Why foster?

City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue (CDCK) was formed in 2011 to save adoptable pets in overcrowded and high-kill shelters where resources are severely limited. Many of these dogs are days or even hours from being euthanized when CDCK steps in and offers them a lifeline. 
 
Unlike a shelter facility, our rescue relies on foster homes to care for our dogs until they are adopted. By finding these dogs permanent and loving homes in the DC area, we enrich both canine and human lives. Foster parents help us learn more about a cat or dog's personality, temperament, and training level so that we can match them with the right forever home. We truly wouldn't be able to save these lives without our foster families! 

Commitment 
We request that you commit to a minimum of two weeks but prefer if you can foster until adoption. This time period varies but averages about two months.

What Does a Foster Do?
As a foster parent, you provide a home, food, bed and TLC. We ask that you bring your foster dog to at least two adoption events per month. We also host cat adoption events from time to time. City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue pays for all pre-approved vetting during the foster period and provides basic supplies (including a collar, harness, leash and crate for dogs). Your foster dog or kitty provides lots of love, tail wags, snuggles, and kisses!

Are you convinced yet?

Please note: City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue​ adopters are already pre-approved to foster. If you want to foster a dog, contact us!
If you are looking to rehome your pet and you did not adopt them from City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue, visit   rehome.adoptapet.com to learn more and create their profile. ​
​*If you need to return your CDCK cat or dog, please contact info@citydogsrescuedc.org.
"Fostering a dog has been the greatest thing I've done. Thanks City Dogs [& City Kitties] Rescue for allowing me to be a temporary mom to your sweet dogs!"

Application Process

  1. Application: Interested fosters should fill out an application.
  2. Important Note Regarding Timing:  We screen all applications to find what we believe will be the best environment for our foster dogs and kitties. Our typical response time is within a week. Please do not interpret a lack of response as a belief by City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue that you would not be able to provide a loving home for one of our animals.  
  3. Applications Counselor: Applicants who pass initial screening will be assigned a volunteer applications counselor, who will review the application and have a brief conversation with each applicant to determine her/his needs and preferences.
  4. Reference Checks: If applicable, CDCK will call the applicant’s veterinarian to ensure that previous pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and well cared for. CDCK  will also call personal references listed on the application.
  5. Renters/Condo Owners: For renters, CDCK  will check with an applicant's landlord to ensure that cats and/or dogs are permitted and check on any size or breed restrictions. We also review condo association rules regarding pets.
  6. Home Visit: CDCK  will visit each applicant’s home to see the environment where the cat and/or dog will live and answer any questions the applicant might have.
  7. Foster Agreement: If the applicant is approved for fostering, CDCK and the prospective foster will enter into a foster agreement. After receipt of the agreement, the newly approved foster will be assigned a Foster Assistant who will provide support throughout your time as a foster.