Fostering is often a crucial part of a shelter animal’s journey to find a loving home. But some of you may be wondering what exactly is fostering and what does it entail?

Animal fostering is when a person temporarily cares for a shelter animal in their home. These animals may be waiting to find their adoptive home, need time to decompress out of the shelter, are recovering from illness or surgery or in some cases they may just need time to grow and develop. There are many types of fosters, but the main objective is to provide a safe, comfortable and loving environment to help the animal to prepare for the next step in their journey.

Is It Expensive to Become a Foster Caregiver?

All shelters are different, but at the ASPCA (and in most shelters and rescues) being a foster caregiver is completely free and requires minimal training! All you need to supply is a home and TLC. Foster caregivers are provided food, supplies (like food bowls, collars, medications, etc.), and plenty of support. Any needed veterinary services are also covered by the rescue.

What Will My Days Look Like as an Animal Foster?

Every experience will be different and tailored to the needs of the animal(s) you are fostering. But many people are often surprised at just how easy it is to accommodate a foster animal.

Shelter staff will help you figure out a routine to best fit your foster animal’s needs and give you all of the resources you will need along the way. While many foster animals may need medications or structured routines to help them find the best outcome and family, some simply need time to decompress and enjoy life outside of the shelter. It can feel like a fun sleepover or hosting a friend in need.

Fostering can be especially easy for people who work remotely or spend more time at home.

How Do I Sign Up?

Signing up is usually pretty easy, and almost anyone can get involved! Training and orientations will differ from shelter to shelter and are often dependent on which animals you are interested in fostering. For example, some kitten fosters are trained to help bottle babies or kittens who are going through ringworm treatment. But once you sign up, the shelter staff will give you all of the information you need – and will remain available if you have questions along the way.

To foster for the ASPCA, you just need to be at least 18 years old and live locally to one of our shelters. We have programs and facilities across the country, where fosters play a huge role.

In New York City, we are in need of dog, cat and kitten fosters. If you live locally, you can sign up by visiting our New York City foster page, watching our 30-minute Foster Program Information Session and completing a foster application.

In Los Angeles, we are in constant need of cat and kitten fosters. If you live locally, you can sign up by visiting our Los Angeles Foster page and taking our online course.  

In Weaverville, North Carolina, we are seeking dog fosters. If you live locally, you can sign up by visiting our Behavioral Rehabilitation Center foster page and filling out our foster interest form.

In Columbus, Ohio, we are looking for dog and cat fosters. If you live locally, you can sign up by visiting our Cruelty Recovery Center foster page and filling out a foster application.

If you don’t live locally to any of ASPCA these locations, don’t worry! You can still get involved by fostering with your local shelter or with our friends at Animal Care Centers of NYC.