Foster volunteers make an incredible difference for our shelter pets by welcoming them into their homes or by taking dogs out for walks in the community. Each year, our foster families give hundreds of animals the extra time and comfort they need to recover from illness or injury, grow big enough for adoption, or simply enjoy a much‑needed break from the shelter. Their care helps pets thrive and prepares them for happy new beginnings.

General requirements to become a foster volunteer:

• Foster volunteers responsible for animals must be at least 18 years old. Unfortunately, we are not able to make exceptions, even with a parent or guardian.
• Be able to receive and respond to communication by email, text, and phone.
• Be prepared to foster the species of pets you sign up for on a regular basis.
• Be able to transport your foster pets to and from our shelter locations for scheduled vaccinations and other medical needs.
• If you are fostering in your home, have a safe and separate area available for your foster pets.
• Commit to treating all animals and people with respect and kindness!

Foster volunteer onboarding process:

1. Register for and attend a New Foster Information Session. These sessions are usually offered twice each month, and the types of foster needs we are recruiting for may change depending on the shelter’s current needs.
2. Complete a foster volunteer application. You will receive the application only after attending the New Foster Information Session, and it is not available online.
3. If you are new to fostering dogs, you may attend or be required to attend an additional training session focused on dog care.
4. Begin receiving communication about shelter pets who need foster placement, and start fostering once you are matched!

Please note: this onboarding process usually takes 1-3 weeks from attendance at a New Foster Volunteer Information Session.

We are seeking foster volunteers who can support pets in these categories

Interested in becoming a foster volunteer for shelter pets?

Visit our Upcoming Events page to register for one of our upcoming New Foster Information Sessions! If you cannot make this month’s sessions, feel free to check back for future dates. We host sessions at both the Lorton Campus and the Michael R. Frey Campus, so please review the location before registering. The information covered will be the same at either campus, and once you are onboarded you will be able to utilize both locations.

If there are no dates visible, it means all the upcoming sessions are full. There is no waitlist. Please check back to view future scheduled dates!

View Upcoming Sessions