Ways to Foster

  • Day Trip

    Give a shelter dog a break from kennel life while helping them get adopted. Day trips provide valuable socialization and allow you to capture photos, videos, and personality insights that attract potential adopters. Pick up as early as 9am and drop off by 4pm—it's a flexible, high-impact way to make a difference.

  • Weekend Sleepover

    Give a shelter dog a cozy weekend away from the kennel while gathering crucial information that helps them get adopted. Sleepovers reveal how a dog behaves in a home setting—with kids, other pets, during mealtimes, and more. This real-world experience creates compelling adoption profiles and gives dogs the decompression time they need to shine.

  • Short Term Fostering (1-2 Months)

    Provide a temporary home for a dog while they search for their forever family. Short-term fostering gives dogs the stability and decompression time they need to show their true personality, and it's often enough time for them to find their adoptive home. In just a month or two, you'll help transform a stressed shelter dog into a confident, adoptable companion.

  • Fostering Until Their Forever Home

    Open your home to a dog for however long it takes to find their forever family. While the rescue actively promotes and markets your foster dog for adoption, you provide the loving environment where they can thrive and show their best self. Whether it's a few weeks or a few months, you'll be there for their entire journey from rescue to adoption day.

  • Foster To Adopt

    Think you've found your perfect match? Foster-to-adopt gives you about a month to get to know a dog in your home before making the commitment official. This trial period lets you see how they fit into your lifestyle, routine, and family dynamics, so you can confidently move forward with adoption knowing it's the right choice for everyone.

Volunteer to Foster

How We Support Fosters from Day One to Adoption Day

Foster Dog Matching

We work with rescues across San Diego to find the perfect foster fit for your home, lifestyle, and experience level. Whether you're looking for a low-key senior or an energetic puppy, we'll connect you with a dog that's right for you. We also introduce you to rescues you may not have known about, expanding your options and impact.

Mentorship & Support During Fostering

From your first foster to your tenth, we're here to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and cheer you on. Our experienced mentors provide personalized guidance so you never feel alone in the journey. We help nervous first-timers build confidence and support seasoned fosters as they take on new challenges.

“Foster Freebies & Activities” with local businesses

Through partnerships with local San Diego businesses, we offer foster families access to free and discounted outings—think beach days, hiking trails, pet-friendly patios, and more. These activities give your foster dog valuable socialization and enrichment while creating joyful, memorable moments. Fostering should be fun, and we're here to make sure it is.

Building Community Through Events

The more people who know about fostering, the stronger our foster community becomes. Our outreach events recruit new foster families, which means current fosters have peers to connect with, share advice, and lean on for support. A growing foster network also means rescues have more capacity to save dogs, reducing the burden on individual fosters and preventing burnout. By spreading awareness, we're building a sustainable community where no foster feels isolated or overwhelmed.

Fido Foster Community Fostering FAQs

What does fostering cost?

1

Nothing! All expenses are covered by the rescue including medical care, food, and supplies. We only partner with rescues that fully support their foster families, so you can focus on caring for your foster dog without worrying about costs.

Can I choose which dog I foster?

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Absolutely. Our matching program helps you find a dog that fits your home, experience level, and preferences. Whether you're looking for a puppy, senior, small breed, or specific temperament, we work with rescues across San Diego to connect you with the right match.

What if fostering doesn’t work out?

3

Life happens, and we understand. If circumstances change or a foster situation isn't the right fit, the rescue will work with you to transition the dog to another foster home. There's no judgment—your honesty helps us find the best solution for everyone. apart.

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Can I foster if I have pets at home?

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Yes! Many fosters have their own dogs or cats. We'll help match you with a foster dog that's compatible with your household and provide guidance on successful introductions.

How do I get started?

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Reach out to us! We'll learn about your situation, answer your questions, and connect you with the perfect foster opportunity to begin your journey.