At Lucky Dog, our fosters are more than just volunteers—they're literal lifesavers. By offering temporary homes to puppies, dogs, kittens, and cats, our fosters play a crucial role in rescuing these animals and giving them a second chance at life. The more foster families we have, the more lives we can save. The only limitation in our lifesaving is the number of foster we have.
We are always looking for fosters in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area.
Ways to Foster
Overnight & Weekend Fosters
Overnight and weekend fosters provide short-term care for a dog from Friday or Saturday night until Sunday. These fosters take in dogs off transport, give them a bath and basic medication (provided by Lucky Dog), and then bring them to our adoption event on Sunday. It's a small commitment that makes a big difference.
Temporary Fosters
Temporary fosters provide short term fostering while a dog's or cat’s full time foster is out of town or unable to care for their fosters. Temporary fosters may be needed for a night, a few days, or a few weeks. They are a critical part of our foster team, ensuring our animals always have a safe place to sleep and a full belly of food.
Full Time Fosters
Full time fosters take in a dog or cat off transport or from another foster and provide temporary housing until they find their forever home. This commitment can range from just a few days to several weeks. Our full time fosters dedicate themselves to caring for their foster pet until they are adopted, offering stability and love during this transitional period.
Puppy or Kitten Fosters
Puppy or kitten fosters care for litters of puppies or kittens that aren't yet fully vaccinated and need extra attention. These fosters provide the essential care needed for the youngest arrivals until they are adopted. While training and housebreaking aren't required, having a flexible schedule and lots of patience is crucial.
Why Foster?
Fostering is incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to enjoy the companionship of an animal in need, but you also become an integral part of their journey to finding a loving forever home. Plus, medical care is provided by Lucky Dog—so all you need to bring is your love and compassion. Join our community of passionate animal lovers today. Become a foster with Lucky Dog and make a tangible impact on the lives of homeless pets.
Ready to Start?
How to Sign Up to be a Foster
Step 1
Fill out the New Foster Questionnaire (Dog or Cat).
Step 2
We will review your questionnaire and schedule a call with you to answer any questions you may have.
Step 3
After we have completed your foster onboarding, our team will coordinate with you when you can pick up your Lucky Foster Animal and take them home. This may be at a transport or an adoption event.
Foster Commitments
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue's Commitment to You and Your Foster
- We provide routine, preventative and emergency medical care at one of our vet parters at no cost to you.
- We provide essential supplies, including collars, leashes, crates, and identification tags.
- We have trainers/behaviorists who can help work through any issues (no matter how big or small) you may have with your Lucky Dog foster dog or cat.
- We let the world know that your Lucky Dog or Cat is looking for a permanent home by posting him or her on multiple websites.
- We hold adoption events every week, a great way to find loving homes for your foster dogs and cats.
- Our network of volunteers are here to answer questions, interview potential adopters, help transport your dog or cat when you are unable, and do anything we can to make fostering a great experience.
Your Commitment to Your Lucky Foster
- You provide daily care (food, water, potty breaks, exercise, etc.) for your Lucky Dog or Lucky Cat foster pet.
- You provide unconditional love and affection.
- You share photos and videos of your foster that we use to help find your foster a forever home.
- You provide transportation to at least two adoption events per month for your foster animal to meet potential adopters.
- You are open to meeting adopters at your home for handoff (contract and payment will be done electronically in advance).
- And, most importantly, you let us know if you need help.