Fostering saves the lives of cats and dogs in Atlanta

We are a community-based shelter, so foster homes are essential for saving lives in Atlanta. Our amazing foster volunteers give cats and dogs loving places to stay until they find permanent homes.

When you foster, you become part of a lifesaving team working to create a bright future for homeless pets in Atlanta and around the country. By fostering a pet, you're providing the love and care they need while they wait to be adopted. This helps prepare them for life in a home and alleviates the burden on shelters in Atlanta.

Fostering is an easy, short-term, hands-on way to make a lifetime of difference. Whether you open your home (and heart) to a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, Best Friends provides food, supplies, support and medical care — everything you need to ensure that your foster pet’s stay is a happy and healthy one.

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What to expect

Fostering is an incredibly fun, fulfilling and personal way to help save homeless pets in Atlanta.

Your fostering stint could be as short as a night or a weekend, or it could last several weeks or months. Either way, Best Friends provides everything needed to care for your foster pet.

Once you’ve filled out your application, you will receive an automated email with details about fostering opportunities and sign-up instructions. You’ll be asked to complete an online orientation, which includes creating a volunteer profile, watching a video and digitally signing accompanying forms.

If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need permission to foster from someone in your household who is over 18 years old. That person should be the one to complete the volunteer profile and orientation.

Please let us know if you have pets of your own at home so that we can ensure the right foster pet fit for your family.

Questions about fostering a pet in Atlanta?

For questions about fostering or our foster program, email fosteratl@bestfriends.org.

Pets needing fostering

The kinds of animals typically need fostering include dogs and cats of all ages, personality types and care levels.

Some of the animals most in need of fostering are those requiring a little extra TLC or training, as well as shy pets still learning to trust and feel more comfortable in a new environment.

We want both pets and people to have a positive fostering experience. That’s why we consider your schedule and lifestyle and strive to match you with a pet who will thrive in your home.

View Available Foster Pets