Heartworm Foster to Adopt Program

Heart of Lion-Hazel

With the help of grant funding through #petcolove, Iredell County Animal Services is excited to offer a program to treat heartworm positive shelter dogs while they adjust to their new forever home.  

To qualify to foster to adopt a heartworm dog you must... 

-Have a big heart for helping the under dogs! Most of our heartworm positive dogs are large breed dogs that have spent their previous life outdoors. These dogs need love and patience with someone who will teach them how to snuggle on a couch, how to play with toys, and just live a happy dog life! 

-Complete a foster to adopt application and be approved Heartworm Foster to Adopt Application 

-Return animal to ICAS for medical appointments as scheduled by the veterinary team which include 3 visits over a 6 month period (2 drop off appointments 1 month apart and 1 final visit 4 months post injections) 

-Administer all medications as prescribed -Provide indoor housing with limited exercise (leash walks) during the course of treatment 

-You do NOT have to be a resident of Iredell County to foster as long as you can return for scheduled appointments!

heartworm-in-dogs-1

What's included in the treatment protocol (all dogs are current on core vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and microchipped)

-Antibiotics to weaken the adult heartworms before treatment

-3 injections to eliminate existing adult heartworms + oral steroid post treatment

-6 month supply of heartworm and flea/tick prevention 

-Fee waived adoption at the end of the treatment!!

Here are some informational links:


If you are interested in adopting a Heartworm-positive dog, please fill out and submit the following application form:

These are some of the dogs that are in or have completed the program: