Foster homes are the heart of our rescue program. They provide safe, loving, temporary homes for cats and dogs until they’re adopted. Fostering not only helps us save more animals from shelters, but also gives each pet the chance to thrive in a home environment, which improves their chances of adoption.

Our foster animals come from local shelters, partner rescues, owner surrenders, or are returned adoptions. We make a lifetime commitment to every animal we rescue, and foster homes allow us to take in more animals that need help.

Fosters are responsible for:

• A safe and healthy home environment

• Daily care and socialization

• Transport to vet appointments and events

• Regular updates on the animal’s behavior and health

All supplies, vet care, and support are provided by All Paws Count.

Yes! Our foster team will match you with an animal that fits your lifestyle and schedule.

Just a heads up—if you're filling out our foster application, you'll need to include the phrase

"whiskers and heartbeats” (no quotes)

in the designated box to show you’ve read this FAQ all the way through.

Fostering is more than just giving a pet a place to stay—it’s about preparing them for a successful adoption. Our foster program is not a “rent-a-pet” arrangement; it’s a partnership in helping animals become their best selves for their future families.

Here’s what we expect from our fosters:

• Support development and behavior.
  

  • For dogs, this includes socialization, leash manners, crate training, basic commands, and creating positive routines.

  • For cats, it means helping them build confidence, introducing gentle touch, regular brushing, nail maintenance, and healthy interaction with people.

• Follow safety guidelines.
  

  • Dogs must not be taken to off-leash dog parks, due to the risk of injury, illness, or escape.

  • A fenced yard may be required depending on the dog’s breed, age, or personality.

  • All animals must be supervised outdoors and remain leashed on walks.

• Provide weekly updates. Weekly check-ins are required and should include honest notes on the animal’s progress—both the successes and the struggles. These updates help us promote the animal for adoption and keep potential adopters informed.

• Attend meet-and-greets. Fosters must be available to bring their animal to scheduled adoption meet-and-greets. Letting us know your general availability ahead of time helps us coordinate smoothly.

• Understand foster timeframes (especially for cats). Most adult cats are only placed in foster for short-term care (up to two weeks), as they’re much more likely to be adopted when seen in person. Long-term fostering is primarily reserved for kittens or special cases.

Depending on the dog’s temperament and energy level, a securely fenced yard may be required.

Some animals may need medications during their stay. If so, we’ll provide the meds and show you how to administer them.

In many cases, yes—with precautions. All personal pets should be fully vaccinated. For cats, we require a two-week isolation period before any introductions. Outdoor cats should not interact with fosters. Never leave personal pets unsupervised with foster animals.

Foster timelines vary depending on the animal and their needs.

• For dogs: There is no set time limit for fostering as long as you’re actively providing updates, supporting training and behavior improvement, and attending meet-and-greets. Our goal is always to place dogs in stable, consistent homes until they’re adopted—and your involvement plays a vital role in that success.

• For cats: Most kittens remain in foster care until they reach two pounds and are ready for spay/neuter surgery and adoption. Adult cats are typically only placed in foster care for short periods—up to two weeks—as they are much more likely to be adopted when visible to the public.

Please give at least 1 week’s notice (2 weeks during holidays) so we can make alternate arrangements. Foster animals must be returned to our care—unauthorized pet sitters are not permitted.

If a foster animal bites you and breaks the skin, you must report it to the foster coordinator within 24 hours. This is required by law, even if the bite seems minor. A bite is legally defined as when the animal’s teeth—not nails—break the skin and cause bleeding. If you’re unsure, report it anyway.

In addition to notifying us immediately, you must give us the opportunity to collect the animal. Depending on timing and availability, this may mean:

• Keeping the animal securely separated in a safe area (such as a bathroom, kennel, or quiet room)

• Waiting until staff can safely retrieve the animal

• Or arranging a safe time for you to transport the animal back to us

Do not rehome, release, or relocate the animal on your own, and never leave the animal in someone else’s care without explicit approval from our team. Safety—for you, the animal, and others—is our top priority, and we will respond as quickly as possible to handle the situation appropriately.

Yes—and we love a good foster fail! That’s the affectionate term we use when a foster parent falls head-over-heels and decides to adopt their foster animal. It’s one of the happiest “failures” we know!

As a foster, you do get first consideration if you express interest in adopting. If someone else inquires about the animal, let us know right away if you’re seriously considering making them a permanent part of your family. Foster parents also play a valuable role in the adoption process by helping at meet-and-greets and sharing honest insights about the animal’s behavior, needs, and personality.

However, we do ask that you be clear and timely with your intentions. While we value your bond with the animal, expressing “maybe” interest does not allow us to pause or block other adoption opportunities. If another great match comes along and you haven’t confirmed your interest, we may move forward with that adopter to ensure the animal doesn’t miss a chance at a forever home.

Absolutely! We love when fosters help connect animals with great families. If a friend, family member, or coworker is interested in adopting your foster, that’s wonderful—but they’ll still need to complete our standard adoption application and go through the full approval process.

Please notify us right away if someone you know is applying. The animal will remain listed as available to the public until the application is fully reviewed and approved. We can’t place holds without an approved application, so time is of the essence.

We understand that sometimes a foster placement just isn’t the right fit—and that’s okay. If you feel the situation isn’t working out, please reach out to the foster coordinator as soon as possible so we can begin arranging a safe transition.

That said, we do not have an after-hours intake facility, and cannot immediately pick up animals on short notice—especially outside of operating hours. Until arrangements are made, you’ll need to keep the animal in a safe, secure area (such as a bathroom, spare room, or kennel) and continue providing basic care.

We’ll work with you to coordinate pickup the same day or the next, depending on the time of day and staff availability.

Please do not rehome, relocate, or leave the animal with an unauthorized person. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during transitions—your safety and the animal’s well-being are always our top priorities.

We are unable to approve fostering as court-ordered community service due to its unsupervised nature. On-site volunteer options may be available instead.

Yes—it often is. Letting go of a foster animal, especially after weeks of care and bonding, can be emotional. You’ve invested time, love, and energy into helping them feel safe, confident, and loved—and that attachment is real.

But remember this: because of you, that animal is now ready to thrive in their forever home. You’ve helped them through a critical chapter in their life and given them the best possible chance at a happy ending. That’s something to be proud of.

You’ll also have the chance to share your insight during the adoption process. We value your input when matching animals with adopters, and it can be deeply reassuring to know the new home is the right one—because you helped make it happen.

And when you’re ready, another animal will be waiting, hoping for the same love and guidance you just gave.

Saying goodbye may be bittersweet, but fostering saves lives—one goodbye at a time.

How much time does a foster dog need each day? It varies, but dogs benefit from at least 2 hours of exercise, play, and interaction daily.

Do dogs need to attend adoption events? Yes, once they are medically and behaviorally cleared. We'll coordinate event schedules with you.

How much time do foster kittens need? This depends on age. Very young kittens may need bottle-feeding every 2–3 hours. Older kittens eat independently and require less frequent feeding, but still need daily attention and socialization.

How many kittens will I foster at once? Usually two or more, so they can socialize with each other. Occasionally, a kitten may be fostered alone for medical or behavioral reasons.

What happens before and after spay/neuter surgery? Once kittens reach 2 pounds, they are ready for surgery. You’ll return them the night before, and you’ll fill out a short bio form to help with adoption placement.

What if a foster kitten passes away? Sadly, kittens are fragile and illness can sometimes progress rapidly. While this is rare, it’s important to be emotionally prepared. Your love and care give them the best chance possible.