If you’ve ever thought about fostering a dog (or any pet), first of all—good for you. Fostering, even for a short period of time, can quite literally save lives.
Many people don’t realize that fostering helps far beyond the one animal in your care. Even if you’re fostering for a rescue that is kill-free, opening up space allows them to take in animals from overcrowded shelters where euthanasia is a risk. One foster home can mean multiple lives saved.
Since I recently shared the story of my first foster dog—and foster fail—Bronson, I wanted to follow it up with something practical. If you’re new to fostering or just starting to consider it, this post is for you.
Step One: Do Your Research
The first step to fostering is finding a rescue that’s a good fit for you.
I highly recommend starting with rescues that are close to home. Foster dogs often need to go in for vet visits, vaccines, checkups, or meet-and-greets with potential adopters. Having a rescue nearby makes this much more manageable (and less stressful).
Spend some time browsing rescue websites. Look through their foster resources, guidelines, and expectations. Every rescue operates a little differently, so finding one that aligns with your lifestyle, experience level, and comfort zone is key.
Step Two: Fill Out the Application (Yes, Really)
This part can feel intimidating, but trust me—there is no harm in applying.
Filling out a foster application does not commit you to anything. It’s simply a way to get more information and start the conversation.
A few things to keep in mind:
- If you rent, check with your landlord first. Many applications will ask for your landlord’s contact information.
- Some rescues ask for references, so ask a friend or family member ahead of time.
- Most applications take 5–20 minutes to complete.
- Approval can take anywhere from 1–7 days.
Not sure which rescue you want to foster with yet? Apply to more than one! There’s no rule against it.
Step Three: Foster Training & Guidelines
Once your application is approved, most rescues will ask you to complete a foster training.
These are usually online, but sometimes they’re in person. Trainings typically cover:
- Foster guidelines and expectations
- Who to contact in emergencies
- Tips for handling common situations
- General prep to set you up for success
After training, most rescues will provide:
- A foster handbook or booklet
- A foster agreement to sign
At this point, it feels like you’re ready… but there’s one more important step.
Step Four: Prepare Your Home Before the Dog Arrives
Getting a foster—especially your first one—can feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to reduce stress is preparing your home ahead of time.
I’ll be sharing a full blog post on how I foster-proof my home, but trust me on this: doing this before your foster arrives makes a huge difference. It helps you feel confident and gives your foster dog a calmer, safer environment from day one.
Step Five: Choosing Your Foster Dog
Once your home is prepped and you have supplies ready, it’s time to pick your foster!
Some rescues post available dogs online, while others prefer you come in person to meet them. If you already have pets, ask if you can bring them along for a meet-and-greet to ensure everyone gets along.
Most rescues ask for a minimum two-week commitment. This allows dogs time to decompress from the shelter and adjust to a home environment.
And let me be honest with you…
The First Few Days Can Be Hard (And That’s Normal)
I’ve fostered over 25 dogs, and I still struggle during the first few days every single time. I question myself, feel overwhelmed, and wonder if I can keep fostering at all.
The first days are often stressful because:
- Dogs are coming from loud, chaotic shelters
- Some have experienced abuse or neglect
- Many have never lived in a home before
Give the dog—and yourself—grace.
Power through those first days before making any big decisions. Once you settle into a routine and your foster begins to relax, the reward of watching them feel safe, loved, and free is worth every ounce of stress.
Not Ready for a Two-Week Commitment?
If two weeks feels like too much, ask your rescue about temporary foster opportunities.
Many rescues need short-term fosters when a dog’s regular foster is out of town for a weekend or a few days. This is a great way to try fostering without a long commitment—and it’s incredibly helpful to rescues.
Final Thoughts
I know this was a lot of information, and I have so much more to share about fostering. But I hope this helps demystify the process for anyone considering it.
Fostering isn’t always easy—but I promise you, it’s worth it.
And who knows… your first foster might just change your life the way Bronson changed mine. 🐾
Life Unleashed 
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