Foster a Pet
YOUR HOME CHANGES EVERYTHING
Some pets thrive with a little extra time and space outside the shelter — whether they’re very young, recovering, or simply adjusting to life with people. A foster home gives them the room and calm they need. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Why Foster?
Fostering strengthens the whole community, for the animals and the people who love them.
Provides a safe, low-stress environment
Helps animals find their families sooner
Opens space in the shelter for more animals in need
Connects you with a community of people who show up for animals
What to Expect
Fostering is flexible and fully supported. We work with you to find a foster match that fits your schedule, your home and your household. We’ll walk every step with you.
What We Provide
- Food, supplies and any needed equipment
- Veterinary care and medical support
- Guidance from our foster team
What You Provide
- A welcoming space for your foster pet
- Time, attention and daily care
- Patience as they settle in and grow
Types of Foster Opportunities
There’s a foster opportunity for every household — find what feels right for you.
Puppies & Kittens
Care for puppies and kittens who need frequent feedings and extra attention, or support a mother as she cares for her litter.
Medical Foster
Open your home to a pet recovering from illness, injury or surgery, giving them the comfort of a home while they heal.
Homeward Bound
Some pets just need a quieter space to decompress. Foster a shy or reserved animal while we learn more about their personality and find them the right family.
Every Foster Home is Welcome
What Fostering Makes Possible
New to fostering? You’re in the right place. Whether you have a couple of weeks or a few months, there’s an opportunity that fits. Our team will walk every step with you so you always feel supported.
Last year, foster families gave over a thousand animals the time and space they needed to find their families. Every foster home creates room, reduces stress and helps more pets thrive.
Ready to Meet Your Foster Pet?
Once you complete your application, our team can help find a match that fits your home and schedule.
Available Foster Pets
These pets are looking for a foster home right now. Click a pet to learn more and start your application.
A Few Helpful Details
FAQs
Fostering is flexible and fully supported, and we walk every step with you. Here are a few helpful things to know before you start.
Do I need experience to foster?
No experience necessary. Whether you have a couple of weeks or a few months, there’s an opportunity that fits. Our team will ensure you always feel supported.
What does AAWL provide?
Food, supplies and any needed equipment; veterinary care and medical support; and guidance from our foster team every step of the way.
What do I provide?
A welcoming space for your foster pet, time, attention and daily care, and patience as they settle in and grow.
How long will I have my foster pet?
Fostering is flexible and fully supported. We work with you to find a foster match that fits your schedule, your home and your household, whether that’s a couple of weeks or a few months.
What types of foster opportunities are there?
There’s a foster opportunity for every household. Puppies & kittens: care for newborn puppies or kittens who need frequent feeding and extra attention. Medical foster: open your home to a pet recovering from illness, injury or surgery, giving them the comfort of a home while they heal. Homeward Bound: foster a shy or reserved animal in a quieter space while we learn more about their personality and find them the right family.
Can I foster if I have pets of my own?
Yes. Personally owned pets must be current on vaccines, on flea and tick prevention, and spayed or neutered. If your pets aren’t currently vaccinated, a medical release from your veterinarian may be provided to the AAWL medical department for review.
How do I get started?
Complete your foster application, review our handbook and pass a short quiz. Once you’re approved, our foster team will contact you when we have pets that need a temporary home and are a good fit for you.
Ready to Foster?
Fostering is one of the most meaningful ways to show up for your community, and we walk every step with you. Apply today and become part of something that belongs to all of us.