I have fostered over 25 animals before, and one of the most common questions I get asked is “do you get paid for fostering a dog?” I think the people who ask this don’t really understand the purpose of fostering. Fostering is volunteering, not a job (although the amount of work that goes into it can make it feel like a job sometimes).
I can’t speak for every animal foster parent out there, but for me, fostering isn’t about money. It’s about helping dogs find homes. Dogs who might not have gotten a chance at a forever home without a foster home. If you’re looking to make a lot of money, fostering isn’t a way to do that.
So, do you get any money when fostering dogs? And if not, what motivates people to foster? I will explain all of this below because I think it’s such an important topic to talk about.
What is Dog Fostering?
Dog fostering is when you provide a temporary home to a dog at a rescue or shelter. You will care for the dog at your home, but the organization provides all the supplies and medical needs. While there are short-term fostering options, most fostering involves caring for the dog until they find an adopter.
Every organization handles fostering differently. In my experience, the rescue processes applications for people interested in the dogs, and then I conduct meetings for the interested adopters. If there’s more than one applicant, I decide who I think is the best fit for the dog since the foster parent is the one who spends the most time with that dog.
Fostering is like having an extra dog for free. Not only that, but it’s providing a comfortable place for a dog to wait for their forever home. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s a great form of volunteering for people who love dogs.
Do You Get Paid for Fostering a Dog?
No, fostering is an unpaid volunteer position. Of course, I can’t speak for every organization, but all the rescues and shelters I know do not pay people to foster. Most organizations don’t even have enough funds to pay fosters if they wanted to. The money they have goes straight to supporting the dogs in their care.
Even though you don’t get paid, you rarely have to pay anything out of pocket. Anytime I’ve needed something, such as food, toys, crates, treats, leashes, or dog beds, the rescue has happily supplied that for me. Sometimes, I’ll buy some dog stuff with my own money if I plan to use it for my dog and my foster dogs, but I never have to supply anything myself if I don't want to.
Rewards for Fostering Dogs (That are Better Than Money)
I’m sure many people wonder, “if you don’t get paid for dog fostering, then what’s the point?” To me, there are so many things in life that matter more than money. Fostering dogs might not make you rich, but it rewards you in so many other ways.
Fostering Saves Lives
The biggest reason to foster is because it saves lives. Many shelters have to put dogs down because they have no space and not enough resources. Many rescues pull dogs out of these overcrowded shelters so they don’t have to be put down.
So, whether you foster from a crowded shelter or a rescue that saves dogs from overcrowded shelters, you’re helping save lives. Every time a dog is fostered, that opens up space for another dog to be saved. The dog you foster might not have had a second chance at life if you didn’t foster them.
To me, knowing I saved a dog’s life is a better reward than any amount of money. I hope other people out there feel the same.
You Help Dogs Get Adopted Faster
Fostering a dog is a great way to help them get adopted faster. In a shelter setting, a dog’s true personality doesn’t always shine through because they’re overwhelmed and stressed. A foster home is much more comfortable for them.
Plus, in foster care, you get a lot of one-on-one time with the dog. You can see how they behave in different situations and how they act in a home setting. Thus, you’ll learn a lot more about the dog than the shelter staff normally would. By knowing more about the dog’s personality and specific needs, it’s easier to advertise them and help them find the right home.
The rescue I’ve fostered for has kennel spaces for dogs without foster homes. Dogs without a foster home are usually at the rescue for a while but quickly get adopted once they enter foster care. This is simply because it’s easier for a foster parent to learn about a foster dog and advertise time than it is for the busy shelter staff.
You Get to Experience a Variety of Dogs for Free
I’ve noticed that, for many people, the kind of dog they’re looking for isn’t always the best fit for them. Fostering gives you an opportunity to care for a wide range of dogs, including ones that aren't your usual "type." I’ve fostered dogs of all sizes, ages, breeds, and personalities, and some of my favorites are ones I never would’ve considered adopting in the past.
Whenever I adopt another dog in the future, I’ll know exactly what types of traits I like and dislike based on my fostering experiences. I also feel like I’ve become great at helping other people find a dog that’s the perfect fit. Fostering is a great way to experience a wide variety of dogs without having to pay anything or commit to owning a dog.
It’s Extremely Rewarding
You may not be rewarded with money for fostering, but it’s such a fulfilling experience emotionally. A lot of people assume fostering will be sad when you say goodbye to the dogs, but for me, it’s extremely joyful. Seeing a dog not only get a second chance at life but also go home with a family you know will love them feels so good.
It’s more than just saving lives and getting them adopted. It’s also rewarding to help the dogs come out of their shells. Many rescue dogs come from unfortunate pasts, which can make them very shy or fearful. In a foster home, it’s easier for those dogs to gain confidence and learn to live the life of a “normal dog.”
My favorite dogs to foster are the shy ones because it’s so heartwarming to see them improve. I’ve had fosters that were so scared that they would rarely leave their crate. Yet, with love and patience, they started hanging out next to me and enjoying things like toys and walks. I also get updates from many of the adopters, and it feels good to hear that my former fosters are still doing well in their forever homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Fostering a Dog Work?
When fostering a dog, you take an adoptable dog into your care until they get adopted. You’re provided with supplies and vet schedules. Every organization operates differently, but many want you to help advertise the dog and facilitate meet-and-greets. Talk to your local rescue or shelter to find out how their fostering program works.
Why is Fostering Dogs so Important?
Fostering dogs is very important because it helps free up spaces in shelters so more dogs can be saved. It also helps dogs feel more comfortable while they wait for a forever home and makes them seem more appealing to potential adopters. Fostering is life-changing for many dogs in need.
How Long Do Foster Dogs Stay with You?
It depends on the rescue and the details of the dog. Most of my foster dogs were adopted within a month or two, but I usually foster smaller dogs, which tend to get adopted faster. If you have a time limit for how long you can foster, let the organization know so they can find other accommodations for the dog if they’re not adopted in the timeframe.
Will My Foster Dog Think I Abandoned Them?
No, foster dogs don’t usually feel abandoned. Of course, they may miss you at first, but if they’re with a family that’s a good fit, they’ll adjust and learn to love their new family even more than they loved their foster family. Some dogs take no time to adjust while others take months. If you think you’re the best fit for your foster dog, you can certainly adopt them if the organization allows it.
How Do I Start Fostering Dogs Near Me?
Search for shelters and rescues in your area. Most, if not all, are probably looking for foster families. You can fill out a fostering application on their website. If you don’t see one, contact them to find out if they need foster parents and how to get signed up. If you’re still on the fence about fostering, I recommend trying it at least once because it’s such a great experience for dog lovers.
You Don’t Get Paid for Fostering a Dog, But it’s Still Well Worth it!
I hope some people will feel encouraged to foster a dog after reading this. If that’s the case for you, search “fostering dogs near me” to see which local rescues and shelters need foster families right now (there’s a pretty good chance that all of them do). Even if you only do it once, you’re still making a huge impact.
Even if you can’t foster, that’s okay. It’s a huge commitment that not everyone has the time, space, and patience for. There are still plenty of other animal-related volunteer opportunities, such as helping out at adoption events, walking shelter dogs, and educating about puppy mills.
Anything you can do to help can be impactful, no matter how small it might seem. Even donations are extremely helpful. If you’re not sure where to donate to, check out the list of animal organizations that I support.