Fostering saves lives — literally

Every dog on our site is in a foster home, not a kennel. That’s the whole point of this rescue: a dog who has run out of other options gets a couch, a routine, and a person who shows up for them — and that changes everything about their chances.

Fostering means opening your home to a dog for a few weeks or a few months. You give them safety, patience, and a front-row seat to ordinary life. We give you guidance, a coordinator to call, medical care arranged through our approved veterinarians, and the Foster Handbook to walk you through it.

You don’t need to be an expert. You need to be steady, honest about what you can do, and willing to learn the dog in front of you.

Before you apply

Two guides every foster should read first — they’re part of our public Learning Library:

Foster Home Handbook: Safety & Responsibilities — the core handbook for foster families. Download the PDF (03_Foster_Handbook-FINAL.pdf)

Foster Operations: Quick Reference — a one-page reference to keep with your dog’s care plan. Download the PDF (16_Operations_Quick_Reference-FINAL.pdf)

Some fields in these guides (contacts, vet details, approval steps) are fill-in blanks completed at placement — your coordinator fills them in with you when your dog arrives.

The application

Tell us about you, your home, your household, and your experience with dogs. There’s no wrong answer — we need to know what fits so we can match you with the right dog.

About you

Full name *

Email *

Phone

Address

Personal Information

Full Name *

Date of Birth *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Address *

Others in Home *

Eligibility Requirements

Foster parents must be 18 years or older with valid government-issued ID. You must demonstrate ability to provide appropriate temporary housing and care for foster animals. All household members must agree to fostering, and if renting, landlord approval is required. Previous pet care experience is preferred but not required, as training will be provided.

Foster Period Commitment

The foster period varies based on the animal's needs and circumstances. You agree to care for the foster pet until either adoption or return to the shelter, unless alternative arrangements are made. If you need to end the foster period early, you must provide reasonable notice to allow us to arrange alternative care.

Shelter Support and Resources

The shelter provides necessary supplies including food, bedding, and medical care for foster pets. You agree to use provided supplies and follow shelter guidelines for care. Emergency veterinary care must be approved by shelter staff unless immediate life-threatening circumstances exist. Training and support are available throughout the foster period.

Foster Home Environment

You agree to maintain a safe, clean environment for the foster pet, keeping them separate from resident pets when required. Foster pets must be kept indoors except for supervised outdoor activities. You will follow specific care instructions provided for each animal, including medication schedules and socialization requirements.

Medical Care Protocol

All medical care must be coordinated through the shelter's veterinary partners. You agree to monitor the pet's health, administer prescribed medications, and attend scheduled veterinary appointments. Any health concerns must be reported to the shelter immediately. Detailed health records must be maintained throughout the foster period.

Adoption Process Participation

Foster parents assist in the adoption process by providing detailed information about the pet's personality, habits, and needs. You may be asked to make the pet available for meet-and-greets with potential adopters. Foster parents interested in adopting their foster pet must follow standard adoption procedures.

Liability and Risk

You understand that fostering involves inherent risks. The shelter is not liable for property damage or injuries caused by foster pets. You agree to release the shelter from liability for incidents occurring during the foster period, except where prohibited by law.

Marketing and Social Media

You may be asked to provide updates, photos, and information about your foster pet for adoption promotion. While sharing on personal social media is encouraged, you agree to maintain the shelter's messaging guidelines and privacy policies.

Update Requirements

Regular updates to shelter staff are required. You agree to provide weekly updates on the pet's progress and immediately report any concerns or significant changes in behavior or health. You must be reachable during the foster period for emergency situations.

Property Rights and Transfer

The foster pet remains the property of the shelter throughout the foster period. You may not transfer the pet to another party or make permanent decisions about the pet's future without shelter authorization. All adoption inquiries must be directed to the shelter.

Training and Behavior Development

You agree to follow the shelter's training guidelines and help develop positive behaviors in foster pets. Any behavioral concerns must be reported to allow for professional intervention if needed. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement methods are required.

Record-Keeping Responsibilities

Maintain detailed records of medications, behavioral observations, and significant events during the foster period. These records are essential for providing continuity of care and assisting with eventual adoption placement.

Return Protocol

The shelter reserves the right to reclaim foster pets if terms are not met or if concerns arise about care quality. You agree to return the foster pet upon request or if unable to continue providing care. Reasonable notice will be provided except in emergency situations.

I have read and accept the terms and conditions. *

This form is our foster application. Your information goes to the rescue only.

Not ready to foster yet?

That’s okay. Fostering is a real commitment, and the right time matters. If you’re not sure, read the Foster Handbook first, or email us and talk it through — no pressure, no guilt.

Learn about fostering → Ask us a question →

Questions about fostering? Email us at greatestneedrescue@gmail.com.

Apply to Foster