MARION COUNTY-

  Marion County is celebrating Florida week for animals by fostering hope for homeless cats and dogs.

 Foster parents are needed for animals that are too young, too sick or need recovery time after surgery.
 Generally each animal has to be fostered only for a couple of weeks.

"Fostering an animal is a shorter time committment . So perhaps your are going to be moving in the next year or so and you don't think you can take on that long term commitment or adopting a pet. You can take an animal for a couple of weeks and then give it a chance to go to a future permanent home," said Elaine McClain who is theMarion County spokesperson.

 You have to be at least 18 years of age and are required to submit an application.
 You can do that online at or by visiting the animal center in Marion County.