Foster a Dog with PAWS
PAWS is a 100% foster-based rescue. Every dog we help depends on someone opening their home.
New to fostering? Read our Foster FAQs →
What Fostering with PAWS Looks Like
PAWS is entirely foster-based, which means our dogs live in homes — not shelters — while they wait for adoption.
Foster families provide daily care, structure, and love, helping dogs decompress and learn what it means to be part of a family again.
PAWS Provides the Support — You Provide the Home
- All veterinary care
- Food, treats and basic supplies (bowls, leashes, collars, toys, beds, etc.)
- Guidance and support from experienced volunteers
- Adoption coordination and screening
Time Commitment & Expectations
Foster needs vary depending on the dog, but most fosters care for a dog until adoption — often several weeks. We work with you to match dogs to homes that fit your lifestyle.
Foster families help with:
- Daily care and supervision
- Transportation to vet appointments (when needed)
- Basic training and socialization
- Communication with PAWS about progress
- Transportation to local adoption events
- Attending local adoption events with your foster
- Coordinating meet and greets and home visits with potential adopters
- Accompanying other volunteers on home visits for their fosters
Who Makes a Great Foster?
The best fosters are:
- Patient and compassionate
- Reliable and communicative
- Willing to learn and ask questions
- Able to provide a safe, loving environment
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many of our foster families are first-time fosters. PAWS provides guidance and support, and we work closely with our fosters to ensure everyone — including the dog — feels supported.
Fostering varies widely. Some dogs are adopted quickly, while others take longer to find the right match. In general, fosters can expect to care for a dog anywhere from several weeks to several months, until the dog is adopted into a permanent home.
PAWS covers all veterinary care, as well as food and basic supplies for foster dogs. Our foster families provide a safe, loving home and daily care.
Often, yes. Every dog and household is different, and we do our best to make thoughtful matches that set everyone up for success.
We understand that life happens. If challenges arise, PAWS works with you to find solutions and provide support. Open communication is key, and you’re never expected to handle difficult situations alone.
The first step is completing our foster application. Once submitted, a PAWS volunteer will be in touch to discuss next steps and answer any questions.
Ready to Foster?
Opening your home, even temporarily, helps save lives.