👩🏽‍💻In 2008, I decided to become a foster parent for Homeward Trials Animal Rescue. My first foster was a spunky dog of unknown origin who would follow me from room to room. 11 years later he’s sleeping in my bed, shares my snacks and is the highlight of my life and Instagram page — and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you have a little love to give, consider being a foster for an animal in need. — The Advoc8te and Teddy’s mom

From the Humane Rescue Alliance website:

Thinking of Becoming a Foster Parent?

Foster parents fulfill a critical component of our life-saving work. Any individual, family, or business with the compassion and willingness to help animals-in-need can serve as a foster parent. Foster terms can range from a few days or weeks to a month or more, depending on the preferences of the foster parent and the needs of the animal. Foster homes are most needed for:

• Dogs over 40 lbs who are stressed in the shelter environment

• Animals who are sick

• Animals who need behavior training or socialization

• Animals too shy or timid in the adoption center environment

• Moms with nursing kittens or puppies

• Orphaned bottle fed kittens and puppies

• Animals too young for spay/neuter

HRA's foster department also offers several specialized programs designed to support our most vulnerable animal populations.

• In Real Life — focuses on learning about our population of dogs over 40 pounds through a short 2-3 day stay in a foster home.

• Safe Haven — working with our Humane Law Enforcement department, foster parents assist survivors of domestic violence by caring for their pet while they make arrangements for a new living situation.

• Humane Heroes — supporting our Humane Law Enforcement department, foster parents welcome abused and neglected animals for 30 days.

• Happy Hour — take a dog home for a few hours to give them a break from shelter life to lower their stress levels and improve their overall well-being.

When Will I Be Matched with A Foster Animal?

We are always looking to welcome new foster families into the HRA network—it’s the best way to expand the number of animals we can save in our community. You don’t need to have previous animal experience to become a foster, just a love of animals and a willingness to learn.  We only place animals in foster homes who need special care before they can be adopted or are having difficulty adjusting to shelter life.  

We most commonly need to place dogs over 40 lbs or adult cats who need medical attention or who find shelter life stressful.  If you are able to provide a temporary home to one of these animals, we will be able

Sign-up to be a Foster Parent

If you are interested in becoming a foster for HRA, please sign-up online. After you have completed the sign-up form, a volunteer foster case manager or staff member will be in touch with next steps.

SIGN-UP

Contact

For more information review our frequently asked questions page or contact our foster department directly.
Phone: 202-576-6664
Email: foster@humanerescuealliance.org