Meet our Foster Care Lead, Bradley Barton! Bradley oversees the shelter’s dog, cat, and critters foster programs. 

Q. What does a day in your life at the shelter look like?

Every day is different! I may be answering emails, doing phone consultations with prospective fosters and adopters, providing behavioral support for foster parents, coordinating medical treatment with the veterinary team, onboarding new foster parents, or even caring for animals directly.

Q. What made you want to work at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County?

I wanted to work where I could do the most good. As one of the largest open admission shelters in the state of Washington, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s mission spoke to me.

Q. Why are you so passionate about the work we do? 

Of course, I want to help animals and I believe that foster care is the future of animal welfare. It’s so much better for the animals! Not only is it less stressful for the pets, but we also learn so much more about them. That allows us to better set them up for success in their forever homes. 

Q. What’s your favorite part of working here? 

 I just love the happy ending. Seeing an unwanted pet go on to make a huge difference in someone’s life makes all the hard work worth it. 

Q. Any stories you would like to share?

Every foster pet stays with me, but one story that stands out is Trinket’s. She started giving birth to a litter of puppies in a van on the way to the shelter, eventually having 5 puppies. We reached out for an immediate foster, and a foster parent answered the call and opened up her home to Trinket and her puppies. Although it was hard work, she saw it through and they all found homes. The foster parent still fosters with us to this day! 

Interested in a career at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County? Check out our careers page for opportunities and apply today!

Source: The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County