Open your heart and home. Save a dog’s life today.
Shelters across the United States face unprecedented kennel shortages. Fostering provides the bridge between kennel stress and a permanent home, while volunteers keep shelter tails wagging every single day.
How Fostering Works
When you foster, you give a shelter dog a peaceful environment to decompress and reveal their true personality. Most foster commitments last between 2 weeks and 2 months.
What the Shelter Provides
- All dog food, treats, and bowl supplies
- Approved crates, leashes, harnesses, and bedding
- Complete veterinary care, prescription medications, and flea/heartworm prevention
- Guidance and 24/7 foster support coordinators
What You Provide
- A safe, loving, indoor living space
- Basic daily exercise, routine, and positive socialization
- Observations on household manners (e.g. house-training progress, crate comfort)
- Warmth and patience as they learn to trust
Ways to Volunteer Beyond Fostering
Every skill is valuable. Whether you have two hours on the weekend or a passion for photography, rescues need you.
Dog Walking & Enrichment
Give shelter dogs fresh air, play sessions, trail walks, and sensory stimulation that keep their spirits high.
Photography & Creative Storytelling
A single beautiful portrait and heartfelt bio can dramatically reduce a dog’s wait time for an adoptive home.
Transport & Event Logistics
Help drive dogs to vet appointments, foster homes, and community weekend adoption meet-and-greets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I work full-time or live in an apartment?
Yes! Many dogs are perfectly happy with a calm apartment lifestyle and modest daily walks. Shelters match dogs based on your living situation, work schedule, and yard access.
What if I fall in love with my foster dog?
“Foster failing” (adopting your foster pet) happens all the time and is warmly celebrated! Most organizations give the foster family the first opportunity to adopt if they feel it is a mutual match.
What if my resident dog or cat doesn’t get along with the foster?
Shelters conduct behavioral assessments and will help you conduct gradual, safe introductions. If a placement does not work out, the organization will safely transition the dog to another foster home.
Does DogShelter.com coordinate foster applications directly?
No. DogShelter.com connects you with organizations in your area. Each shelter manages their own foster orientations, applications, and supplies.