Foster
Fostering is a great way to get involved in animal rescue and provides a great teaching moment for the whole family!
To see a dog go from broken and scared, to confident and thriving is a beautiful transformation.
Ready to start fostering?
Foster families must live within a 90-minute drive of our adoption center and be prepared to attend adoption events at least once a week to help our dogs meet their new forever families! Adoption events are Wednesdays 5-7 PM, Fridays 6-8 PM, and Saturdays 11 AM-3 PM.
Foster Application
How Do I Get Started?
Everything you will need is provided! Old Dominion Humane Society provides medical care, food, collar, leash, toys, and a crate. You provide love, attention, and basic training. That is a recipe for success!
After you complete the foster application, we will help match you to the best dog for you or your family. We have the right dog for your situation—whether they be a small, medium or large dog. We also have puppies, and pregnant moms who need a safe place to delivery their pups.
There are a few rules to help ensure the safety of our dogs and your family. We'll review these when you come to pick up the dog you'll be fostering. Then a scheduled foster orientation session will follow where you'll receive the foster handbook.
Support is just a click away! Most of our communication is done on a members-only Facebook page (and through Messenger for new fosters). You'll be added to the chat group before leaving with your first foster dog! If you don't already have a Facebook account, please create one! This will help us work together to ensure the wellbeing of our dogs.
Foster FAQs
01
What if I fall in love with my foster?
Fosters have the option of adopting their foster dog. If you are the thinking about adopting your foster, let us know right away! Email us!
02
What if my foster doesn't work out in my home?
We have a very flexible system that allows you to "swap out" for a new foster dog. Just think of it as a little slumber party for that first foster dog!
03
Will my foster dog be fully vetted?
If you prefer, we certainly do have dogs that are fully vetted. Most of our foster dogs, however, are in need of a foster home while they complete needed vetting.
04
How will I trust a dog when I don't know their background?
Before arriving at ODHS, 90% of our dogs have had very extensive temperament tests. We prefer to be aware of a dog's past, but to focus on their future.