Fostering
saves lives.

Why Fostering Works

Fostering is a tremendously rewarding experience, and most foster homes foster animals again and again! There are so many benefits to this alternative sheltering system:

For Foster Homes

There’s no long-term commitment
You get the companionship of a pet without the financial burden
It’s an opportunity to see how a pet will fit into your family’s lifestyle

For Foster Pets

They enjoy a break from the sometimes stressful shelter environment
They get more opportunities for socialization
Caretakers can learn more about each pet’s unique personality and can recommend a home that best matches the pet’s needs
They learn to trust humans in a home environment

For Shelters

It frees up more shelter space to intake more animals in critical need
It helps us understand each pet’s unique personality so we can find them their perfect family
It provides socialization and decompression opportunities that are critical for keeping pets in their new adoptive homes, lowering re-surrender rates

The Foster Process

Review the foster handbooks to learn all about our foster programs and the best ways to prepare yourself and your home.
• For puppies, adult dogs and adult cats
• For kittens
Fill out a foster application so we can ensure we find you the right foster fit for you and your family.
• Application for puppies, dogs and adult cats
• Application for kittens
We will reach out when a pet’s foster needs match with the foster pet preferences listed on your application. Please keep in mind that RAL intakes animals from our municipal shelter partners, many of whom have unknown backgrounds. If you have not heard from the foster team, it is most likely because the medical, environmental, or social needs of the pet may not be a match for your household or pet preferences, not because your application was denied. We aim to make fostering a positive experience for all parties, human and pet alike!

Once we have found the perfect foster fit for you and your family, we will contact you to set up a time to come meet the animal, gather the supplies you will need, and sign the foster agreement. Then you take your new foster family member home!
Foster families are a pet’s best marketing team! While they are with you, take plenty of photos, share with family and friends, and make sure to send us information and anecdotes that we can add to their adoption profile. The more information about their unique personalities we can share, the more likely we are to find them the perfect forever home.
Our foster families are an integral part of the adoption process because they know their pet best! When your foster pet receives an application, you will be expected to communicate with the interested party and facilitate meet & greets, either virtually or in person depending on the pet. When your foster pet finds its forever family, CONGRATULATIONS! This is often both the most bittersweet as well as the most incredibly rewarding part of the foster experience, and your RAL family is here to guide you every step of the way.