Foster Homes Save Lives
More than 2,200 animals entered our care in 2025. Many of them needed something a shelter can’t provide: a home.
Foster families help us save more lives every day.
Why Foster?
Save Lives
Every foster home opens shelter space for another animal in need.
We Provide Supplies
Food, medical care, medications, crates and support.
Flexible Commitment
Some fosters help for a weekend. Others help for weeks.
Make a Difference
You become part of an animal’s journey to a forever home.
What Kind of Foster Is Right For You?
Need bottle feeding, growing, and socialization.
Commitment:
2-8 weeks
Puppies & Kittens
Animals recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
Commitment:
Varies
Medical Recovery
Take a dog or cat home for a weekend, a holiday, or a few days.
Great for first time fosters!
Shelter Break
Adoption Ambassador
Help an adoptable animal get seen by taking them home and sharing photos and updates.
Provide a quiet, safe place for mom and babies to thrive.
Commitment:
2-6+ weeks
Nursing Moms
We Provide
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Routine veterinary care
Vaccinations and boosters
Preventative medications as appropriate
Treatment plans for approved medical conditions
Access to our medical team for questions and support
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Food (when available and requested)
Crates and carriers
Litter and litter boxes for cats
Basic enrichment items
Feeding and care instructions
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Prescribed medications
Administration instructions
Ongoing support and monitoring
Refill coordination when needed
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Foster handouts and resources
Guidance from staff
Behavioral support when available
Access to our foster team throughout placement
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Marketing through DCHS channels
Adoption application processing
Meet-and-greet coordination
Final adoption paperwork and counseling
You Provide
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Secure indoor housing
Separation from resident pets when required
Appropriate supervision
Compliance with foster program guidelines
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Feeding and fresh water
Cleaning and sanitation
Exercise and enrichment
Monitoring overall health and behavior
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Bringing animals to scheduled veterinary appointments
Attending adoption events when requested
Coordinating pick-up and return appointments
Communicating transportation needs in advance
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Regular updates on progress
Photos and videos for adoption marketing
Reporting medical or behavioral concerns promptly
Communication regarding availability and needs
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Helping animals decompress and adjust
Positive socialization and handling
Patience with shy, fearful, or recovering animals
Providing a temporary home while they wait for adoption
Foster FAQs
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No. Many fosters are first-time fosters.
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It depends on the animal's needs.
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Often yes. We will help determine the best match.
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Contact the foster team and we'll work with you.
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DCHS provides approved medical care, supplies, and support.
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Sometimes. Foster animals are available through the normal adoption process and foster families may be considered as adopters.
From Fragile to Forever
Lucky came to DCHS sick, needing a lot of help with his skin, and someone to be patient with him while he healed. Thanks to a foster family, he healed, grew stronger, and found his forever home.
You can be the reason their story has a happy ending.
What Foster Homes Make Possible
Last year DCHS cared for more than 2,200 animals. Foster families played a critical role in helping vulnerable animals receive care outside the shelter while creating space for others in need.