As a foster parent, you will be able to love, care for, and enjoy knowing different cats and dogs. And you will be doing a wonderful thing - giving these deserving animals a chance at a new life.

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster cat or dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing patience, love and security.

Understand that all the animals are rescue animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. Be prepared for some adjustment issues in the beginning. It can be stressful for both you and the pet to be in a new situation. Be patient. If the going gets tough we will help out with advice and encouragement.

All of our animals are vet checked, spayed or neutered (or soon will be), current on vaccinations, microchipped and treated for fleas, worms and parasites. We will tell you if an animal has a health problem and together evaluate whether or not an animal with medical needs is a good choice for you. 

We will show you the animals that are in need of foster homes and you can let us know your preference. If we feel that the animal is a good match for your home we will set you up as a foster home. We do our best to place an animal that fits your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, you can ask for or an older animal who is low energy or a cat or dog in medical recovery who needs to be kept quiet. If you are an active family, you can ask for a dog who needs lots of walks and plenty of exercise. If someone in your family is comfortable working with dogs, they can help with some basic obedience or teach him some tricks.

In most cases, it’s fine if you already have a dog, as long as your dog and the foster dog are both healthy and well behaved around other animals. Prior to fostering, an introduction between your dog and your new foster dog will be done to ensure a good fit for the whole family. If you are fostering cats or kittens, it is best to keep your fosters in a separate room or section of your house to reduce stress on your own cat and to prevent injury or accidental exposure to illness. 

The foster stay varies with each cat and dog depending on the animal’s specific needs. Some may only stay a few days or weeks. Animals with with special needs may need foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual situation. 

Not necessarily. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the cat or dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster animal, they must be confined to a small, secure area, preferably a training crate. This results in a safe secure place for the cat and dog and also protects your home and possessions.

AFRP pays the cost of all veterinary care, food, and other supplies the dog/cat may need.

A fenced yard is preferred, but not necessary. Foster dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the dog may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.

We make ourselves available for guidance and provide help when behavior problems arise. Being a foster volunteer is extremely rewarding, however you should keep in mind that many rescue dogs are not house trained, properly socialized or know basic obedience skills. We find that given a chance, these animals not only improve, they flourish in their foster care environment. 

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster cat or dog can be returned to the coordinator's care while you are away. Just arrange it in advance, as soon as you know, and we'll reserve a spot.

Yes, of course. But, when you meet the new family who's ready to provide a permanent loving home, you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new life.

If you are interested in fostering please complete and submit our Volunteer Application. Once we receive your application we will contact you to discuss what we may have available. Thank you!