Foster Animals in NYC


Provide temporary care for an animal while they look for a forever home.

ASPCA Mayor's Allience of NYC

participating organizations


Learn More » Apply Now »


dog and cat in nyc

Is Fostering Right for Me?


"I'm just living in New York short-term, and might move soon."
fosterer

Foster Time Varies


Fostering can be as short as a week. Our partnering organizations can work with your schedule, even if it's really tight. But while you're here, share the love!

"I'm not sure I can commit to an animal for the next 12-20 years."
fosterer

Try it Out!


Adopting an animal is a big commitment, and not everyone is ready for that step. Fostering is a great way to temporarily care for an animal and test the waters.

"I already have an animal, and adopting a 2nd is a big decision!
fosterer

An Additional Friend


Some of the best foster families are those who already have animals. They know the ropes, and their furry friends enjoy having a houseguest around.


What if I don't know how to take care of a foster animal?


Most organizations have training sessions or one-on-ones with new foster caregivers. If this is a specific concern of yours, make sure to mention it when you first speak with your foster organization.


How much does fostering cost?


Depending on the organization, financial cost varies. Almost all organizations provide vaccinations and vet checks before fostering, and some can provide you with donated food and accessories. With most organizations, you need to provide food, a collar and leash for dogs, and a litter box and litter for cats. Food and litter will cost under $20 a week. Be sure to ask your foster organization what they can provide when you speak with them.


What if I get attached?


We can't promise that you won't. But if you've fallen in love with your foster animal, that means someone else could too! Helping your foster animal find a forever home will help make your separation a sweet one.


Do I get to help in finding a forever home?


Yes! Your organization will be looking for a good match, but you get to play a big role in finding your foster animal their perfect home. Along with screening potential adopters, you might be asked to bring the foster animal out to adoption events. You can share your cute photos with the organization to use on their website, and help the organization find the right fit for your foster.


Are there other resources?


There are a lot of animal foster resources online. Here are just a few to get you started:
20 Questions to Ask Before You Foster
Pet Fostering 101
Tips for Being a Good Dog Foster Parent
Tips for Being a Good Cat Foster Parent


Have a question you can't find an answer to? Contact Us!

What is Fostering?


house

A foster home is a short-term living situation for animals while they wait to be adopted. It can be as short as a few days, or as long as it takes for them to be adopted. The organization can work around your time constraints.


food

Foster families provide animals with love, attention and shelter. Every animal fostered is an animal saved.

What Animals Need Fostering?


bottle

Kittens, puppies, and special care animals need to be fostered until they are old enough for adoption.


cat

Some animals get stressed or upset in a shelter environment, and need human companionship until they are adopted.


How Does it Work?


1

Apply to foster by filling out the form!

form

2

An organization matches you up with a foster animal.

partner org

3

You're a foster caretaker now!


cat in heart


Apply to Foster an Animal


First Things First


My name is and I want to foster an animal! You can reach me by email: and by phone:

I was born in the year: I am currently

please explain:

More About You


My permanent address is

I currently my home.

My lease does or does not allow animals

Any animal I foster will be alone hours a day

I live with other people. of them are children. Is everyone ok with fostering?

You & Animals


In the past, I have had

In the past, I have fostered

Please tell us about your fostering experience:

I currently have Dogs and Cats

If you currently have animals:

My vet's name is and their phone number is

I can provide the following supplies:

dogs

cats

Last but not Least


I can start fostering on and prefer to foster for at a time.

I want to foster because: