Open your heart and home to a dog in need while we search for it’s forever home!
What is Fostering?
Rescue City is a foster-based rescue, meaning our dogs live in temporary foster homes instead of a shelter. We do not have a physical shelter location to house dogs. Foster homes give dogs a safe place to decompress, learn what life in a home is like, and prepare for adoption. Every foster makes room for us to rescue another dog in need.
Our Foster Process
Foster FAQ
1. What are my responsibilities as a foster?
As a foster, you provide a safe temporary home, love, day to day care, basic training, crate training, and transportation to necessary veterinary appointments.
Rescue City provides essential supplies and covers approved veterinary care, along with resources and support from our team throughout your foster experience. All foster dogs eat a grain-free diet provided by Rescue City. If food needs to be replenished, pickup is available in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Our veterinary partners are located throughout Brooklyn. Puppies may need appointments to complete their vaccine series, while many adult dogs will not require additional vet visits during their foster stay. While rescue city covers the cost of all essential vetting, fosters are responsible for transporting their foster dogs to and from appointments and events.
2. 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!
3. How long will I foster?
We ask fosters to commit to 2-3 weeks. Some dogs are adopted sooner, while others may need a little longer.
If you know you have travel plans or a specific end date, just let us know in advance. Life happens, we simply ask for enough notice to arrange another foster home before your dog needs to move.
4. 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.
5. Do you know my foster dog’s backstory?
Usually, no. In most cases, we know very little about a dog’s life before they come into our care. Many of our dogs are found as strays, while others are surrendered to a shelter. If we do have important information about your foster dog’s history, personality, or medical needs, we’ll always share everything we know before they come home with you.
6. 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!
7. Can I foster to adopt?
Fostering and Foster-to-Adopt are two different programs. Thinking you may want to adopt? If you’d like the option to adopt your foster dog, you must apply and be approved for our Foster-to-Adopt program before your foster placement begins. Please complete the application here: rescuecity.nyc/foster-to-adopt
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.
