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Dog Foster Program

After introducing our foster program for big dogs in June 2020, we saw the euthanasia rate for dogs drop in half. Through this program, we are only focusing on dogs we believe will make good companions, but who need to get out of the stressful shelter environment ASAP.

Posted: March 10th, 2022 12:42 PM

Last Updated: March 17th, 2022 2:50 PM

How to Foster a Dog

What we provide

Matchmaking: It’s important to us that you have a positive experience. We’ll do our best to match you with a foster dog who will do well in your home.

Transparency: We will share all we know about the dog’s history and our observations from the dog’s time in the shelter.

Support: We’ll provide all the supplies* you need, medical services, guidance and ongoing support. In cases where the foster dog needs some behavior support, we’ll walk you through that and connect with an outside trainer when needed.

*With our limited resources, we’d appreciate any ability to provide supplies yourself, but can continue to provide supplies for as long as the dog is in your home if you need that support.


What we need from you

Patience: Our dogs have been through a lot before going into foster homes and need time and patience to settle in. We’ll give you guidance to set your foster dog up for success.

Communication: It’s important to keep our foster coordinators updated on how your dog is doing so we can provide all necessary support.

Help getting your dog adopted: We’ll look to you to provide a description of the dog’s behavior, photos and video that capture your dog’s personality (and can help with this if it’s not your thing). We’ll also need you to bring your dog to OAS (or occasional off-site adoption events) to meet potential adopters (either by appointment or for our open adoption hours).


To foster a dog, please fill out the Dog Foster Application.

For questions about dog fostering, email dogfostering@oaklandsanimals.org.