Fostering

Fostering is fun, easy, and exceptionally rewarding!

Fostering a pet is not a lifetime commitment. It's a commitment to saving a life! Our Foster Program is one of the essential ingredients to our life-saving formula, and you can be a part of that equation. Here's how:

Requirements 

  • If you would like to foster, you will need to be 18 years or older and have a valid ID. All members of the household need to agree to the foster. For dog fostering, we can conduct meet and greets with resident dogs.
  • Click here to join our foster program!
  • *You do not have to wait for an email confirmation to foster. Come on up and speak to a staff member. *Does not apply to kitten fostering. You will hear from a volunteer within 72 hours for next steps for kitten fostering.
  • We typically ask for a 2-week foster period. Foster periods vary depending on the reason needed for foster care.
  • During fostering, the animals are under our medical care. If they need anything medically, they need to come to the shelter. (We cannot pay unapproved vet bills.)
  • Fosters usually provide bedding, toys, bowls, and food. But if you need help with supplies, just ask staff.

Eligible animals

  • Puppies/kittens too young for adoption
  • Pregnant or nursing moms
  • Medical cases
  • Behavior cases
  • Any dog that has been at the shelter for 30+ days and is spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and over 1 year old.

    Lack of Space Fostering

    Depending on the influx of animals into the shelter, we may ask for a 1- to 2-week foster period to make room for new animals. Animals must be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and over 1 year old. (typically medium to large dogs.)

    Home for the Holidays

  • Runs from November to January.
  • Watch this space for more details.

    Brown dog laying on off-white bed, with a pillow that says Let's Snuggle. Image graphic says Weekend Getaway FosterWeekend Getaway Fostering 

Looking for a fun way to spend your weekend? Come foster a medium-to-large adult dog! Whether it be for a two-day staycation or a long holiday weekend, we've got so many wonderful dogs who would love the opportunity to spend some time out of their kennels and in a home. With YOU! 

Fostering a dog temporarily is beneficial in so many ways. Dogs are under tremendous stress while in the shelter - with strangers walking past their kennels, lots of barking, cleaning, no view of the outdoors - and even the shortest of breaks gives them the chance to relax a little from that. The more relaxed a dog is, the better he behaves. While in your care, you'll learn things about the dogs that we could never learn about them while they're in the shelter. Does he wait patiently to eat his food when asked? Or maybe he's the opposite counter surfer. Does he try to dart out the door when it's opened? How does he feel about your cat and kids? Knowing the good AND the "bad" about a dog helps us to make the very best matches possible. And that in turn lowers the chances of him being returned to us after adoption. 

Plus, the process is simple.

  • When you are ready to take a dog home for a Weekend Getaway, come to the shelter. We're located at 1855 SE Inner Loop in Georgetown, and we process fosters from our Adoption Center, the two-story white building accessed via Wilco Way.
  • Let staff know that you are here for a Weekend Getaway foster.
  • Work with our care-takers to choose a dog who will fit in well.
  • Complete the New Foster Registration (you may do this in advance to save time, as well).
  • Enjoy your Weekend Getaway with your new furry friend! laugh 
    • Don't forget to share all about your adventures, whether it's a vigorous hike along the Goodwater Loop or a weekend snuggle sesh binging the latest craze. We want to see it all. Use hashtag #WCRASWeekendGetaway. 
 
 
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Kitten Fostering, Featuring The Kitten Lady!