So what is fostering all about?

Fostering provides temporary care to shelter dogs and puppies who get to live in a home environment vs a kennel prior to adoption. They get love, socialization, and a warm home to sleep in. Fosters are people who volunteer their time and home to a shelter pet in need. The fostering process, while full of commitment, is one that is bursting full of benefits not only for the shelter pet, but also for you! 

Fostering helps PawSafe because of the consistency that a dedicated caregiver offers in a quiet, low-stress setting.  Fostering provides the animal more opportunities for socialization, exploration, and expressing a wide range of normal behaviors that are difficult to achieve when the animal remains in a shelter environment.

This morning began with cleanup time for our 3 fury bundles of joy. Tails wagging in exuberance as I picked them up to hand off to my daughter and her friend.

I gathered up the soiled newsprint and stuffed it in a bag, put down fresh water and food before I headed over to the living room for puppy play time. We watched as they sniffed and wagged around, enjoyed providing the belly rubs as they nestled into us. So neat connecting with these 3lb little’s as they stared up at us from our laps.

Soon they will go to an adoption event and move on to their families. Yes, we will miss them, still there’s such a blessing knowing that we gave them a respite from living at a kennel as a baby. A blessing that we, as a family, paused to connect with these tiny lives.

~~ Scott M.

Some say they could never foster a pet because it would be too hard to say goodbye when the pet is adopted, but consider the alternative. It may be hard to say goodbye to the animal you’ve bonded with, but it’s important to remember that by opening your home, you are saving a life — and each pet you foster is a new life saved. You become an important part of the mission to save homeless pets by not only giving that individual animal hope, but by making a difference for all animals.

Who needs foster?

• Puppies that are too young to be adopted
• Nursing and expectant mommy dogs
• Ill, injured, disabled or other animals that may need regular medication or medical attention
• Dogs in need of socialization and training in a home or family environment
• Any animal that is highly stressed in a shelter, particularly older dogs
• Previously abused, neglected or abandoned animals that need to form a healthy bond with people

Oh and did we mention that your foster expenses are tax deductible?
As an approved 501(c)(3) designated Not-for-Profit organization, fostering expenses are eligible for deduction (food, medicines, veterinary bills, crates, garbage bags, and the like).

Are you ready to embark on a wonderful and rewarding experience? The first step is filling out our foster care form and then you are only a click away from puppy breath!