Puppy fostering is free and fun for the whole family!

Cincinnati Animal CARE always has puppy fostering opportunities available. Our puppy fosters are essential to keeping our youngest dogs happy and healthy while they wait to find their future families.

Puppy fostering is essential!

Are you ready to make a difference in the life of a puppy? Puppy fostering at Cincinnati Animal CARE, the Hamilton County animal shelter, offers an incredible opportunity to provide young dogs with the love and care they need to thrive before they find their forever homes. Our foster program plays a vital role in ensuring that puppies grow up healthy, happy, and ready for adoption.

Puppy Fostering Opportunities

puppy laying in the grass at foster home

Single Puppies

Fostering a single puppy allows you to provide focused, individualized care, helping them build confidence and social skills in a safe environment. It offers the chance to experience the joys of puppyhood without a long-term commitment, while giving the shelter much-needed space to care for other animals. Plus, you'll directly impact the puppy’s journey to finding their forever home, giving them the best start possible.

puppy foster holding a litter of puppies

Litters of Puppies

Fostering a litter of puppies provides the unique opportunity to help them grow and develop together in a nurturing environment, which supports their natural socialization with each other. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them play, learn, and bond while you prepare them for adoption. By fostering a full litter, you significantly reduce the shelter's workload and ensure that each puppy gets the care they need without overwhelming shelter resources.

mom with litter of puppies in a foster home

Mom and Puppies

Fostering a mom and her nursing puppies allows you to provide a peaceful, supportive environment where the mother can care for her babies stress-free. You'll help the puppies grow strong under their mother’s care, while also ensuring the mom receives the attention and rest she needs. This foster setup keeps vulnerable puppies out of the shelter, promoting healthier development and giving the whole family the best chance at finding loving homes.

Foster Feature:

Brandy + Apollo

"I fostered a puppy named Apollo for 5 weeks while he was on adoption hold for My Furry Valentine. His litter was saved by CAC from a rural shelter, and I chose him because he looked like a husky mix version of my dog. He quickly became part of our pack, even experiencing his first snow with us. At MFV, he was one of the last puppies to be adopted, and I was anxious about saying goodbye. But when a mother and daughter met him, it was love at first sight. His adopters keep me updated on his adventures. Though I miss him, I know he's exactly where he's meant to be, and that’s why I foster—to give dogs like Apollo the chance they deserve!" – Brandy B.

What our fosters have to say:

cincinnati animal care medical staff holding a small dog with recent leg amputation healing

"My biggest struggle with fostering has been feeling like I don’t do enough or I’m not taking big enough risks because I usually take smaller in stature dogs or puppies. I overcame this feeling by realizing I am still keeping a dog out that could be struggling and declining in the shelter. I’m teaching this dog love and friendship, giving it a warm and safe place to land while they wait for their forever and getting them adjusted to living in a home, setting them up for success for when they do get adopted."

Amanda D.

"My biggest struggle with fostering is that my resident dogs have VERY different personalities. So choosing a foster that they both like or tolerate is sometimes hard. Puppies usually work out easiest because Uncle Koda Bear loves to play with them and keeps them occupied. It's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I've also met some of my best friends through volunteering and fostering with CAC. I've even told people that are looking for a dog or just thinking about it, to give fostering a try. Fail or not, you're helping."

Brandy B.

Puppy Fostering FAQ

What ages of puppies can I foster?

Puppies of all ages are available for fostering, ranging from just a few weeks old to up to 6 months. Newborn puppies, often still nursing, may need a foster home where they can grow and develop before being ready for adoption. Slightly older puppies, already weaned, are perfect for fosters who can help them learn social skills and basic training. No matter the age, fostering a puppy gives them the love and care they need to thrive outside the shelter.

What supplies are provided with the puppy foster?

Can I take my puppy out places with me?

Can the puppy play with my resident dogs?

Sure! As long as everyone is healthy, puppies can learn a lot about 'how to dog' from interacting with older dogs. Keep in mind, your resident dogs might not enjoy annoying puppy energy so keep a close eye on their interactions. If you're concerned about how your personal dogs and foster puppies are getting along, you can always take a video of their interactions to be reviewed by our Behavior and Training team.

Why can’t my puppy touch the ground in public places?

Your puppy shouldn't touch the ground in public places until they’ve completed their full round of vaccinations to protect them from harmful diseases. Puppies are especially vulnerable to illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, and other contagious diseases that can be found in environments frequented by other dogs. Public spaces, like parks or sidewalks, can harbor these viruses, which are easily transmitted through contaminated surfaces. Keeping your puppy off the ground until they’re fully vaccinated helps ensure their safety and health during these crucial early months.

At what age is my foster puppy adoptable?

A foster puppy is generally adoptable once they reach 8 weeks of age, though this can vary depending on their health and development. At 8 weeks, puppies are typically weaned, have received their first round of vaccinations, and are ready to begin socializing in their new homes. Some puppies may require additional time in foster care if they need more medical attention or socialization. Your shelter or rescue organization will guide you on the best timing for adoption based on your foster puppy's specific needs.

If I foster a puppy and decide to adopt it, do I still have to pay the adoption fee?

Why is it important for puppies to be in foster instead of at the shelter?

Personalized care and socialization: Foster homes provide individualized attention and socialization, helping puppies develop better social skills, build confidence, and adjust to home life in a calm, supportive environment.
Health and safety: Puppies are more vulnerable to illness and stress in a crowded shelter environment. Foster homes offer a cleaner, lower-stress setting, reducing the risk of exposure to diseases and promoting healthier development.
Space and resources: Puppies in foster homes free up valuable shelter space and resources, allowing the shelter to focus on animals in urgent need while puppies thrive in a more suitable, nurturing environment.

Do you have questions about our foster program not answered here? Contact us at [email protected]!

We have puppies at the shelter who need you.

As a Cincinnati Animal CARE foster, you will join a team of supportive and passionate individuals dedicated to improving the lives of the dogs and cats in our care. Are you ready to foster?