Be sure you fill out a Foster Application if you have not already done so! 

Your Options for Getting Matched:

Visit the APA! Shelter!

You are always welcome to drop by the shelter when we’re open, daily from 12-6! We have dogs that can leave right after you meet them, and we have  a fabulous team of Matchmakers ready to get you matched up with a good fit! You can also email with the Matchmakers to find a match before visiting the shelter. 

Visit our Dogs Needing Foster Website

If a dog on our website interests you, just click on the ‘Foster Inquiry’ button on their profile, and we’ll contact you to further discuss that dog and set up a time for you to come meet them.

Respond to an Email Plea

We send daily plea emails featuring dogs that need fosters. You can reply directly to the email to let the team know you are interested! You can subscribe here once you are an approved foster.

Join the Dog Foster Facebook Page!

We post about dogs needing fosters frequently on the Foster Facebook page, so join this page and get connected! Other fosters needing sitters or a foster takeover post here as well.

After we have confirmed which dog you will take, we'll send the pick up instructions! You will typically be picking up from one of our main shelter locations (TLAC or TT). 

We recommend bringing the following:

• Travel carrier/crate (one can be borrowed if needed. Puppies must be transported in a carrier/crate. Adult dogs can be securely tethered in the car instead.

• A non-retractable leash if your foster dog is older than 5 months of age

• Blankets/towels to protect your car from scratches or accidents

• Paper towels/wipes for car cleanup if needed

• Treats, to build a relationship before you get home! 

Other important safety notes:

• If your foster dog can touch the ground and is on a leash, give them an opportunity to relieve themselves before placing them in your car.

• Rescue dogs can be scared and disoriented by the changing environment and are often excellent escape artists. If the Dog Foster Placement Team has told you that your dog is a scared dog/flight risk, please follow the precautions in this Dog Foster Scared Dog Behavior Handout. Specifically for transport, make sure your foster dog is crated or securely tethered in your car and that you use extra caution when opening your car’s doors.

Bringing Home a New Dog is always exciting! Sometimes, they just need a little time to settle in and feel safe before showing their true personalities. Give them patience and space to adjust. For tips, check out our Decompression Guide.

Decompression Tips

• Be patient with the dog and give them at least one week to decompress.

• Prepare the needed supplies before you take the dog, including soothing toys like lick mats or kongs!

• Take your dog on a walk before entering your home. Give them time to get comfortable and more relaxed with you. If you have a yard available, this is a great substitute for the walk.  It's a safe place where the pup can decompress in a new environment without external stressors. 

• If your foster dog is unable to settle down (panting, whining, pacing), redirect their energy into tasks like fetch, puzzle toys, or other games that may engage their brain until they are ready to relax. 

• Only introduce your dog to essential people within the first week, depending on the dogs’ comfort level. 

• Don’t attempt invasive handling within the first days of taking home the dog, such as picking them up, grooming/bathing them, putting clothes on them, smooshing your face up to theirs, etc. This can be too much, too fast. 

• The transition period doesn’t last forever. Be patient with yourself and with your foster as you settle into your new life together.

• Reach out to our Dog Behavior Team if you need anything!

The Importance of Letting Your Foster Dog Decompress by Dog Foster Team staff member, Sara

Dogs that have been at the shelter for any period of time need to decompress to allow themselves to get back into a calm state of mind.

When I first brought home my dog Gumbo, he was evidently very anxious. I was STOKED to be bringing him home, and while he was happy to be in my company, he didn’t understand any of the new sights or sounds that came with the new location.

He barked at everything, and wouldn’t settle or relax.

It took him a couple of weeks before he felt like snuggling or could get to a spot where he could be left alone without howling. Once he knew he was safe, and we had time to build a new routine together, I could finally picture what our future would look like. Now, 6 months in, he’s my cuddliest and most playful and perfect boy. And this looks completely different from the foster dog that I had before I brought him home. Every dog is unique!

Since every dog looks different, where do you start?

• Be patient and treat your foster dog with respect. Always engage in consent style petting. 

• Build a consistent routine for meals, playtime, sleep, walks and training.

• Give them time before leaving them home, especially free roaming. Crates keep them and your home safe when you aren’t there to watch them.

• Reach out to our Dog Behavior Team for advice and guidance during every step!

After the dog has time to get more comfortable in their environment, they may start showing some behavioral issues as they are learning the rules of the home. We’re here for you during this time as well -- this doesn’t last forever either.

The most important thing is to be understanding & patient with your foster dog, and to utilize us as a resource if you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of help.

As the foster, you are responsible for providing care for your foster dog and ensuring they have a safe and comfortable living environment. However, we don't expect you to do it completely on your own. Please see the appropriate pages for providing care for your foster dog, and reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns at any point. 

• Medical

• Behavioral

• Adoption

Please also view the Key Do's and Don'ts of Being a Foster Parent to get an idea of APA requirements and best practices for caring for your foster dog.

Once your foster dog is settled in the home and available for adoption, your primary goal should be to help them find their forever family! There are a ton of ways you can help to make sure your foster dog is putting their best paw forward and catching the eyes of potential adopters. 

Submit Updated Photos and Videos

Upload new photos and videos using the uploading tool so that we can be sure their profile is up to date and beautiful! Check out the Marketing Page and the Fosters, Let's Get Marketing Guide. There are also a ton of helpful links on the Resources page. If you are having trouble with the uploading tool or have a large video, email dog.marketing@austinpetsalive.org

Submit a bio or info so we can write one for you

The bio on your fosters’ profile is the first real impression your dog will give to potential fosters and adopters, so keeping this information accurate and updated is a big deal! You can fill out the Dog Bio and Scores form and will be given the option to write the bio yourself or to answer some questions that will help us write it for you. If the uploading tool is giving you trouble or you notice any issues with your dogs’ bio, email dog.marketing@austinpetsalive.org.

Respond to inquiries within 24 hours and set up meet and greets! 

We will forward over any adoption inquiries your foster dog gets directly to your email. Please respond within 24 hours of receiving inquiries, and offer a meet and greet to any good fits within 5 days of the initial inquiry. You will screen adopters following our Potential Adopter Screening Guide. Please email dog-foster-adopt@austinpetsalive.org if an adopter would like to move forward with adoption after meeting your foster dog. 

Get them signed up for adoption events! 

We have frequent adoption events, and we love to feature our adoptable dogs in foster! You can fill out the event interest form or email dog.marketing@austinpetsalive.org if you'd like to attend! 

Make them go viral! 

At the end of the day, people will only be viewing dogs on our website if they are actively looking for a dog, so your dogs’ profile will only be seen if you get the word out there!! Create fliers to hang around town, walk them in an ‘Adopt Me’ bandana, make them a viral TikTok star, tell anyone and everyone you know about adopting your foster dog!!!

First, get your foster pup into a secure area so that you are able to get some alone time. Now take a deep breath. Fostering a dog, with all of its joy and celebration, can bring stress and anxiety to anyone. You are not alone in this. 

If you have not already, please reach out to the appropriate teams for assistance for issues related to your foster dog. 

• Behavior issues? - Email dogbehaviorfollowup@austinpetsalive.org

• Medical issues? Email dog-foster-care@austinpetsalive.org

• Adoption issues? Email dog-foster-support@austinpetsalive.org

• Personal issues? Email our Social Work Program Coordinator, Brittany, at brittany.szalkiewicz@austinpetsalive.org