How to Foster a Dog at Your Home

You’ve probably seen the posts online: animal rescues and shelters asking for fosters to help pets desperately in need of homes. If you’ve wanted to help, but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. 

It does take a little research to get started, but the good news is that most rescue organizations have systems in place that streamline the process, making it fairly easy for those who want to help. With a little training and some background information, you can set up your home to start fostering dogs through your local rescue or shelter. 

What does fostering a dog mean?

Fostering dogs means you provide a temporary place in your home for adoptable pets. Becoming a foster home for dogs gives pups a break from the stress of the shelter, frees up space for more animals to be saved, and helps adoptable pets meet more potential new families. 

Many new fosters have a good idea of what fostering entails, but it’s also important to cover what fostering a dog does not include. 

For instance, you are not solely responsible for finding an adopter for your foster pup. Your foster organization should be taking adoption applications and letting you know when someone is interested in adopting your pet. While you may need to attend some events and adoption meetings, it’s not all on you. 

You’re also not expected, or required, to keep fostering if you experience something like a move, a lifestyle change, or a transportation setback. Part of being a foster parent means that you are simply giving the dog a place to live and providing them with a loving environment — but without the long-term commitment.

Ana Luz Crespi / Stocksy/

Why foster dogs?

So, why do shelters and rescues place dogs in foster homes when they are often set up to take great care of animals on site? The fact is, there are a lot of ways being in a foster home helps an adoptable pet. 

They can show their true colors 

Many dogs get stressed in shelters, and when animals are stressed, they often exhibit behaviors that aren’t “normal” for them. A dog who barks and growls in a shelter enclosure may soften up and become a cuddle bug within a few days of arriving at their foster home. 

It’s a training opportunity 

Although many shelters do have great resources, they rarely have enough personnel and volunteers to give each dog the attention and training they need. Bringing a foster dog into your home will shine a light on behavioral issues they may have, which may require some training. Plus, you can teach them a few fun tricks to add to their resume for adoption. 

It’s fun for you, too 

Fostering dogs can be a blast. Don’t get us wrong — it’s not always a breeze, but it’s a great way to get to know a new pup. Whether they enjoy play dates with other pets or solo walks in the park with you, fostering dogs will bring some extra joy into your life, especially when they show you how grateful they are for your love.

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How to become a foster home for dogs

Once you’re ready to become a dog foster, you’ll need to take a few steps. Here’s a quick timeline of what to expect. 

1. Research foster requirements: Find out what the shelter or rescue requires of its foster parents. For instance, they’ll usually ask that a foster parent be at least 18 years old, live in a residence that allows pets, have a reliable form of transportation, have time to take care of the pet, follow shelter guidelines (including diet and training methods), and provide a safe, secure home for the pet. Some rescues may require you to have a fenced yard, but most shelters are OK knowing that your foster dog will get plenty of exercise and outdoor time. Find the foster program that works best with your lifestyle. 

2. Apply to your chosen program: The application process and timeline can vary quite a bit between organizations. Some shelters and rescues require a home visit. Others ask that you attend in-person training. Once you meet all the requirements, you’re ready to get started. 

3. Speak with your foster coordinator: Your coordinator will set you up with everything you need. You’ll likely get a crate or kennel, food, supplies, toys, and more. Then, they’ll match you with your first foster. Depending on your situation, you may need to hold a meet-and-greet with your existing pets or family members.

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What to expect when fostering a dog at home

Once your new guest starts settling into their foster home, this is what you can expect. 

Adjustment periods 

There’s typically an adjustment period while the dog gets used to your home and routine. Puppies, adult dogs, and fospice dogs all have different needs. They may be a little shy at first, especially if they’ve come from a stressful environment. If your foster dog came from a traumatic situation like a hoarding case or a puppy mill, this adjustment period can be more intense. It’s common for a dog to take a few days to adjust, so don’t worry if they aren’t showing you their big personality right off the bat. 

Routine set-up

It’s important to set up a routine to help your foster dog adjust to life in a home. This includes regular meal and potty times, as well as exercise and social opportunities. You should also coordinate with your shelter or rescue to ensure they receive proper vet care and medications. 

Foster timeline expectations

How long will you have your foster dog? Timelines can vary quite a bit, depending on the situation. A typical foster stay ranges from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. But you could have a foster for as short as a day, or as long as a number of years, depending on adopter interest. Some people even become hospice fosters, taking in animals who are older or have serious medical conditions, to give them a comfy place to live out their last days. 

Meet and greets

You may be asked to bring your foster dog to adoption events or to set up meetings with potential adopters. If you’re meeting with people you don’t know, it’s usually a good idea to meet in a public place for everyone’s safety. Just be sure to choose a location where your dog can be comfortable, and there isn’t too much chaos from crowds or noise. 

Saying goodbyes 

Letting go of a foster dog can be bittersweet, especially if you’ve had them for a long time. You’ve created a bond and helped them through a big transition, and it’s normal to feel a little sad when they move on to their forever home. Speak with your organization about whether it’s OK to ask adopters to keep in touch, so you can get updates on how the pup is doing.

Do you get paid for fostering a dog?

No, you don’t get paid for fostering a dog (unless you count getting paid in cuddles and kisses). But fostering typically doesn’t cost you anything other than gas, money, and time. A shelter or rescue normally provides everything you need to foster a dog, from collars, leashes, and food bowls to toys, beds, and treats. 

They’ll also cover special training and any medical attention your foster pet might need. If you’re heading out of town, they’ll also make arrangements on your behalf so you don’t have to pay for a pet sitter. 

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Are you ready to be a foster home for dogs?

Now that you’re familiar with the requirements and the process, it’s time to decide if you’re ready to become a foster-pup parent. Here are a few final considerations. 

• Make sure you have the time: Even though you aren’t adopting a dog, any pet living in your home deserves to be treated as a full-fledged family member. This means keeping a regular schedule, ensuring they get enough exercise, and making time for adoption events and meet-and-greets with potential adopters. 

• Study up on training: Some foster dogs don’t need much training, but others require a foster parent with a lot of experience. Be sure to chat with your foster coordinator about your experience level and what you’re comfortable with. 

• Know the expected financial obligations: You’ll probably be expected to pay for the transportation of your foster dog to and from medical appointments, adoption-related outings, and meet-and-greets with potential adopters. In some instances, you may be required to pay for pet-sitting or boarding, but this depends on the policies in place at the shelter or rescue. Don’t forget to have a conversation about financial expectations before taking on a foster dog. 

Commonly asked questions

How long do you keep a foster dog? 

The length of time you have a foster dog can vary. Some dogs are adopted within days, and others may take years to find a home. Your coordinator will try to match you with a dog based on your availability and comfort level. For example, a college student who goes home for the summer will likely be paired with a dog who is expected to be adopted quickly. If you can’t commit to full-time fostering, ask about temporary foster homes for dogs. These relief foster homes provide help on weekends or breaks when regular fosters are out of town. 

What happens if my foster dog doesn’t get along with my pets? 

It’s best to do a meet-and-greet with your existing pets before bringing a foster into your home. However, if issues arise once your foster is already home, you can contact your rescue or shelter to make other arrangements. Keep in mind that this may take some time, so have space set aside if the pets need to be separated.

Can I adopt my foster dog? 

You may have heard the term “foster fail” before — it refers to a foster parent who ends up keeping their foster pet. While most rescue organizations do allow this, this is not typically encouraged, especially if it’s your first time fostering. That’s because the organization is investing money and time to set up your home, providing resources for your foster dog. Many people stop fostering once they adopt, which can be difficult for a rescue or shelter that needs foster homes for their pets. 

References

Are Sleepovers and Short-Term Fostering Good or Bad for Shelter Dogs?» Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2019/07/25/short-term.

“Foster a Pet.” Saltlakecounty.gov, 6 June 2022, www.saltlakecounty.gov/animal-services/get-involved/foster-a-pet. 

“Foster Care Is the New Shelter: Keep Animals in the Community — Here’s How | Gimme Shelter, MSMP Blog and News.” Cornell.edu, 2025, blogs.cornell.edu/cornellsheltermedicine/2020/04/16/foster-care-is-the-new-shelter-keep-animals-in-the-community-heres-how.

“Foster Program.” Wake County Government, 2025, www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/foster-program.

“How to Foster a Pet: A Guide to Temporary Pet Care — Nowzent.” Wellesley.edu, 2024, blogs.wellesley.edu/nowzent/2024/06/24/how-to-foster-a-pet-a-guide-to-temporary-pet-care.