Open your heart and home to a dog in need while we search for it’s forever home!
What is Fostering
Change Two Lives
When you foster, you save two lives; the dog you’re fostering and the one you just made space for in the shelter!
Increase Adoptions
Give a dog more visibility by showing potential adopters what their life with that dog will be like!
Join a Community
Join a supportive community of animal lovers who are excited to change lives!
Foster Requirements
- Must love dogs!
- Excited and willing to learn and grow with your foster dog.
- Able to commit to up to 8 weeks at a time.
- Can assist with transporting your foster to our vet or events as needed.
Our Foster Process
Foster Resources
Training Resources
Find resources for training your rescue dog, including local trainers and tips for housebreaking and obedience.
Community Support
Connect with other rescue dog owners through local dog parts, meetups, and volunteer opportunities.
Health and Wellness
Access information on recommended veterinarians, pet insurance providers, and nutrition guides to keep your furry friend healthy.
Food Recommendations
Connect with other rescue dog owners through local dog parts, meetups, and volunteer opportunities.
All Resources
Foster FAQ
1. What are my responsibilities as a foster?
Foster responsibilities include providing food, water, a loving home, exercise, and mental stimulation, bringing the dog to veterinary appointments and administering medications, and training the dog with guidance from the rescue organization.
2. Does it cost money to foster?
Yes and no. Most of our Foster-Parents provide supplies for their foster dogs, and take advantage of writing off the purchases as tax-deductible donations. However, Rescue City is more than happy to step in and provide items such as crate, food, training pads, toys, etc. to help during the foster period. Rescue City covers all medical care expenses incurred during fostering, including scheduled medical procedures as well as unexpected incidents and emergencies (given that the incident is not caused by a foster’s own conduct). Our organization also covers the costs of any formal training it deems necessary for behavioral rehabilitation. All you’d need to do is bring them in for appointments (your schedules and availability will be taken into consideration when scheduling).
3. How long does a foster arrangement typically last?
We require rescues to spend a minimum period of time, usually 4 weeks, in a foster home before being assigned a forever home, even if the fosters will ultimately be adopted. This time is necessary to conduct full and thorough medical and behavioral assessments post decompression period, including running medical tests and learning more about a dog’s general temperament and specific characteristics.
4. What is fostering?
Fostering is the temporary commitment of dog ownership! We provide the necessary supplies to get started, you provide a home, love, safety and security to a dog who is looking for their forever home!
5. What are my responsibilities as a foster?
As a Rescue City foster, your job is to love, care for and provide shelter for a dog in need. Some dogs may require trips to their vet appointments, administering medication, and training with guidance and resources from us!
6. Does it Cost Money to Foster?
Yes and no. Most of our foster parents provide supplies for their foster dogs, and take advantage of writing off the purchases as tax-deductible donations. However, Rescue City is more than happy to step in and provide necessary items such as a crate, food, pee pads, toys, etc. to help during the foster period. Rescue City covers all medical care expenses incurred during fostering, including scheduled medical procedures as well as unexpected incidents and emergencies (given that the incident is not caused by a foster’s own conduct). Our organization also covers the costs of any formal training it deems necessary for behavioral rehabilitation. All you’d need to do is bring them in for appointments (your schedules and availability will be taken into consideration when scheduling).
7. How Long is the Foster Commitment?
It is impossible to predict when the perfect family will apply for each dog, but we ask our foster to commit to up to 8 weeks.
8. How Do I Get Matched With a Foster Dog?
Prior to intakes, we send out emails of the dog(s) we have in need of a foster home! If there is one you are interested and available for, reach out to us to let us know and the foster team will confirm the placement is good based on your experience, abilities and availability.
9. I already have a dog/cat, can I still foster?
Yes! We love resident pets! Rescue City will make a conscious effort to pair you with a foster that will be a good match for your resident pet as well! We require all resident dogs to meet foster dogs at our intakes.
10. What Challenges Can I Expect During the Foster Period?
Alot! Or… maybe none! Fostering is a bit of a risk; an exciting one, we like to say! We do our best to give you as much history and information on your pup as possible, but there will always be unknowns. We work closely with each of our fosters to make sure they have a library of resources and continual guidance through any situation that may arise. While we cannot predict exactly what you may go through, we know how to navigate through dog guardianship and everything that comes with it!
Didn’t find the answer?
Rescue City Happy Tails
”I had the pleasure of fostering six wonderful pups. Rescue City supplied me with everything the pups needed. It makes my heart full to know they have two wonderful furever families. Can’t wait to meet my next two this weekend. If you can please foster/adopt it is the best feeling knowing you saved a life.
Kara Simmons
”I love Rescue City! We had our first foster here in this organization. The process is very smooth. They provided everything. Foster team and medical team are always very helpful. Thank you Stella for always respond to our needs. We will miss Fresno but we know you placed him to a very lovely family.
Christine Lajato
Looking For Other Options?
Foster to Adopt
Consider fostering to adopt if you’re not ready to make a permanent commitment, allowing you to get to know a potential furry family member before making a final decision.
