Frequently Asked Foster Questions

Yes! While they both involve bringing a pet into your home, they have different goals.

• Fostering to Adopt (which we call a Trial Adoption) is specifically for those who are pretty sure they’ve found "the one" and want a short time to ensure it’s a perfect match before finalizing the adoption. It is a 2 week period, but can be shortened or extended based on how the pet is doing in your home! During this time, they are completely reserved by you for adoption.

• Fostering (sometimes refered to as General Fostering) is a life-changing bridge. You provide a temporary home to help a pet decompress and stay healthy while we work together to find them a permanent family. They are available to be adopted or transferred to a rescue partner.

• Unsure and need more time to decide? We completely understand, bringing a new family member home is a big decision! If you need more than a few days to decide, a trial adoption is often the best fit. It allows you to learn the pet's personality in a low-pressure environment without having to worry about marketing them for adoption. A trial adoption can easily transition to general foster if you decide they are a better match for another family. 

As a foster, you’re the expert on your foster’s daily life. You can make decisions about:

• Daily routine, feeding schedule, and enrichment (as long as your foster is eating appropriately)

• Exercise, walks, play, and socialization within program rules

• Household management, such as crate use, sleep setup, and calm introductions

• Observing and reporting behavior, health changes, and personality traits

• Taking photos, videos, and sharing updates to help market your foster for adoption
  
  

 LifeLine remains responsible for the big picture decisions that affect safety, legality, ownership, and welfare, including:

• All medical decisions and veterinary care, including medications, diagnostics, emergency visits, and choice of veterinarian

• Transfers of care, including handing your foster to another person, whether that be a foster, adopter, or rescue

• Adoption decisions and final approvals, even when fosters are involved in meet and greets

• Boarding, board-and-train, travel plans, or temporary care arrangements

• Training methods or tools (aversive tools lke shock / vibrating collars and prong collars are not permitted)

• Off-leash activities, special outings / leaving the Atlanta area, or exceptions to standard foster rules
  
  

LifeLine’s veterinarians are the supervising veterinarians for all foster animals. Even when you help notice concerns or communicate with the team, medical decisions must be approved and coordinated through LifeLine.

When in doubt, reach out. Asking before acting helps protect you, your foster pet, and the program, and it never counts against you.

Commitment times vary based on the pet’s needs:

• Dogs: Short-term options like Weekend Warriors (3 days). General fostering is flexibly open-ended until adoption, but we accept returns at any time, for any reason. Just keep us updated and send regular marketing information for your foster dog. Keep in mind if you return a dog that was previously urgent in the shelter, they will return to the urgent list upon return.

• Cats/Kittens: Bottle babies may need 1–10 weeks, while "In-Betweeners" usually stay 1–6 weeks until they reach adoption weight (2 lbs).

We want to make sure you and your new foster friend are off to a great start! Our shelters often rely on wonderful donations from the community, so while specific supplies can vary by location and availability, we typically provide the following basics at pickup: 

For Foster Dogs:

1. Safety Gear: A properly fitting martingale collar, a leash, and an ID tag. We do our best to fit all foster dogs with harnesses as well.

2. Food: We will cover food for your entire foster stay, and the team is directed to give you a specific sized bag of Pedigree dog food, that can be picked up whenever needed at the shelter.

3. A crate/kennel, an "Adopt Me" harness, vest, or bandana. 

4. Toys and enrichment!

5. For dogs, we also provide routine heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, typically 2 months at a time.

For Foster Cats and Kittens:

1. Wet and dry cat food

   • If you are fostering "bottle babies," we will provide milk replacement (formula) and bottles or syringes. 

2. Cat litter and disposabe pans

3. Heating support and other life-supporting care for kittens

4. Toys, blankets from the shelter donations

5. A carrier if you do not provide one.

If your foster pet is currently on any medications, those will be provided at pickup as well. 

If you need something you don't receive, just ask! 

We truly appreciate foster parents who are able to provide their own food and litter, as it helps our resources go even further for the animals in need. However, please know that if providing food is ever a barrier, we are more than happy to provide it whenever throughout your foster journey. Just reach out to your foster team to arrange a supply pick-up!

Court case fostering (officially known as "Live Evidence Fostering" is a special way to support pets that have been legally confiscated and are staying with us while a legal case is pursued. Because these animals are considered legal evidence, there are a few unique rules to keep them safe:

1. No Photos or Social Media: To protect the integrity of the legal case, these pets cannot be photographed or shared online at any time.

2. Legal Ownership: These pets are still technically the property of their original owner until the court makes a final decision. This means they are not yet available for adoption.

3. The Outcome: We legally follow the court's lead. Depending on the ruling, the pet may be cleared for adoption, moved to a rescue partner, or occasionally, returned to their original owner. This will be discussed with you.

4. Time Commitment: These cases can take time, so we look for foster parents who can provide a stable, loving home for an indefinite period while the legal process unfolds. Some can be as little as a few weeks while some pets stay in the court system for years.

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about the "what-ifs"! We want you to feel fully supported so you can focus on the joy of saving a life. 

Here are the most common situations that can feel high-stress and how we navigate them together:

"What if there is a emergency in the middle of the night?"

This is often the biggest worry for new fosters. We have a dedicated 24/7 Foster Emergency Line at 239-201-2924 (via Doobert Connect). Whether it’s 2:00 AM or a holiday, you are never alone. If your foster pet has a true emergency, we are just a phone call away to guide you.

"What if the pet doesn't get along with my own pets or family?"

Safety and harmony in your home are our top priorities.

• Check out our Pet Introduction Guide for different ways to introduce your foster pet to other animals.

• Decompression: We ask all fosters to follow a "slow intro" process. Most stress in the first few days is just a pet feeling overwhelmed.

• If a situation ever feels unsafe or simply isn't a good fit for your lifestyle, email your foster team, bring them back immediately for an emergency / feeling unsafe, or otherwise we can connect you with resources like our Facebook Pages to post for a different foster home. That being said, the pictures and information you provide us when the pet returns makes them 14x more likely to be adopted than pets without foster breaks, so returning is not the end of the world if this is the best choice for you. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone involved!

"What if I’m not a professional trainer and they have behavior issues?"

You don’t need to be an expert! We provide the resources you need:

• Free Training: LifeLine offers complimentary training classes every Saturday at our Community Animal Center.

• Support Team: Our behavior specialists can offer tips on everything from crate training to leash pulling. We use positive reinforcement to help our pets (and fosters!) succeed.

• Zoom Calls: We offer Zoom calls for fosters to review foster behavior and get help from certified experts.

"What if I get too attached? I'm afraid saying goodbye will be too hard."

We call this "happy-sad." It is the most common reason people hesitate to foster, but it’s actually a sign of how much love you have to give.

• When your foster pet gets adopted, it’s a celebration! You were the bridge that got them from the shelter to a forever family. By saying goodbye to one, you open up your heart and home to save the next one waiting at the shelter.

• It's hard, but do your best to remember that it is a "wedding" when you unite your foster pet with their adopters - not a "funeral" in saying goodbye. Many adopters choose to keep in touch with fosters!

"What if my schedule changes and I can’t foster anymore?"

• Life happens. Vacations, work trips, or personal emergencies are part of life. We just ask for as much notice as possible, and request you take a proactive approach in helping them find an adopter or foster leading up to your foster deadline. We are partners in this, and we’ll always try to find a way to make it work.

We’re here to meet every situation with kindness and find solutions together. You've got this!

Dog parks:
No. Foster dogs are not allowed at dog parks at any time.

Off-leash areas:
Foster dogs over 5 months old and fully vaccinated may use private, fully fenced spaces only if no other dogs are present. If another dog approaches, ask them to wait until you and your foster have exited the space before they enter. The only exception is integrated resident dogs.

Breweries and public places:
Yes, foster dogs may attend breweries and other dog-friendly public spaces as long as they remain on leash and are kept at a respectful distance from other dogs. Many foster dogs attend adoption events at breweries, and positive exposure to these environments can be helpful.

As with any public outing, please monitor your foster closely. If they show signs of stress or discomfort, such as pinned-back ears, raised hackles, whining, or barking, please leave the environment promptly.

Cats cannot leave the house that they are fostering outside of a carrier for their safety.

In cases of medical emergencies, call the Foster Emergency Line immediately at 239-201-2924 before seeking outside veterinary care so our team can guide you.

• Contact Doobert Connect for 24/7 foster support. They provide immediate guidance for emergencies and non-emergencies, health, training, and next steps while working with our team and notifying them when you reach out.

  • 1. Text: 239-201-2924

    2. Email: connect@doobert.com

    3. Include your foster’s shelter name and your shelter location (Fulton, DeKalb, or CAC).

• Reach out to the Foster Team at the shelter where you picked up your pet during normal business hours for general questions. They are your best resource for food, meds, and equipment. Your Foster Team uses the foster email address for your specific shelter. (Check your inbox... they’ve likely already reached out!)

When in doubt, start with Doobert! They can loop in the shelter team to help you get answers faster.

When reaching out for support, providing clear and detailed information helps us provide the best care for your foster pet. Whether you’re contacting our 24/7 support through Doobert Connect or reaching out to your local shelter team, please include the following details:

• Your Shelter Location: Let us know if you are fostering from Fulton County Animal Services, DeKalb County Animal Services, or the Community Animal Center.

• Foster Pet’s Name and AID: Include your foster pet’s shelter name in all communications, not the name you call them. Their AID is a long numeric code that is unique to your foster pet. This will begin with A00. 

• Detailed Observations:

  • Medical: If you’re seeking medical advice, sharing specific details like your pet's appetite, energy level, and any physical changes is incredibly helpful.

  • Behavioral: For training or behavior support, describe the specific situation or concern so our team can provide the right guidance.

• Documentation: For kittens or pets with specific health monitoring needs, it is helpful to share notes from your tracking journal, such as daily weights or elimination consistency. We always appreciate any clear pictures to help, as gross as they may be!

Please make sure you're aware that if you are reaching out for help, you may be asked to come into the shelter to see our veterinary, foster, or behavior teams to get more help. This is very case dependent, and the team will help provide further instruction.

LifeLine foster teams respond during open hours, generally between 11:00AM and 7:00PM on weekdays and until 6:00PM on weekends. Messages sent outside of these hours will be addressed when the team is back online.

Response times can vary based on staffing and in-person needs at the shelter. Foster emails are read and triaged by urgency, so more time-sensitive situations may be handled first. A delayed response does not mean you’re being ignored.

In most cases, you can expect a response within 24-48 hours.
If it’s been more than 48 hours, please reply to your original message to bump it to the top of the inbox.

If your concern feels urgent or time-sensitive, use the 24/7 support line rather than waiting on email. That support exists so you can get help when it matters most.

When you email us, our team is often working hard on the front lines, assisting fosters in person at the shelters or managing the high volume of daily intakes. Oftentimes the staff member who is answering emails and texts is the same team member who assisted you in person. We generally ask for 48 hours to provide a response to non-emergency inquiries. 

For immediate support, we provide 24/7 access to Doobert Connect, which can assist with medical advice, behavioral tips, and general questions while our local shelter teams work to address your specific needs.

Many foster pets act differently when they first leave the shelter. This is expected and often part of decompression. Common, short-term behaviors can include:

• Skipping a meal or eating less at first

• Sleeping more than usual or seeming “shut down”

• Being hesitant, timid, or clingy

• Mild stress behaviors like pacing, whining, or hiding.

• Overstimulated and overarousal behaviors like mouthiness, humping, jumping, that can be redirected in low stimulus environments.

• Puppies or kittens needing time to settle into routines
  
  

These behaviors often improve as your foster decompresses and begins to feel safe. Keeping things calm, predictable, and low-pressure during the first few days helps a lot.

Things you should flag or reach out about:

• Not eating for more than 24 hours (or 12 hours for young puppies or kittens)

• Extreme lethargy, collapse, or trouble breathing

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Signs of pain, injury, or illness

• Escalating fear, aggression, or safety concerns for people or other animals
   

When in doubt, reach out. It’s very common for fosters to worry in both directions early on, either feeling like they made a mistake, or fearing their foster pet is seriously ill when they’re actually adjusting. That’s exactly why our 24/7 support exists.

The Doobert support line on your 911 sheet is there to help you sort out what’s normal adjustment, what can wait, and what needs immediate attention. You’re never bothering anyone by asking.

If your foster is eating less or acting differently, you can also review our “Not Eating / Acting Different” guide for more detailed examples and next steps.

We want to ensure your foster pet has everything they need to thrive! All LifeLine foster families have round-the-clock support through Doobert Connect for supply requests. You can reach out anytime by texting 239.201.2924 or emailing connect@doobert.com. For faster assistance, please include your foster pet's name and the specific shelter location you are fostering from. You are also welcome to visit the shelter location where you picked up your furry friend during business hours for any supply needs as well, but we cannot guarantee what we'll have on hand.

LifeLine manages diverse facilities, including Fulton County Animal Services, DeKalb County Animal Services, and our Community Animal Center. While we operate under the same mission, each location may have different resources or specific needs based on the animals currently in their care. Furthermore, we treat every pet as an individual with unique medical or behavioral requirements. This will cause variety in our programs due to different overseeing veterinarians and managers and the natural diversity within animal populations. 

Policies over the whole organization can be found here.

Any questions or concerns about policy differences can be reported to Daisy Navin, the Foster Programs Manager - dnavin@lifelineanimal.org 

Yes! We love seeing our foster community support one another. If you choose to share supplies with another LifeLine foster, we just ask that you please make us aware, especially for larger or more expensive items like crates and carriers. This helps us keep our inventory accurate so we can continue to be exceptional stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Remember, all transfers of care for the pets themselves must be coordinated with the foster team in advance.

While we are so grateful for your care, LifeLine cannot reimburse foster parents for any supplies or medical care purchased from outside vendors or veterinarians. However, if your foster pet needs something specific, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We rely on community donations and limited budgets and will do our very best to provide you with the supplies we have available.

Probably! If you have a specific person interested, have them fill out the foster form at lifelineanimal.org/foster-dogs (or cats, but it's the same form!) and email your foster team. If they are specifically interested in fostering to see if they want to adopt your foster, make sure to follow the Adoption Process instead for our Trial Adoption program.

Sometimes, and only with prior approval from the foster team. Boarding or board-and-train is only considered for foster dogs, not cats. Foster cats should return to the shelter if you’re traveling. This applies to boarding and board-and-train programs, and approval must be received before anything is booked or paid for.

• Not all facilities meet Georgia's safety, licensing, and welfare standards, and some environments can cause foster dogs to regress due to kennel stress.

• LifeLine verifies licensing and documentation and completes an internal review before approval is given.

• Please note that boarding or board-and-train may not be approved for every dog, even if a facility meets our standards. Some foster dogs are not good candidates for these environments due to recorded kennel stress or behavioral concerns.

• We cannot reimburse boarding, but your foster pet is welcome back to the shelter at any time if you're going out of town, or to another LifeLine foster family.

If you think you may need boarding or board-and-train, contact the foster team before making any reservations or payments. Please do not book services until you receive written approval. If boarding or training is not approved or not a good fit, the foster team will help you plan next steps.

We truly appreciate your commitment and understand that circumstances can change. Because we are open-intake shelters, we don't choose the pets that enter our care or the fostsering types our fosters can handle. Our space is often very limited due to the 40-60 pets arriving daily. When a foster needs to return a pet, we prioritize finding another foster home first, as the shelter environment is high-stress and not ideal for many animals. We ask for as much notice as possible alongside proactive foster advocacy to allow us the time needed to find a new placement that meets the animal's specific needs. 

In the event of a true emergency, however, the pet can always be returned to the shelter.

Life happens. Vacations, work trips, or personal emergencies are part of life. We just ask for as much notice as possible, and request you take a proactive approach in helping them find an adopter or foster leading up to your foster deadline. We are partners in this, and we’ll always try to find a way to make it work. 

The best thing you can do is make sure your Marketing information is up to date so they appeal to as many people as possible. Small litters of kittens or an easy-button dogs may find a foster takeover or petsitter quickly, but harder to place animals may have to return to the shelter before they will leave for foster again, just because of how much harder it can be to find a match. Please keep in mind that urgent dogs from the euthanasia list will return to the euthanasia list when they return to the shelter.

When your foster pet moves on to their next adventure, please return any borrowed supplies, such as adopt me gear, crates, harnesses, warmies, or carriers, to the lobby of the shelter where you originally picked them up. Returning these items promptly helps us ensure the next foster family has what they need to change another life.

We know that when you're caring for a foster pet, their health and happiness are your top priorities. To help you feel confident in every situation, here is a quick guide to distinguishing between a medical emergency and a non-emergency. More information is on our Vet & Emergency page, your foster send-out packet, and the foster manual.

🚨 It’s a Medical Emergency!

If your foster pet experiences any of the following, please call the Foster Emergency Line immediately at 239-201-2924 before seeking outside veterinary care. This line is available 24/7 to support you.

• Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing, gasping, or blue/pale gums.

• Major Trauma: Open wounds, broken bones, or profuse bleeding.

• Repeated Vomiting/Diarrhea: Especially if it contains blood or is paired with extreme lethargy.

• Neurological Issues: Seizures, inability to stand, or becoming unconscious.

• Inability to Eat/Drink: For adult dogs/cats, more than 48 hours; for puppies/kittens, more than 8 to 12 hours.

• Poisoning: Suspected ingestion of toxins or a venomous bite.

• Severe Physical Distention: A visibly bloated or hard abdomen.

🩺 It’s NOT an Emergency (But we still need to know!)

For these common concerns, please reach out to your shelter location or the Doobert Connect team during regular business hours for guidance and to schedule a check-up.

• Mild Upper Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, or minor nasal/eye discharge.

• Minor Skin Issues: Itchy skin, hotspots, or ear debris/possible infection.

• Mild Mobility Issues: Stiff movements or a slight limp.

• Adjustment Issues: Refusal to eat during the first 24 hours in your home as they decompress.

• General Concerns: Mild vomiting (once), hacking, or reverse sneezing.

Remember: You are never alone in this journey! Whether it’s a late-night health scare or a quick question, Doobert Connect is here to find solutions that support you and your foster pet. Thank you for being the driving force behind the change needed to save more lives!

LifeLine can only medical care for animals in our foster program. Foster parents are responsible for all veterinary costs for their personal pets and agree to release LifeLine from liability regarding their resident pets' health. While we do our best to screen animals for illness and recommend separation , some illnesses have incubation periods. By signing the Foster Agreement, you acknowledge this risk. If your pet becomes ill, please contact your personal veterinarian immediately.

How can I protect my pets?

• Vaccinations: Ensure your pets are up-to-date on DHPP/FVRCP, Rabies, and Bordetella.

• Preventatives: Keep your pets on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

• Quarantine: Keep foster pets separate from your own for at least 7–14 days to monitor for illness.

For non-medical guidance or quarantine tips, reach out to your Foster Coordinator or use Doobert Connect for 24/7 support, as outlined on the Vet & Emergency page.

At LifeLine, we believe every animal is an individual with unique needs, and we are committed to providing them with the very best care while they are in your home. We cover the cost of all approved medical care and essential supplies for your foster pet. This includes:

1. Onsite Veterinary Care: All medical treatments, including vaccinations (like FVRCP for kittens, rabies vaccines), heartworm injections, deworming, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention, are provided through our onsite veterinary clinics.

2. Standard Procedures: We provide and manage all routine surgeries, such as spay/neuter procedures and microchipping.

3. Specialized Medical Needs: For pets with specific conditions or those recovering from surgery, we manage and provide all necessary veterinary care within our onsite vet clinics or partners.

4. Approved Emergency Vets: If your pet has an emergency, you will call Doobert Connect, and they will direct you to which emergency vet you should use. 

Important Guidelines on Care and Reimbursements

To ensure we use our resources effectively and stay true to our mission, we have a few important policies regarding how care is managed:

• Pre-Approved or LifeLine Facilities Only: LifeLine covers 100% of the cost for care provided through our approved facilities, and we always pay these costs up front. Each visit needs to be pre-approved by the LifeLine team. Do not bring your foster pet to an external vet - even your pet's personal vet - without prior approval.

• No Reimbursements: We are unable to reimburse foster parents for medical costs paid out-of-pocket, as outlined in the foster agreement. If a foster pet receives care from an outside veterinarian without prior authorization from a Foster Coordinator, those costs will not be reimbursed. Please note that as a foster parent for LifeLine, it is expected that you will follow the shelter veterinarian's guidance.

• Individual Medical Decisions: Because we are responsible for your foster pet's well-being, our veterinary staff must authorize all treatments. Ultimately, medical decisions are made on an individual basis by a LifeLine veterinarian.

• External Specialty Care: If your foster pet requires specialized surgical care that falls outside of LifeLine’s internal specialties, we will work with you! We can help you crowdfund for these costs in advance and connect your foster pet with an external veterinary clinic for the necessary treatment. Look at our Peer to Peer Fundraising Program under Policies.

If you ever feel your foster pet needs to be seen by a vet, please reach out to your Foster Coordinator or call our 24/7 Foster Emergency Line at 239.201.2924 for guidance before seeking care. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Email a good ol' fashioned poop picture to the team, or alternatively, let them know if the worms looked like rice (tapeworms) or spaghetti (roundworms) and if they are moving. If you don't know, or don't want to know, that's ok, but what the worm looks like will depend on the treatment we do!

Worms happen. Heartworm prevention for dogs contains the same dewormer that kittens and puppies get as they grow, but sometimes that's not enough to curb an infection, so the teams will guide you on next steps if necessary.

We’re here for you and your foster pet every step of the way! You should reach out for behavior support whenever you have concerns or notice new, challenging behaviors, such as extreme shyness, potty training hurdles, mouthiness, or trouble adjusting to your home. Our goal is to set every pet up for success, and catching these things early helps us provide the best guidance. You can contact Doobert Connect 24/7 for behavioral concerns and training tips, or reach out to your specific shelter’s foster team during business hours. We also recommend taking proactive use of our training resources to prevent unwanted behaviors and make your foster their most adoptable self.

At LifeLine, we believe in treating every animal with kindness and respect, which is why we strictly follow positive reinforcement protocols. Punishing your foster is never allowed. 

This includes the use of aversive tools or methods such as:

❌ Physically pushing, hitting, or snapping a foster pet

❌ Prong collars /choke chains

❌ Vibration, spray (citronella), or shock collars

❌ Electric fences for outside

❌ Cat Shock Pads aka "Scat Mats"

❌Head halters without slow such as Gentle Leader or Halti without proper introduction / positive association.

❌ Leash corrections "popping" or any equipment used to intimidate, startle, or cause discomfort

Our core values focus on building a bond of trust and rewarding the behaviors we want to see in our foster animals. Remember that things can be "aversive" or cause fear in fosters without realizing if they're not properly introduced. Please reach out if you need help finding training tools that work best for you.

We understand that sometimes a situation just isn't the right fit, and that's okay. We assume good intent and want what is best for both you and the pet. If you feel you can no longer manage your foster's behaviors, please notify your Foster Coordinator as soon as possible. In urgent situations or emergencies, you can always return the pet to the shelter during business hours. We may also recommend you return the animal as well. LifeLine also reserves the right to determine if a pet is fit for adoption or if their needs are beyond our current ability to treat, always keeping the animal’s best interest at heart.

You are your foster pet’s best advocate! 

Your role is to market to get them adoption interest using their Adoption link on lifelineanimal.org/adopt then talk to adopters who apply. Please note that only pets eligible for adoption will show here.

Your Job:

• Take clear photos and videos that showcase their personality and send them to content@lifelineanimal.org to be updated on the website.

• Write a Bio: Share their traits, likes, and quirks to help potential adopters see if they’re a good match before they apply. 

• Share your foster on social media and use the business card or flyers.

• Talk to adopters when they apply and meet them to see if they're a match! Please respond within 72 hours of receiving an inquiry.

Read more about your role as a marketer and advocate for your foster pet on our Marketing and Adoption Library pages.

While we generally give our foster parents first priority to adopt their foster pet, please remember that in our general foster program, the pet remains available to the public. Because our goal is to save as many lives as possible, we cannot "gatekeep" or hold a pet from another qualified adopter if they apply first. Pets in our general foster program are also available to be transferred out of your care and to our rescue partners. We encourage you to stay in close contact with your coordinator if you feel your foster pet might be your permanent match!

Think of yourself as the matchmaker! You’ll help recommend an adopter through our adoption platform, and our team will facilitate the process. Once a meet-and-greet is successfully completed, the adoptions team will make the official call to finalize the adoption. Make sure to follow the Adoption Process!

Can I recommend someone I know as an adopter?

Absolutely! We love when fosters find adopters within their own circles. Just ensure they go through the Adoption Process so we can make it official

At LifeLine, we use an Adopters Welcome approach. This means we focus on conversation-based matchmaking rather than screening people based on their personal details. This helps us reduce bias and ensures our adoption process stays inclusive for everyone in our community. This application isn’t random. With between 1,200 to 2,000 pets in foster homes and thousands more in shelters, someone applies for your foster because they made a connection. Your photos, your pet's bio, and the searchable traits helped them feel a connection and see a potential fit.

Your role is the most important one: sharing what you know about your foster pet’s personality. While we handle the backend safety checks, you focus on the heart of the match.

• Check your foster packet for our Adopter Conversation Guide to help you ask thoughtful questions. The guide, along with the Adopters Welcome policy, is also available in the Adoption Library.

• We always recommend conducting meet and greets in public spaces or at the shelter to ensure both parties feel safe! Even though you may feel comfortable going to their house or inviting an adopter to yours, not everyone will be, and that's okay! 

We Have Your Back! Final approvals are handled by LifeLine staff. If a conversation gives you pause or you have concerns, loop us in immediately. We value your insight and are here to support you. Most adopters are just like you: people who want to save a life and give a shelter pet a fresh start!

It can be heart-wrenching when a connection seems to stall, but please don’t lose hope! At LifeLine, we lead with compassion and always try to assume good intent. Often, "ghosting" isn't about you or the pet, it’s usually just life getting in the way. A potential adopter might have had an unexpected work crisis, a family emergency, or they may have realized they aren't quite ready for the responsibility yet. We embrace an "Adopters Welcome" philosophy, which means we meet everyone with kindness and without judgment. 

We believe in being proactive yet gentle with potential adopters. If it’s been a few days, feel free to send one friendly, "no-pressure" follow-up message. A simple check-in like, "Hi! Just wanted to see if you had any more questions about [Pet's Name]. We’re still here if you'd like to chat!" is perfect. Usually this is best sent as a text rather than call or email, but whatever you are most comfortable with is okay. Ultimately, if a potential adopter fails to respond, you should mark the application "Not a Match" on the email after 7 days of no contact. They can reopen a new application later if they are still interested.

If someone stops responding, it simply means they weren't the right match at this time. Every "no" or "silence" is just a stepping stone toward the person who will truly cherish your foster pet. 

Saying goodbye is a bittersweet moment because it means you’ve done your job perfectly! The goal of fostering is to find that forever adoptive home, and it’s okay to feel a little tug on your heart when they head off to their "huge, happy day". 

Just remember: your foster pet is thriving and finding a family because you were courageous enough to open your home. It's a wedding, not a funeral.

We greatly appreciate the heart you put into this, and we’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

It can be confusing when you receive different information from different people, and we want to ensure you feel supported and clear on your next steps. We believe in assuming good intent, and our staff and volunteers are all working toward the same goal: saving lives and finding every animal a loving home. However, because we operate across multiple large facilities and manage thousands of animals, sometimes communication can vary based on the specific role or location of the person you are speaking with.

Here is how to navigate any conflicting information:

1. Trust the Manuals: The foster manuals serve as your primary resource for policies and common questions. If you hear something that contradicts the manual, the manual is typically the official guideline.

2. Your Foster Coordinator is the Expert: For specific questions about your pet's care, medical needs, or adoption status, your Foster Coordinator is the ultimate authority. They also have complete access to every animal in care's behavioral, medical, and other history while in the shelter, which tends to give very objective language about animals in care. Subjective interpretations may vary by person, experience, and more, but your foster coordinator will be able to look at your notes and an animals notes and provide professional advice to follow.

3. Medical and Behavioral Support: If you have received conflicting advice regarding medical care or behavior, we recommend reaching out to Doobert Connect. This team provides 24/7 support specifically for medical advice, training tips, and general foster questions.

4. Staff Authorization: Please remember that all treatments and transitions of care must be authorized by LifeLine staff to ensure the well-being of the animal and to remain in compliance with your foster agreement. We cannot reimburse unapproved vet visits.

We respect and embrace the varying viewpoints within our community, and we are committed to being exceptional stewards of your time and heart. If you are still unsure, please don't hesitate to email your specific shelter's foster team for final clarification.

We value your role as an extension of our shelter family and want to partner with you to find a balance that works. You can stay involved by helping to promote your foster pet online, sharing cute moments on social media, or even making flyers to help them find their match. Communication is key, and keeping in touch with your Foster Coordinator about your needs helps us ensure you feel supported and not overextended.

A lot of our foster caretakers choose to become volunteers for the shelter when they do not have foster pets in their home. While not a requirement, this is a great way to help when you can, but only bring home pets when you have the capacity to do so.

Absolutely, but we don't want you to. Fostering is a deeply rewarding experience, but we know it can also be a lot of work. Whether you are providing a strict feeding schedule for bottle babies or managing the unique needs of a dog decompressing from shelter life, it is natural to feel the weight of that responsibility. We are here to support you for any medical, behavioral, or general support questions you have. If you ever feel you cannot continue fostering, please reach out to your Foster Coordinator as soon as possible so we can work on finding a new placement for your foster pet. If you are feeling this way, we strongly recommend taking a break before your next foster pet.

We believe every person has something unique to offer, and we want to match you with a pet that fits your household and lifestyle. We offer several ways to help that vary in time commitment. By discussing your capacity with your Foster Coordinator, we can find the perfect life-changing match for you!

Your insight, comfort, and safety are a priority. We believe in building a safe, inclusive community where everyone feels heard. If you ever have concerns about a person - whether it’s specific to your foster pet or a broader issue - we encourage you to share them openly with your Foster Coordinator.

We use these conversations to provide guidance, ensure the best outcome for both the pet and the human, and advise you on the best next steps. To help us understand the situation fully, please provide screenshots or documentation whenever possible.

If you ever encounter a situation where you feel pressured to stay silent or are uncomfortable speaking directly to a specific individual, please know that your priority (and ours) is always the well-being of the animals. You are always welcome to reach out to a different member of the leadership team or a Foster Coordinator at another location for guidance.

We are committed to meeting every situation with kindness and respect, and we want to ensure you have a safe environment to share your experiences openly so we can continue to save lives together. If you feel you need to go "above" your local foster team, please feel free to contact:

• Daisy Navin, Foster Programs Manager: dnavin@lifelineanimal.org

• Meera Solomon, Director of Volunteer Services: msolomon@lifelineanimal.org