Foster
Foster families are the heart of this rescue. We don't have a facility, so every dog we pull from a shelter needs a home to go to that same day. The rescue provides the crate, the food, the medication and all of the vet care. You give the dog a safe place to heal and a person to trust.
Why fosters matter so much
When a shelter calls us about a dog with a broken leg, we can usually find the money for the surgery. What decides whether we can take the dog is whether there's a quiet home for them to recover in for the next eight weeks. Too often, there isn't.
Every foster home on our list means one more dog we can pull.
Medical recovery fosters
Dogs recovering from surgery who need crate rest, medication on a schedule, and someone paying attention. They're often the calmest dogs we have.
Decompression fosters
Dogs fresh off the street or out of a bad situation, who need a few quiet weeks before anyone can tell who they really are.
Puppies and litters
Loud and messy, but usually only for two to six weeks.
Big dogs
Our large-breed dogs wait the longest for adoption. A foster home with some room lets them wait somewhere comfortable.
How fostering works
From application to a dog asleep on your floor, usually within a week or two.
- 01
Fill out the foster application
A short form about your home, your schedule, your other animals, and the kind of dog you'd be comfortable with. Be honest about your limits; it helps us make a good match.
about ten minutes
- 02
A foster coordinator reaches out
Usually within 24 to 48 hours of approval. You'll set up a phone call to go over any questions, on both sides.
- 03
A quick virtual home check
A short video of where the dog will sleep, eat and play. Nobody comes to your house. We're looking at practical things like fence height and stairs.
- 04
Pick up your dog and their supplies
Once we've agreed on a dog who fits your home, we'll set a day and time for you to pick them up along with everything they need: crate, bed, food, leash and any medication.
arranged by your coordinator
- 05
Foster until they're adopted
You feed, walk and love the dog. We handle vet appointments, adoption applications and the meet-and-greets, which take place near your home when you're available.
What the rescue provides
Fostering through LRD changed my life. They support you every step of the way and the dogs are worth it all.
LRD foster mom
As a foster, you are never responsible for food, supplies or veterinary care. That has been our promise since the rescue started.
- Food and treats
- Enough for the whole stay, replaced whenever you need more.
- Crate, bed, bowls, leash and collar
- Picked up with the dog. Returned when they're adopted, or kept for your next foster.
- All veterinary care
- Every appointment, every medication and every emergency, scheduled and paid for by the rescue.
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention
- Provided monthly.
- A foster coordinator
- One person to call or email with questions, from the first day.
- A backup plan
- If a placement isn't working for your home, tell us. Finding the dog another placement is our job.
What you provide: a safe space, daily care, patience, and the occasional photo and update for the dog's adoption listing. A few good pictures and a few sentences from the person who lives with the dog do more for their adoption than anything we could write.
Foster questions
Still wondering about something? Email foster@letsrescuedogs.net.
Does fostering cost me anything?
No. The rescue provides food, a crate, a bed, a leash and bowls, flea and tick prevention, any medication, and all veterinary care. What you give is your time, your home and your patience. If you ever find yourself paying for something the dog needs, let us know.
How long will I have the dog?
Until they're adopted. For small, easygoing dogs that can be a few weeks. Larger dogs and dogs with medical needs can take months. If you have a firm end date, like a trip or a move, tell us on your application and we'll match you with a dog who fits your timeline.
What if I already have a dog, or a cat?
Many of our fosters do. We'll match you with a dog whose history suggests they'll get along with yours, and we'll walk you through slow introductions. If it turns out not to be working, tell us and we'll find the dog another placement. That's not a failure on your part.
What if I need to travel while I'm fostering?
Let your coordinator know as early as you can. Temporary coverage is arranged case by case, and it's far easier to sort out with some notice.
Can I foster if I rent?
Yes, as long as your landlord allows dogs. Please check your lease before applying, since it's one of the first things we ask about.
Who handles vet visits?
We schedule and pay for them. Sometimes the foster drives the dog, and sometimes one of our transport volunteers does. In an emergency, you get the dog to a vet first and we sort out the details afterward.
What if I get attached?
You probably will, and that's a good thing for the dog. Fosters do sometimes decide to adopt. If you think that might be you, tell your coordinator early so we can pause the adoption listing.
Do I need to live in Los Angeles?
No. We work with foster families across Southern California, from Los Angeles down to San Diego and inland through Riverside County. Adoption meet-ups happen near your home.
Who do I talk to if I have questions?
Our foster team, at foster@letsrescuedogs.net. Once you have a dog, you'll have a coordinator you can reach directly.
There's a dog on a shelter list today who needs your spare room.
Why we do it
Because every dog has a story.
Because every dog deserves love.
Because you make it possible.