Fostering saves the lives of dogs and cats

When you foster, you become part of a lifesaving team working to create a bright future for homeless pets in Utah 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 Salt Lake City.

Fostering is an easy, short-term, hands-on way to make a lifetime of difference. We want both pets and people to have a positive fostering experience. That’s why we offer flexible fostering options.

We welcome foster homes of all types and sizes and do not require a time commitment when you sign up to foster with Best Friends in Salt Lake City. We will provide all supplies needed, plus training.

View Available Foster Pets

Foster a Dog or Puppy

Foster a Cat or Kitten

What to expect

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

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 Dog or Puppy

Foster a Cat or Kitten

Once you’ve filled out your application, 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. You will then receive an automated email with details about fostering opportunities and sign-up instructions.

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 under 18 volunteer profile and orientation. For more information, please read the FAQs below or contact us directly with any questions at utahfoster@bestfriends.org.

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

Questions about fostering a pet in Salt Lake City?

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

Pets needing fostering

What kinds of animals typically need fostering? 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 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.

View Available Foster Pets