Every WAGS rescue story starts in a foster home

We don't have a shelter. Our animals live with foster families until they're adopted. Some stay a few weeks, some a few months. You provide the couch, the food bowl, and the patience; we cover vet care and back you up the whole way.

i. FOSTERABLE aNIMALS

II. FOSTER process

iii. FREQUENTLY ASKED

IV. apply to FOSTER

Fostering saves lives—plain and simple.

Every animal in a foster home is one we could pull from an overcrowded shelter — often one running out of time. Without fosters, our capacity is zero. With them, it's as big as every spare bedroom, sunporch, and fenced yard someone's willing to share.

apply to foster

I. fosterable ANIMALS

This page is powered by Shelterluv. Learn more at www.shelterluv.com
Apply to foster

ii. foster process

Have questions? Everyone does. Most of our best fosters started out unsure. Here's how it works, step by step:

  • 1. Submit an Application

    The foster process begins with submitting a foster application. This helps us learn more about your household, lifestyle, and experience so we can make the best possible match for both you and the animal.

  • 2. Initial Interview

    Once your application is received, our Chief Animal Officer, Josie, will contact you for a preliminary interview. During this call, you’ll discuss foster expectations, available support (including vetting, preventatives, daycare, and training if needed), and arrange a brief home and property video.

  • 3. Meet & Greet

    If a suitable match is identified, a meet and greet will be scheduled to introduce you to the animal—and to ensure compatibility with any pets already in your home.

  • 4. Reference Checks

    We’ll complete reference and veterinary checks to confirm that fostering is a great fit and that the animal will have a safe, loving temporary home.

  • 5. Sign Foster Contract

    Once approved, you’ll sign the foster contract, and your foster journey begins! You’ll provide updates on your foster’s progress, personality, and quirks—which help us find their perfect forever family. And if you happen to fall in love, you’ll get first dibs as a proud “foster fail.”

iII. frequently asked

  • Fosters must be at least 21 years old, and everyone in the household must agree to welcome a foster animal. A safe, stable environment and open communication with the WAGS team are key to a successful foster experience.

  • Many factors go into each foster placement — including your household setup, other pets, experience level, and activity level.

    Not every dog is the right match for every home, but if you’re approved to foster, WAGS will contact you when a pup that fits your home’s needs becomes available.

  • You’ll stay in regular contact with the WAGS team throughout your foster journey. WAGS covers all veterinary care and provides approved supplies like food, preventatives, and crates as needed. If additional support—like training, daycare, or behavioral assessments—is required, we’ll work with you to create a plan.

  • We’re always just a call or text away. Whether it’s a quick question or an urgent situation, WAGS is available to help 24/7.

    If your foster pup’s life is at risk, take them to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Once they’re safe and receiving care, contact WAGS right away to inform us of the situation.

  • No problem! Just reach out, and we’ll coordinate delivery or pickup of any approved supplies you need to care for your foster pup.

  • We love foster fails! If you decide you’ve fallen in love with your foster dog, you’ll have first priority to adopt. You’ll simply complete the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee once approved.

  • If you’re ever unable to continue fostering, please contact WAGS immediately so we can make a plan together. Because we rely on foster homes, we can’t retrieve a dog without arranging another placement first. Please remember that, as stated in our foster agreement, WAGS dogs may not be rehomed privately under any circumstance.

IV. Apply to foster

Be their safe place to land

apply to foster