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Front Street Foster Program

Fostering a Dog

Front Street Foster Program

Fostering a Dog

Woman holding a small dog over her shoulder

open_in_full

By becoming a dog foster volunteer and opening your home to a dog in need, you have the ability to create open kennel space in our crowded shelter, allow a dog to decompress, help puppies grow strong, give sick and injured dogs a safe space to recover, and, most importantly, save lives! It's incredibly rewarding and we'd be grateful to have you on our team.

We are prioritizing the placement of large breed dogs in need of a break from the shelter, dogs undergoing medical treatment of all sizes, and underage puppies. If you are able to foster a dog from one of these groups, please sign up today!

IMPORTANT! You must be at least 18 years old to become a foster.

Become a dog foster parent

Here are the 3 steps to becoming a dog foster parent with the Front Street Animal Shelter:

Step 1

Take the online dog foster class (takes 45-60 minutes) for everything you need to know about fostering.

Step 2

Make it official by filling out our quick volunteer application after completing Step 1 first.

Step 3

Our dedicated staff will pair you with a shelter dog in need of a loving foster home!

Frequently asked questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers

What are the requirements to become a dog foster?

You must (1) be at least 18 years old; (2) complete the foster class; and (3) submit a volunteer application.

Does the shelter provide medical care, food, and supplies?

Yes, if your foster has a health concern or emergency, we have processes in place to get the dog treatment at no cost to you. We also provide food and essential supplies you might need (toys, bowls, crate, etc.).

How long will I need to foster?

That’s up to you! Some dogs only need foster for a few days, others (such as puppies, medical care dogs, or dogs in need of behavior training) could need foster for several weeks or even months. Best case scenario is you foster the dog until it gets adopted.

What if something doesn't work out with the dog?

You can always bring the dog back to the shelter and we can find a different foster.

What if I need to go on vacation or out of town?

We have a network of foster volunteers, so typically it’s possible to find one who will care for the dog while you’re away. If not, you can bring it back to the shelter.

Do I get to choose what type of dog I want to foster (big dogs, small dogs, senior dogs, etc.)?

Our program is prioritizing the placement of large breed dogs in need of a break from the shelter, dogs undergoing medical treatment of all sizes, and underage puppies.

What dogs are in need of foster?

All shelter dogs can benefit from fostering – the shelter is no place for any dog. However, some dogs get more stressed at the shelter than others, especially if no one has adopted them after a long time. Young puppies, dogs with medical issues, and senior dogs also benefit especially from foster.

What if I have other pets in my home? Can I still foster and will you allow us to introduce them at the shelter?

We don’t do in-shelter introductions, but we give you steps for safe introductions at home. We also provide whatever information we know about the dog’s past behavior, and won’t send a dog to a home with other animals if we know the animal has had concerning interactions in the past.

What happens if an owner comes forward while I have the dog?

Unfortunately, most dogs are never claimed by their owner at the shelter. However, if someone believes the dog belongs to him/her, we will verify ownership through pictures and/or vet records, and sometimes by having you bring the dog to the shelter to see if the dog recognizes the person. If the dog is theirs, we will arrange a time for you to bring the dog to the shelter to be reunited with its family.

Can I adopt my foster dog?

Yes. In fact, fostering is a great way to “test drive” a potential new dog in your home.

Do I get to choose the adopter of the dog?

Yes. You will have access to a website where you can view applications for your dog and arrange a meet-and-greet to make sure the animal and the potential adopter are compatible.

Do I have to be home all the time?

Most dogs do not require constant care. Many of our foster providers leave their dogs at home when they go to work, just like any other pet.

Questions or comments?

Feel free to email our Dog Foster Team

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