What foster volunteers do:

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter relies on our foster volunteers to provide extra care to shelter pets - outside of the shelter! Each year, foster volunteers give hundreds of shelter pets the extra attention and time outside the shelter to recover from illness or injury, have a break from the shelter, or time to reach two months of age to be ready for adoption. Foster volunteers also take shelter dogs on daytime adventures out of the shelter through our Power Hour Program!

 

Examples of pets who need fostering in a home:

• Weaned kittens and puppies who aren't quite old enough to be available for adoption.
• Pregnant or nursing moms of all species, with their litters.
• Neonatal kittens, who need around-the-clock care.
• Pets recovering from illness or injury.
• Adult dogs and cats who just need a break from the shelter!
• We especially need fosters who have no other pets, and those who can take large dogs.

 

Examples of daytime foster opportunities: 

• Power Hour Program! Through this fun program, foster volunteers can sign up to take a shelter dog on an offsite walk for an hour or so. It's a great way to help a shelter dog get some exercise, and help showcase them to potential adopters in the community!
• Group Walks! Shelter staff and volunteers regularly schedule Group Walks, where everyone takes a shelter dog and goes on a long walk together! It's a fun social activity and helps shelter dogs have time outside!

 

General requirements to become a foster volunteer:

• Be able to receive and respond to communications, including emails, texts, and phone calls.
• Be able to transport your foster pets to/from the shelter locations for scheduled vaccinations and other medical items.
• If taking a shelter pet into your home, have a safe and separate area in your home for foster pets.
• Commit to treat all animals and people with respect and kindness! 

 

Interested in becoming a foster?

• Check both calendars below to see New Foster Information Session dates!
• We'll have sessions hosted at both the Lorton Campus and the Michael R. Frey Campus - be sure to check the location before registering!
• The information covered will be the same regardless of host campus, and once onboarded foster families will be able to utilize either campus.