Fostering FAQs

Foster parents and families provide temporary care for our animals in their own homes until they are ready for adoption.

You must be 18 years or older and meet the necessary requirements. Please see the Foster Handbook for more information.

Depending on the age and health of the animal it could be as little as two weeks or as long as several months (rare, but happens). Occasionally, AARF will have an animal that may need longer ongoing palliative care until they are ready for adoption.

Yes. We want everyone who fosters to be happy. We only rescue cats and dogs and we have adults, kittens, and puppies.

Yes. AARF has crates, exercise pens, food, bowls, toys, collars, leashes, and miscellaneous things that are generally needed when providing care for an animal, in addition to any medications needed. You are welcome to use your own things or purchase additional items.

You are expected to move your foster dog forward toward being a well-behaved inside dog. This includes working on house training and crate training, in addition to socializing and teaching them how to behave well toward other dogs and people. If a dog is problematic, such as extreme shyness or aggression, AARF partners with trainers that are available to help.

Visit our Trello board to see some of the animals we are seeking a foster for. Once you are accepted as a foster, you will also be added to a foster email list.

Yes, the animals in your care get wellness and sick visits at AARF as needed. All animals will get their vaccinations at a clinic.  Should an emergency arise, you will be given a time to see the AARF veterinarian or permission to visit one of our partner vets. All medication is provided at no expense to you.

With advance notice, AARF will attempt to find an appropriate (temporary or permanent) foster home from our existing foster homes. The AARF family is a group of people that generally step up when needed. It is pretty amazing how not only do our volunteers help the animals, but they help each other as well!   

In these situations, it is best for the foster parent to contact the team leaders to discuss options. We partner with dog trainers to address behavior issues, including aggression. Each animal has a behavior assessment before intake; however, in the event a problem arises, team leaders will advise the best way to resolve the situation. Safety is a high priority with AARF, and we do not want to put our fosters at risk of injury. Other arrangements will be made as necessary.

• Do you have proper housing for taking care of the animals?

• Do you have the availability to bring a foster animal in for medical checks, routine care appointments, and adoption fairs?

• Are you able to be home often enough or make provisions (for dogs) to take them outside for relief and exercise?

Please see our Foster Handbook or contact us by email.