Instructions
Assess your living situation and determine what type of dog you can care for. An injured or pregnant dog will be better off in a place without small children or other pets, while a shy dog in need of lots of love and exposure to humans will do well in an environment with many family members or other animals. Ensure that you have the funds and time to devote to a dog.
Contact your local shelter to see if it has a foster care program. Describe your current living environment so the shelter can ascertain if any of the available dogs would make a good match for your circumstances. Check with local animal rescue groups or your veterinarian if your shelter does not have a foster program.
Apply to become a foster dog parent. Most shelters and rescue groups require you to fill out an application before you can meet a dog. Since many dogs have come from abusive homes, shelters want to ensure that the dogs are going to a safe place. This may include a home inspection and a background check.
Go to the shelter and meet the dog. Sometimes, dogs are returned from foster care because the foster parents did not understand their dog's temperament and needs. Meeting the dog before you bring it home helps ensure that you will have a successful fostering experience. Ask lots of questions about the care for your particular foster dog, such as how much medicine it takes or what type of training it still needs.
Prepare your house for your new guest. Puppies require the most adjustment, since they are prone to chew and still need to be potty-trained. Purchase the food, brush, toys, leash and other materials that you will need, and set up a place for the dog to sleep.
Go to the shelter to collect your dog. Attend an orientation, handling, first aid or training session if your shelter requires it.
How to Become a Foster Dog Parent
When a dog is injured, pregnant or untrained, a shelter may put it in foster care so that it can enjoy a quieter environment with more personalized attention. Foster parents will generally only keep a dog for a brief period -- anywhere from a few weeks to a few months -- but this time gives the dog a better chance of entering a permanent adoptive home. In addition, when you foster a dog, the shelter has more space to rescue another dog. If you have the means, you can help multiple animals by taking a dog into your care.