Foster to save the lives of local cats and dogs

When you foster, you become part of a lifesaving team working to create a bright future for homeless pets in Los Angeles and around the country.

A shelter can be a noisy and stressful environment, especially for shy or frightened animals. By fostering a pet — providing love and care while an animal waits to be adopted — you’re helping to prepare that animal for life in a home and alleviating the burden on shelters in Los Angeles.

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 will provide everything you need, including food, supplies, support and medical care, to ensure that your foster pet’s stay is a happy and healthy one.

Foster a Cat

Foster a Dog

If you are limited on time or space at home, you can still make an impact by taking one of our adoptable pups on an adventure through our Adventure Buddies program. Whether you're looking for a fun time outdoors or some cozy in-home time, we'll match you with the right dog. No previous volunteer experience needed. We'll make sure to send you with all the supplies your adventure buddy will need to have an amazing adventure.

Adventure Buddy Program

What to expect

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

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 you’ll need to care for your foster pet.

Foster a Cat

Foster a Dog

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 (lasting 15-20 minutes), 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. For more information, please contact us directly with any questions at 818.643.3989 or fosterla@bestfriends.org.

If you've fostered for Best Friends before, please contact fosterla@bestfriends.org about fostering again.

What kinds of animals typically need fostering?

Dogs and cats of all ages, personality types and care levels need fostering.

Some of the animals most in need of fostering are those requiring a little extra TLC or training, as well as shy pets who are 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.

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