Companion Animals

Shelter Animal Foster Networks

Foster networks dramatically improve shelter animal welfare by providing home environments during their stay in care.

Key Facts

Foster care reduces shelter length of stay by 50% on average
Fostered animals show better behavioral development and adoptability
Neonatal animals have dramatically higher survival rates in foster than institutional care
Foster networks multiply shelter capacity during intake surges
Remote fostering support from shelters enables first-time fosters to succeed

Welfare Considerations

Foster care is one of the highest-impact shelter welfare interventions available. Animals in foster homes experience reduced stress, better behavioral development, and improved physical health compared to institutional care. Neonates that would die in institutional settings thrive in foster. Building robust foster networks requires active recruitment, training, and ongoing support from shelters.

What You Can Do

Become a foster carer for your local shelter
Recruit others to foster by sharing your positive experience
Donate to foster support programs including food and veterinary care
Advocate for shelter investment in foster network development
Support shelters that treat foster carers as partners rather than volunteers