Make a Difference with Best Paws Rescue!
At Best Paws Rescue, we are foster-based, not a traditional shelter. All of our adoptable animals live in loving foster homes until they find their forever families.
Our foster homes are filled with volunteers who have what it takes to provide love, care, and guidance, ensuring each animal is matched with the perfect adopter. By opening their hearts and homes, our fosters give shelter animals a second chance at life.
We provide all the necessary supplies—our fosters simply provide a safe home, transport to medical appointments, daily care, and lots of love.
If you’re ready to make a difference and become a Best Paws Rescue Foster, fill out a foster application below.
FAQs about Fostering
What happens if I fall in love with my foster and want to keep them?
We love “foster fails”! Fosters always get first priority to adopt the animals they are caring for, as long as there isn’t already an approved adoption application. We just ask that you notify the rescue as soon as you decide to keep your foster. If a friend or family member is interested in adopting your foster, the standard adoption process must be followed.
How do you resist keeping all your fosters?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions and a common reason people hesitate to foster. It can be difficult to say goodbye to a foster, but doing so allows you to save even more lives. Volunteers often describe the joy of seeing their foster find the perfect forever home as indescribable—a feeling that far outweighs any sadness and replaces all doubts.
Will I have any out-of-pocket costs as a foster?
The rescue supplies all essential items for your foster cat or dog, including food, collars, treats, toys, and other necessary supplies. Kennels and crates are also available to borrow as needed. All pre-approved veterinary expenses are fully covered by the rescue.
What should I do if I need to go out of town while I still have my foster pet?
We ask that you provide at least one week’s notice if you will be away so we can arrange another foster home for your pet. The foster animal cannot be boarded privately or cared for by anyone who is not a Best Paws foster without prior approval from the rescue.
How do I help my foster get adopted?
Our volunteers play a pivotal role in helping their foster animals get adopted! It starts with taking great photos and writing a fun, creative bio. Don’t worry—if you need help, we have volunteers who can assist with photos and bios. Sharing your foster on social media is key! The more people see your pet, the better their chances of finding the Pawfect Match. For foster dogs, getting them out into the community is especially helpful—take them to pet-friendly stores, parks, or events, and consider having them wear an “Adopt Me” bandana to attract attention.
How long is the commitment to foster?
Fostering is a commitment from intake to adoption. The length of stay can vary depending on the cat or dog’s age, medical needs, and adoption interest. On average, most foster pets remain in care for about 2–4 weeks, though some may stay as little as a week or as long as a few months.
How does a foster help with a pet’s adoption?
Fosters provide all the details for website bios and social media posts. When an adoption application is submitted, our adoption coordinator reviews it, including background, veterinary, and landlord checks. Once approved, the application is sent to the foster home, so the foster can answer any questions the potential adopter may have. We believe the person living with the foster animal knows them best. For this reason, fosters help coordinate meet-and-greets and home visits to ensure the pet and family are the Pawfect Match!
