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.

You provide the home, we provide the supplies. Everything you'll need to foster puppies will be supplied to you including food, toys, leash, collar, puppy pads, blankets and more!

Please don't! Puppies that aren't fully vaccinated are very susceptible to contracting dangerous illnesses. Not sure if your foster puppy is fully vaccinated? Reach out to our foster team!

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.

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.

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.

Yes! If you fall in love with your foster pup – we get it! But fosters who choose to adopt still need to pay the full adoption feel. Adoption fees cover all of their medical care, initial vaccines, and spay/neuter surgery.

• 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.