Foster Process

Thank You for Considering the

Lifesaving Act of Becoming a Foster

Fosters truly are the FRONT LINE for these dogs & a critical step in saving more lives! A foster home is a temporary living situation for dogs while they are awaiting placement in a permanent home. Foster families provide shelter, food, care, love, and guidance. The number of dogs we can save depends entirely on the number of people who will open their homes and hearts to foster them. For some of these dogs, this will be their first experience being treated as a family pet.

You are their salvation and you should never underestimate the important role you are playing in their lives!

a dog in front of a brick wall wearing a heart headband

Why

Foster?

The only way that we can save dogs is with the help of foster homes. Being a foster family has rewards beyond the essential value of helping a pet in need find a new home. For some, it is a chance to have a dog companion without making a lifetime commitment, or to try new companions for an existing pet. Foster Care is critical to our rescue efforts, the more homes we have, the more dogs we can save. Becoming a foster family is a very rewarding experience, and can be a lot of fun. There are often tears shed when a foster finally finds a home of their own, but knowing you have saved a life and opened up space to save another is truly rewarding.

How Long Can I Expect to Foster a Pet?

Fosters will keep dogs a few weeks or a few months. Some dogs may need more time while they work on training or health challenges or because they just haven't found the perfect family quite yet. We'll talk with you about your time commitment before you agree to foster the pet and remain a partner with you through the whole process, but most foster families keep the dog until the dog gets adopted.

What are the Responsibilities of a Foster Family?

Provide a safe, clean, and caring environment for the dog.
Provide food, water, exercise and socialization as appropriate.
Monitor any medical and/or behavioral problems and provide any medications as directed.
Assist with transport to/from adoption events.
Prepare for meet and greets with potential adopters.
Participate in helping WTLI find a family for the dog.

Ready to Foster?

Apply to Foster a Dog