Fostering
Become a Foster
Fostering saves lives—and you can be the reason a dog gets their second chance.
Dog fosters are the single biggest need in the animal rescue world. When you foster, you give a dog the opportunity to leave the stressful shelter environment and decompress in a safe, loving home. That time out of the shelter allows their personality to shine through and increases their chances of adoption. Not only are you helping that dog—you’re also making space for another life to be saved.
Whether you can commit to a few days or a few months, there’s a way for you to get involved.
What Are My Responsibilities as a Foster?
As a foster, you’re a bridge between a dog’s past and their forever home. Here’s what we ask from our fosters:
- Provide a safe, loving home where the dog can decompress and feel secure.
- Assist with basic training, including crate training, house manners, and obedience.
- Help promote your foster dog by taking photos and sharing their story on social media or with friends.
- Bring your foster to monthly adoption events (typically once per month).
- Transport the dog to vet appointments if needed—we’ll coordinate everything in advance.
Don’t worry—you’re never alone! Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What Does the Rescue Cover?
While your role is to provide care and love, we’ve got the rest covered:
- All medical care and vet visits
- Flea/tick and heartworm prevention
- Any boarding or dog-sitting needs if you’re out of town
- Supplies (if needed) – While many fosters choose to provide food, toys, and treats, we’re happy to provide them if needed.
You’re never expected to cover expenses you’re not comfortable with. Just let us know what you need.
Types of Fosters
Long-Term Foster
You’ll care for a dog until they’re adopted. This can be anywhere from a week to several months, depending on the dog.
Short-Term Foster
A two-week commitment that gives a dog a break from the shelter while we get to know them. After two weeks, you can continue fostering or the dog may move to another foster or be adopted.
Respite Foster
Fill in when a long-term foster is out of town. This can be just a weekend or up to a week or more. It’s a great option if you can’t commit long-term but still want to help!
Foster FAQs
What if I go out of town?
No problem! Many of our fosters travel. Just give us advance notice, and we’ll arrange care for the dog at no cost to you.
What if my pets don’t get along with the foster dog?
We work hard to make the right match and schedule meet-and-greets to ensure compatibility. If it’s not a good fit, we’ll make alternate arrangements as quickly as possible.
What if I want to keep my foster dog?
Foster fails are our favorite kind of success stories! If your foster pup feels like part of the family, you’re welcome to adopt. You’ll go through the standard adoption process, pay the adoption fee, and officially welcome your new best friend home. (Just don’t forget to return any borrowed supplies so we can help the next pup in need!)
What do fosters pay for?
Typically, fosters cover food, treats, and toys—but we’re happy to provide anything you need. We never want finances to stand in the way of fostering.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Fostering is one of the most impactful things you can do for a dog in need. Whether you’re looking for a long-term companion or just want to help short-term, we’d love to have you on our team.
Apply to foster today—and help save a life.