homes →
Maddie’s Fund Kitten Resource List →
Kitten Lady How-To Videos →
Kitten Stool Chart →

Dogs & Puppies

About Kennel Cough →
About Distemper →
About Parvovirus →
About Heartworm →
Dog Poop Chart →
Signs Your Pet is in Pain →

MY FOSTER PET IS SICK, WHAT DO I DO?

If it is an emergency (seizing, bloody diarrhea, not eating, regular vomiting), and it is after hours, please call our foster team at Valentin: (915) 478-7527 Kyla (915) 478-8876. If it is not emergent and can wait until the following day, please contact the foster line next business day at (915) 212-8732. 

CAN I TAKE MY FOSTER TO MY PERSONAL VET? 

You can, however we will not be able to reimburse you for any expenses that may occur, which is why we strongly encourage scheduling appointments with our medical team.

MY FOSTER HAS BLOOD IN THEIR STOOL.

A little bit of blood in the stool shortly after going into a new environment—the change of food or location can be stressful. However, if it persists or if your pet has a large amount of blood and diarrhea, please contact the foster team to schedule a veterinary appointment. 

MY FOSTER PET NEEDS VACCINE BOOSTERS

You can visit us at the shelter as a walk-in basis, seven days a week from 11 am to 6 pm (hours can change depending on holidays)