You can make the world a better place with one simple action: Fostering a pet.
Fosters provide a lifeline and a second chance for pets who may be underage, injured, or simply in need of some TLC before they can be adopted. While the amount of time a pet spends with a foster can vary from a few days to few months, the positive impact a foster has on that dog or cat lasts a lifetime.
Open your home and help save our community’s homeless animals
Fosters play an important role in preparing our dogs and cats for a very special day in their lives: Adoption Day! If you have love, affection and patience to share, you could be a great foster parent. Help be part of making North Texas No-Kill —foster a dog or cat!
Fostering FAQs
What is the process to foster a dog or cat through Dallas Pets Alive?
1. Submit a foster application online.
DPA foster application—Dogs | DPA foster application—Cats
2. A member of DPA’s foster vetting team will email you (within 24 hours) to set up a phone interview to discuss your application and answer all of your questions about fostering.
3. Once you are approved, you will have access to a photo album with all dogs and cats available for foster. You will work with our foster team to make arrangements for you to pick up your furry houseguest.
What are the requirements to become a foster for Dallas Pets Alive?
- Are age 18 or older
- Provide a safe, clean, loving environment for your foster dog or cat
- Provide food, water, litter, toys, enrichment and shelter
- Provide appropriate exercise and socialization
- Monitor and communicate your foster dog or cat’s medical and/or behavioral needs with your DPA foster representative
- Transport your foster dog or cat to any necessary vet appointments
- Transport your foster dog or cat to DPA adoption events
- Keep your foster pet (feline and canine) indoors
What does DPA provide to its fosters? What will I be expected to provide?
Your foster representative will check in with you regularly to make sure you and your foster pet are doing well. They will also coordinate behavioral training services your pet may need and organize any veterinary appointments and medication, all at no cost to you.
You will need to provide food, toys, a collar and leash, and a crate. You will also need to provide litter and a litter box for feline fosters. And of course, lots of love and attention!
Can I foster if I have pets or children? Rent a house/apartment? Work full time?
Your existing pets must be spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and treated for fleas and worms. Renters must provide approval from the landlord or management company; you will be responsible for any pet fees or deposits required in your lease. You will also need to have a separate room or area in your home to keep your foster animals in while they acclimate to their new surroundings and/or recover from illness or surgery. A bathroom is perfect for a cat or kitten, and a spare bedroom can be used for a foster dog/puppy.
Can I choose which dog or cat I foster?
How long will I typically foster a cat or dog?
Will I need to give medication to my foster pet?
Do I need to find an adopter for my foster?
We do expect you to bring your dog or cat to adoption events, as your schedule permits.
Can I adopt my foster dog or cat?
How many animals can I foster at one time?
Where will I pick up my foster dog or cat?
DPA’s cats are pulled by our Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) team and cared for in their homes until a foster is found. If you are interested in fostering a cat, DPA’s foster team will connect you with a member of the TNR team so you can arrange to pick up your feline friend directly from them.