Puppies and litters
Feeding, socializing and house training during the most important weeks of their lives.
Lend a dog your couch for a few weeks
Fostering gets a dog out of the kennel and into a real home while it heals, grows or learns to trust people. We cover every cost.
Why fostering matters
A kennel barn is safe and warm, but it's loud and busy. Some dogs don't show who they really are until they're somewhere quiet. Puppies need round-the-clock care. Seniors and dogs recovering from surgery heal faster on a soft bed.
Every foster home also frees a kennel run, which means we can say yes to the next dog found on a county road.
See which dogs need fosters
You bring the home. We bring everything else.
Fostering shouldn't cost you anything but time. Here's how the work is shared.
What we provide
- All vet care, medication and emergency support
- Food, crate, bowls, bed, leash and toys
- A foster coordinator you can text any time
- Training help from our volunteer trainer
- Backup care if you need to travel
What we ask of you
- A safe, indoor space for the dog to rest and sleep
- Bring the dog to vet visits and adoption meetings, or let us pick them up
- Send a few photos and notes each week so adopters can get to know them
- Commit to at least two weeks, most fosters last three to six
- Live within an hour of Walthill
Dogs who need a foster most
Tell us which feels right for your home. You can foster once, or keep saying yes.
Seniors
Older dogs who find the kennel stressful and just want a warm spot and a routine.
Medical recovery
Rest after surgery or treatment, with medication on a simple schedule we'll show you.
Shy dogs
Patient, calm homes help nervous dogs learn that people are safe. No experience needed, just time.
How fostering works
Most people go from application to their first foster dog in about two weeks.
- 1
Apply
Fill in the short form below. It takes about ten minutes.
- 2
Have a chat
Our foster coordinator calls to learn about your home, schedule and other pets.
- 3
Get matched
We suggest a dog that fits. You can meet them first and say no without any guilt.
- 4
Bring them home
Pick up your dog and a full supply kit. We check in after the first night and every week after.
“I was scared I'd cry when Maisie left. I did. Then her family sent me a photo of her asleep on their porch, and I signed up for the next one.”
Foster questions
Still unsure? Call or text us on (402) 846-2719.
Do I need experience?
No. Most of our fosters had never done it before. We match first-timers with easy-going dogs and walk you through everything.
Can I foster if I work full time?
Yes. Many adult dogs are happy on their own for a workday. Puppies and medical dogs need someone home more often, and we'll only suggest dogs that suit your schedule.
What if my foster dog doesn't get along with my pets?
Call us and we'll collect the dog, usually the same day. We introduce dogs carefully first to make this unlikely.
Can I adopt my foster dog?
Absolutely. Fosters get first choice to adopt. We call it a “foster fail” and we love them.
Do I have to find the dog a home?
No. Our adoption counselors handle applications and meetings. Your notes and photos help them find the right match.