Explore Dogs to Foster in San Diego
At Helen Woodward Animal Center, we take in dogs and puppies from rescue partners local to California and others across the United States. We also offer adoption services, education programs, and veterinary care. Our center relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors to keep our doors open. As a reputable animal center that provides refuge for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals, it’s important for us to ensure our dogs have space to await adoption.
That’s where fostering comes in – by opening your home to a foster dog, you are giving them a comfortable and loving environment to wait for their forever family. By fostering through Helen Woodward Animal Center, you will receive all necessary supplies and support from our team.
Curious about fostering a dog in San Diego? You’ve come to the perfect place. We have a variety of dog blends, ranging in age from puppies to adult dogs, available for fostering from the Center!
Explore Helen Woodward Foster Testimonials!
How to Foster a Dog: Common Dog Fostering FAQs
Fostering dogs can be a rewarding experience for both you and the animals involved. Our team at Helen Woodward Animal Center will work with you to find a great foster match for your lifestyle, availability and living situation. If you are interested in learning more about fostering a dog, read on to explore some of our most frequently asked questions or contact us today to speak to a fostering specialist.
What does the dog fostering process look like at Helen Woodward?
The first step in the fostering process is to fill out a foster application and attend a foster orientation. The application and orientation process for fostering a dog through Helen Woodward typically takes about one to two weeks to complete. The eligibility requirements to be a foster parent include the following:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must read through the Foster Program Frequently Asked Questions prior to submitting an application: available here!
- Must have driver’s license and working vehicle to transport pets to and from the Center for routine and emergency appointments.
- Must live within range of one of our San Diego emergency veterinary partner.
- Must complete and sign the foster care application, including medical information for all personal pets that could be in contact with the foster pets.
- Must agree to a virtual home check by a foster program representative.
- Must agree to comply at all times with all foster program policies, protocols, instructions, and guidelines.
- Must sign the Foster Care Agreement and Foster Care Agreement Addendum for the pets you will foster.
- Must provide in-home care for pets assigned under the foster program and return the pets to the Center on the date specified.
- Must keep current, accurate Foster Animal Care Logs for all fostered pets, including weight, medication, and/or behavioral records for the foster pets while in your care, and present the log(s) whenever bringing your foster pets to the Center.
Once the application process is complete, our team will help select the dog that best fits your lifestyle and living situation, as well as provide all the necessary supplies once a match has been made. Following this, there will be a virtual home check where one of our representatives will help you determine the best way to manage your resident canines and felines with your new foster baby.
How much does it cost to foster a dog in San Diego?
Fostering a dog in San Diego County through Helen Woodward Animal Center is free of charge. Love, time and transportation! All you need to provide is love and attention, time to care for the foster pets, and transportation to and from the Center for pick up, drop off, and any appointments. The Center provides all supplies needed to care for foster pets (food, bowls, toys, blankets, potty pads, litter box, etc.). The Center also takes care of all medical needs of foster pets (vaccines, check-ups, spay/neuter surgeries, etc.).
How long does dog fostering typically last?
The length of a dog fostering assignment can vary greatly – it can last anywhere from a couple days to several months. If a dog or puppy has extra medical needs or if it is recovering from surgery or illness, it may need at least 2-6 weeks in foster care. Pregnant moms or premature puppies could require up to 3 months. If a dog is healthy and preparing for an adoption, the fostering window could be just a few days to several weeks depending on our adoptions and medical availability.
What should I consider with other pets in the home?
It is important to consider the reactions and behavior of any other pets in the home before fostering a dog. Introductions should be done slowly and carefully, with supervision, to ensure the safety of all animals involved. Make sure to consider all current pets are properly vaccinated and up to date on their health needs to minimize any risks, and make sure to use caution when it comes to having the pets spend time together face to face. Additionally, it may be necessary to keep the foster dog separated from your own pets during meals or when left alone in the home.
Can my foster dog play with other dogs or pets?
It’s important to monitor interactions between your foster dog and other animals, as their behavior and history are unknown. It is recommended that any interaction with other pets or dogs be supervised and controlled, such as on a leash in a fenced yard. It is not suggested to bring a foster dog to public places like dog parks where there may be uncontrolled interactions with unfamiliar animals. Isolating foster dogs when possible is most advised to ensure all pet parties stay healthy during the foster assignment.
Can I adopt the pet I am fostering?
We appreciate how your love and care prepare our fosters for their forever home. We encourage our fosters to take at least three assignments before they consider adopting. The more foster families we have, the more lives we can save. If you are interested in adopting or know someone who is, please speak with a member of our adoption team for more information on the adoption process. As soon as the Dog Adoption Request Form has been completed, the Helen Woodward team will review your application and be back with you soon. Take a look at our current adoptable dogs and puppies here!
How do I find foster dogs near me?
At Helen Woodward Animal Center, we offer foster opportunities for animals in the San Diego County region. If you’re a San Diego resident and “dog fostering near me” is something you’ve searched for, our team will work with you to find a foster dog that is a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
Learn More About Dog Fostering in San Diego by Visiting Helen Woodward Animal Center Today!
Thank you for your interest in fostering a dog through Helen Woodward Animal Center. Providing a temporary loving home for an animal in need can have a tremendous impact on their future and overall well-being. Those who foster with Helen Woodward Animal Center become a part of our furry family, and help keep pets off the street to find their forever homes. If you have any further questions about the fostering process or available animals, please do not hesitate to contact us.