What fostering a dog involves

Fostering means caring for a dog in your home until they're adopted. It gives a dog quiet and individual attention that a busy shelter can't, and it teaches everyone what the dog is really like.

How long it lasts

Anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the dog and the program. Puppies usually move on quickly. Dogs recovering from illness, injury or a hard past may stay longer.

What fosters usually do

• Daily care: food, walks, play and a safe place to sleep.
• Medications and vet or adoption appointments, if needed.
• Basic training and social time.
• Sharing updates and photos that help the dog get adopted.

What organizations often cover

Many cover vet care and medications, and some provide food and supplies. Every program is different, so ask.

Questions to ask first

• What supplies and vet care do you provide, and which vet do I use?
• What training or support do you offer fosters?
• How do I reach someone if there's a problem?
• Do my own pets need to be vaccinated or kept apart?
• Is there a foster-to-adopt option?
• Are there short-term options, like weekend or sleepover fostering?

Local options

Miami-Dade Animal Services (opens in a new tab) runs a public foster program. To tell us you're interested in fostering with Bentley's Playhouse, see Get Involved.