A foster home is where healing begins. It’s where lonely dogs find comfort, frightened ones find peace, and abandoned souls discover what it means to be loved. Fostering may be temporary, but the difference you make lasts a lifetime.

A black and white puppy sleeping on a person's lap on a brown leather couch in a living room. In the background, there are closed white double doors and some pink and green Christmas or holiday decorations.
Black and tan dog with upright ears and pink tongue, lying on a gravel path by a body of water in a wooded area on a sunny day.

What Does It Mean To Be A Foster?

Being a foster means opening your home — and your heart — to a dog in need. You give them love, safety, and a chance to heal while they wait for their forever family.

It doesn’t take special experience, just kindness and patience. Fostering is open to everyone, including STFX students who want to make a difference in a dog’s life (and their own). Even a short stay can mean a lifetime of change.

Collage of people with their dogs in various outdoor settings including a porch, forest, baseball field, park, beach, and backyard.

Our rescue relies on amazing fosters like you to help provide the best care for our dogs. We can’t do it without you! Stop by our shelter and let us know you’re interested in fostering — your support makes all the difference.

Interested in fostering?

Shelter Address
A young man with curly hair in a gray hoodie and white sneakers squatting on a concrete sidewalk, smiling, as he pets a small white and tan dog with fluffy tail in front of a light-colored house with a blue door and window.
Person lying on dry grass holding a playful black puppy with a tongue out. The puppy is looking up at the camera, and the person's arms are visible, holding the puppy's paws and part of its body.
A woman with long blonde hair holding a black and tan puppy and giving it a kiss on the cheek, sitting on a blue couch in a cozy living room.

FAQs

How do I show Interest In Becoming a Foster?

You can stop by the shelter anytime and let a staff member know you’re interested in fostering! All dogs currently available for foster are at the shelter and featured on our Instagram page.

What are the responsibilities of fostering?

Before you begin fostering, the shelter team will walk you through everything you need to know about the process and the specific dog you’ll be caring for. As a foster, you’ll be responsible for providing daily care — including feeding, walking, and giving the dog the love and attention they deserve.

What about the supplies for the dog?

The shelter will provide everything you need — food, toys, beds, crates, leashes, poop bags, and more. And if you ever run out, we’ll make sure you’re restocked right away!

How long would I be a foster for?

You can foster for as long as you’re comfortable — whether that’s a few days, a few weeks, or until the dog finds their forever home! Every bit of time you give makes a huge difference in their journey to adoption. If you’re no longer able to foster, that’s okay — we understand that life happens. You can bring the dog back to the shelter during open hours, and our team will take care of the rest.