Foster Programs Stories

Pawrie the Frenchie came from a shelter to Best Friends with multiple medical issues, but a loving foster family helped him on his way to a new life.

Hanjae was at a shelter with a life-threatening medical condition. Today she’s thriving in her new home.

Lizel Allen has fostered 165 pets (and counting!) since 2014, and she still finds the work incredibly meaningful — and fun.

Jeff needed emergency surgery to remove both of his eyes, but the kitten was quickly on the road to recovery thanks to a crew of good friends.

After mama dog Earth delivered six puppies at a Salt Lake City shelter, they all came to Best Friends and were adopted in a flash.

Lauren Burgess and Jill Church planned to adopt a pet and instead signed up to foster. Now they’re giving cats with special needs a second chance.

Simon beat a serious skin infection with the help of modern medicine and two wonderful foster families.

All you need is a bathtub and an open mind: how Best Friends cat expert Samantha Bell nursed kittens with sarcoptic mange back to health.

With time, patience, and TLC, Jax went from a fearful dog who needed a home to a happy pup who’s blossoming with his new person.

Foster volunteer Tyler Lisonbee is an advocate for cats and kittens in Salt Lake City who need extra care and attention.

June the cat went from being found alone dragging her back legs to a shelter and then to nightly snuggles in her new home.

Two souls in search of a better life reach new heights together.

Allison Botwinick wanted to adopt the family’s foster dog Aragon, but first she’d have to get her mom on board. So she got creative.

Faces of no-kill: Beautiful, blue-eyed cat Spartacus came to Best Friends with a broken leg and a terrible respiratory infection, but today he’s thriving in his new home.

Faces of no-kill: Sweet Baby James could hardly even crawl when he first came to the Sanctuary, but today he’s stronger and in a home of his own.