Foster

First, we ask all potential foster families to fill out our foster application, which can be found above on this page. Once we've received your application, the Lifesaving Coordinator from the BVSPCA campus closest to you will reach out via email or phone to begin the onboarding process.

All potential foster families must then attend a virtual foster orientation. After completing orientation, you'll officially be eligible to take in foster pets. Our Lifesaving Coordinators put out pleas for pets in need of fostering through email and in our BVSPCA Fosters Facebook Group. When you're ready, tell your Lifesaving Coordinator you can take in a pet or group of pets they've asked about!

All ages and types of shelter pets can be in need of fostering, including:

• Cats and dogs that are too young for adoption

• Pregnant/nursing moms and babies

• Adult cats and dogs needing time to recover medically, for socialization or as a break from the shelter

The BVSPCA's shelter pets come from a variety of sources, including:

• Stray dogs brought in from DC's Animal Services.

• Ill or injured stray cats or kittens

• Pets saved from neglectful or cruel conditions in their former homes

• Pets surrendered by their owners

• Pets transported to us from areas across the country with more available animals than potential adopters

Absolutely! Our foster program has opportunities for just about any work schedule.

Foster families provide an important service for animals that need additional care beyond the shelter environment, including:

• Affection and proper socialization

• Physical and mental stimulation

Additionally, foster families are expected to provide a safe and healthy environment for their foster pets and must transport them to and from the shelter for veterinary treatment.

The foster length varies based on the animal and the reason for foster care. On average we ask for a commitment of a few weeks.

We do not recommend exposing foster animals to your personal pets unless the BVSPCA has instructed you to do so. Pets placed in foster care may be too young to be fully vaccinated or may have other medical concerns. Other foster pets may not have interacted with other animals before, and we can't be fully sure how they will react. However, many foster animals display behaviors in a home that we do not observe in a shelter environment, often in a positive way. Foster homes can let true personalities shine through!

The BVSPCA will provide you with all of the necessary tools for foster success. This may include veterinary care, food, medications, and a carrier or crate. You may choose to personally purchase toys, treats, or any other miscellaneous items for your foster animal. If there are other specific supplies you believe you may need for your foster animal, please reach out to your Lifesaving Coordinator.

If you decide you would like to adopt your foster pet, please alert your Lifesaving Coordinator right away. Since most pets being fostered are not immediately available for adoption, arrangements for adoption may need to be made at the end of the foster term. Once the animal is old enough or large enough, you will need to finalize the adoption with an adoption counselor during open shelter hours.