Foster-to-Adopt Dogs: What You Need to Know

OK, so you want to adopt, but you have a few things to get out of the way first: Will your new dog get along with the pets who already live in your house? Maybe you want to experience a pet’s true personality in your home instead of a shelter environment. Or maybe you think you could accommodate a special needs pet and want to make sure you and your home are the best fit. If any of those sound right, trying out a foster-to-adopt program might be the right choice for you.  

Foster-to-adopt doesn’t require you to adopt the pet you’re temporarily taking home, but it does indicate your intention to adopt and a desire to get to know them better. Fostering, on the other hand, involves providing a temporary home for an adoptable pet until they find their forever home. If foster-to-adopt sounds right for you, keep reading. 

What is foster-to-adopt?

Through a foster-to-adopt program, pet parents can connect with an adoptable dog on a temporary basis, with the intention of eventually adopting the animal if all goes well. Prospective pet parents can get to know pets outside the shelter setting and observe their interactions with family members.

Foster-to-adopt programs are especially helpful for pets who need extra time to open up and settle in or have medical or behavioral needs that require some special care. But not all shelters offer foster-to-adopt programs. 

How does foster-to-adopt differ from foster fails?

People often confuse foster fails with foster-to-adopt programs. While they may share the common endpoint of providing pets a forever home, they’re not the same thing.

Unlike foster-to-adopt programs, in which participants have the ultimate goal of fostering is to help pets find their permanent adoptive home. You don’t need to be considering adopting a pet to become a foster. Foster parents offer a safe, loving home for an animal until they find their forever family. 

It’s not uncommon to fall in love with a foster pet, so don’t consider a decision to adopt a foster pet as a failure. “Foster volunteers are welcome to adopt their foster pet and can complete the adoption without ever having to return the pet to the shelter,” explains Jordan Frey, marketing manager at the San Diego Humane Society. Of course, the rules surrounding adopting your foster pet will vary by organization.

How do foster-to-adopt programs work?

We spoke with experts at the San Diego Humane Society and dug into policies and programs at shelters around the U.S. to tackle the most commonly asked questions about foster-to-adopt programs. 

Does the shelter cover the costs of vet visits, food, and supplies in foster-to-adopt programs?

Shelters and rescues aim for the success of their adoptable pets and foster volunteers, including those intending to adopt, by covering the basic costs of food, medical care, and toys. But shelters and rescues may not cover the costs of professional grooming and training during the foster-to-adopt period without prior approval. If a shelter lacks the resources to provide basic supplies, volunteers, you can still write off your foster pet and their supplies on your taxes. 

How long can you keep a foster animal?

In foster-to-adopt programs, the length of time you have to decide if you’re keeping a pet varies depending on the rescue, but expect that you’ll need to make a decision within one to two weeks.

Do you need to sign a contract when fostering-to-adopt?

Yes, you will need to sign a contact when fostering-to-adopt. The amount of paperwork will vary by shelter but you can expect to fill out both an adoption application and a foster volunteer application. Additionally, you might need to sign a foster contract outlining rules and responsibilities. 

Can you foster-to-adopt a puppy or kitten?

Each rescue has their own system for determining which dogs are suitable for a foster-to-adopt program. While some may allow foster-to-adopt situations for puppies and kittens, others may not.

Most pets are eligible for foster-to-adopt, but the program is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to shine in shelter environments, have been in the shelter system for a long time, or have special medical or behavioral needs.

Can I name my foster pet?

Typically you can only name your foster pet when fostering litters of kittens or puppies. “Most shelter pets come with a name that we try to keep consistent,” Frey explains. “Once adopted, adopters can, of course, always change the name of their pet.”

What if the pet isn’t the right fit?

There is no obligation to adopt the pet if things don’t go as planned. Letting shelter staff know why it didn’t work out and any special characteristics of the pet will help them in finding them the right adoption match. 

What are the benefits of foster-to-adopt programs? 

Whether fostering or participating in a foster-to-adopt program, supporting a pet in a home environment is one of the most important ways we can help save the lives of pets in need. 

• Fostering-to-adopt provides valuable insights into a pet’s personality at home, improving the chances of adoption.

• Fostering-to-adopt provides the experience of the day-to-day responsibilities of being a pet parent, such as feeding, caring, and training, all with the support of a rescue.

• Some foster-to-adopt programs also provide one-on-one sessions to provide prospective adopters with helpful tips and advice.

• Fostering animals gives them a break from stressful shelter environments.

• Fostering creates space for more pets in overcrowded shelters. 

Consider adopting a pet

By adopting a pet, you’re giving a second chance to a deserving animal. If you’re considering adopting a pet, explore shelters near you that offer foster-to-adopt programs. This unique approach allows you to know your future pet outside the shelter environment. For a seamless adoption experience, check out Adopt a Pet for a list of local shelters and adoptable pets near you.