FOSTER a Furry Friend Today!

Fostering saves Lives - Make an impact today!

Why Fostering Is So Important

Every year, thousands of pets enter shelters and rescues in need of a safe place to stay. Many of these dogs and cats are perfectly adoptable, but overcrowded shelters can’t always house them long enough for families to find them. That’s where foster homes make all the difference.

When you choose to foster, you’re doing more than opening your home—you’re saving a life. By providing temporary care, you give animals the chance to heal, grow, and prepare for adoption.

What Does Fostering Mean?

Fostering is the short-term care of a rescue pet until they’re ready to find a permanent home. Foster families provide love, structure, and sometimes basic training while the rescue covers veterinary costs, supplies, and support.

Fostering helps:

Puppies and kittens too young to be adopted
Seniors and special-needs pets who thrive better in a quiet home
Pets recovering from illness or surgery who need extra TLC
Overcrowded shelters that would otherwise run out of space

How Fostering Saves Lives

Makes space for more animals – Every foster pet frees up a shelter kennel for another animal in need.
Improves adoptability – Foster homes teach pets how to live in a family environment, making adoption transitions smoother.
Reduces stress – Animals in foster care are calmer, healthier, and more socialized than those in crowded shelters.
Gives second chances – Some pets may never find their forever home without the support of a foster family.

The Benefits of Becoming a Foster

Fostering isn’t just lifesaving for animals—it’s rewarding for you too. Foster families often say they gain:

The joy of watching a pet grow and thrive
The satisfaction of knowing they made adoption possible
A flexible way to help without a lifetime commitment
A supportive community of other fosters and rescue volunteers

👉 Become a FOSTER

Fostering truly saves lives. Every time you open your heart and home, you’re helping an animal take its first step toward a forever family.

Click here to apply to be a dog foster.

Click here to apply to be a cat foster.

Find Your Perfect Companion

As a foster, you’ll play an important role in preparing your foster pet for their forever home, but you won’t be on your own. Our team provides training tips and hands-on support, and we welcome any safe, positive socialization you can provide. Communication is key, so your Adoption Coordinator will check in regularly while also encouraging you to share updates.

You may be asked to help with transportation to medical appointments or adoption events, but if that’s not possible, we’ll do our best to arrange volunteer support. Fosters also have the chance to participate in the adoption process—your input is highly valued, and you’ll help host meet-and-greets to ensure the best match. Ultimately, you are the voice for your foster pet, and your judgment and instincts are trusted and respected every step of the way.

Adoptable dog Beth stands in a field of green grass.

FOSTERING FAQ's

How long is the commitment?

Foster stays can range from a few days to a few months, depending on the pet’s needs and your availability. While most of our fosters find their forever families within a few weeks, we also need fosters for short term/last minute needs that may only last 2-3 days.

How do I pick an animal to foster?

Our foster application will ask basic information about your lifestyle and what types of animals you're comfortable with (animal size, energy level, special needs, etc). Once your application is approved you'll be invited to join our CHARM Fosters Facebook Group, where a majority of the foster needs are announced, but our foster coordinators may also reach out to you directly.

Do I need to pay for supplies?

No! Dogs come with a leash, collar with tag, and harness if needed. We supply food and medications/preventatives. We can also loan you a crate, food/water bowls, toys… whatever is needed to keep your foster pup happy and comfortable in your home. Cat fosters are supplied with food, litter, and any medical needs & preventatives. Additional supplies may be available by communicating your needs to your assigned adoption coordinator.

Do I need to train my foster?

We have plenty of Training Resources to help ensure your foster is set up for long term success. We appreciate any positive reinforcement training and socialization you are willing and able to safely provide. Our training team is also ready to help foster families to solve any issues that may arise.

What if I fall in love with my foster pet?

It happens! Many fosters eventually adopt their pets (“foster fails”), though there’s never any pressure to do so. If you have the slightest interest in adopting your foster friend, please inform your Adoption Coordinator immediately. They will reserve your friend for you while you consider for up to 2 weeks. If your foster is scheduled for a meet and greet, you must let the adopter meet your foster pup and go through the process.