Why foster?

We can't save cats and dogs without foster homes. It's that simple! Since we don't have our own facility, we rely on foster parents to care for our animals until they are adopted. Foster parents help us learn more about a cat or dog's behavior, training level, and personality so that we can match them with the right forever home.

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 Rescue & City Kitties 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 Rescue & City Kitties adopters are already pre-approved to foster. Please email foster@citydogsrescuedc.org so we can connect you with a foster assistant. 
If you are looking for a resource to rehome your pet and you did not adopt them from City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties, visit   rehome.adoptapet.com to learn more and create their profile. ​
​*If you need to return your CDR&CK cat or dog, please contact info@citydogsrescuedc.org.
"Fostering a dog has been the greatest thing I've done. Thanks City Dogs 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 Rescue & City Kitties 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, CDR&CK will call the applicant’s veterinarian to ensure that previous pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated and well cared for. CDR&CK  will also call personal references listed on the application.
  5. Renters/Condo Owners: For renters, CDR&CK  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: CDR&CK  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, CDR&CK 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.