Why can't I come to the shelter to meet the available dogs?
The Foster Team is made up of a very small group of people, with typically only 1 or 2 Foster Coordinators onsite at any given time. Because of this, we are unable to accommodate in-person meet and greets. Instead, we use the information you provide in your foster interest form to match you with a dog that fits your home, experience, and preferences. Once a match has been made, we'll schedule a time for you to pick up your foster pup from the shelter. Please ensure to arrive on-time to your scheduled pickup to avoid a delay at the shelter.
This process helps us place dogs into foster homes more efficiently while ensuring each foster family is matched with a dog that’s a good fit.

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Do you have any foster dogs that are good with cats?

We are not able to conduct in-shelter dog–cat testing, as it can be stressful for our feline friends. Because of this, we usually only know a dog’s experience with cats if they have previously lived with them. Since many of our dogs arrive as strays, this information is often unknown.

If you have a cat in your home, we will do our best to match you with a dog who does not have a known history of strong prey drive or reactivity around small animals. We’ll also guide you through a slow, thoughtful introduction process to help set everyone up for success.

Your resident pet’s safety is our top priority. If at any point you feel things are not working out, please let us know right away so we can arrange an alternative placement for your foster dog.

 

How much do you know about a foster dog’s behavior before placement?

Since many of our dogs arrive as strays, we often have limited background information about their behavior. The shelter differs greatly from a home environment in terms of noise, routine, stimulation, and social interaction. Because of this, a dog’s behavior can vary once they transition into foster care.

Once in a foster home, you may observe new behaviors that were not previously seen in the shelter, or you may find that behaviors noted in the shelter are no longer present. This is a normal part of the adjustment process as dogs settle into a more stable and consistent environment.

If you notice any concerning behaviors, please let the Foster Team know as soon as possible so we can provide support and guidance. Your observations are also an important part of helping us better understand each dog and set them up for success in their future forever home.

If you prefer to foster a dog with known behavior in a home environment, we can recommend a dog that is looking for a foster takeover.

 

When should I fill out this form?

We recommend filling out this form about 3–5 days before you're available to pick up a foster dog. Our dogs move through the shelter quickly, so availability can change frequently.

Please note that we do not hold dogs for foster placement, and adoptions always take priority—even if a pickup has been scheduled.

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Can I foster if I work full time?

Yes! Many of our foster dogs go to homes where their foster parents work full time outside the home. While it’s natural to feel concerned about leaving a dog alone, even a full work schedule is typically a significant improvement compared to the time they spend in a shelter kennel.

If you work outside the home full time, we will do our best to match you with a dog who is comfortable being alone for reasonable periods. However, this information is not always known, especially for dogs with limited history.

If your foster dog shows mild separation anxiety, such as whining or barking when left alone, this is often part of the initial adjustment period, and we can absolutely help you navigate it. In most cases, dogs settle as they become more comfortable in their new environment. If a dog is struggling more significantly or not adjusting over time, we may look at an alternative placement if needed.

If you work from home and are open to fostering dogs with separation anxiety, please let us know!

 

Why can't I foster a small dog?

Small dogs (under 40 lbs.) are among the most in-demand dogs in our care and are often adopted very quickly directly from the shelter. Sending highly adoptable small dogs to foster homes can sometimes delay their adoption by making them less accessible to potential adopters visiting the shelter. By reserving foster placements for larger dogs and those who need extra support, we're able to help more dogs leave the shelter system and find permanent homes.

If you're specifically interested in fostering a smaller dog, we occasionally have exceptions based on medical or behavioral needs, but these opportunities are limited.

 

What if it isn't working out with my foster dog?

We understand that every dog and every home is different, and sometimes a foster placement may not be the right fit. If you're having concerns about your foster dog, please reach out to the Foster Team as soon as possible. Many challenges can be resolved with a little time, support, and guidance.

If the placement is not working out, we will work with you to determine the best next steps. In non-emergency situations, we may ask you to continue caring for your foster dog for a few days while we attempt to find a foster takeover. If a new foster home cannot be found, we will arrange for the dog to return to the shelter.

Please note that, depending on kennel availability, you may be asked to return your foster dog to a different shelter location than the one they were originally picked up.

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Can I foster an at-risk dog?

At-risk dogs cannot be fostered directly through ACC. These dogs are only available to be fostered or adopted through a New Hope rescue partner, who can provide the additional support and resources they often need.

Because at-risk dogs tend to take longer to find permanent homes, fosters interested in these dogs should be prepared for a long-term commitment, often six months or more. Some dogs may also require professional training, specialized medical care, or other resources that our rescue partners can help coordinate.

If you're interested in fostering an at-risk dog, please fill out a pre-screener application for our New Hope program. If approved, we'll share your information with our rescue partners, who will determine whether they can match you with a dog through their organization.