How to Foster a Puppy: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Puppy Parents

 

Fostering a puppy can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any dog lover. Barbara Shannon, a seasoned foster parent from Erie, PA, has cared for numerous rescue dogs over the years, and her favorites are the playful, energetic puppies.

“They can be a lot of work, but it's so enjoyable to watch them grow and develop their personalities," says Shannon. "It takes a lot of love and time, but it's the best experience."

If you’re considering fostering a puppy for the first time, knowing what to expect can help ensure both you and your furry guest have a positive experience.

Why Animal Shelters Need Puppy Fosters

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations rely on volunteers to foster puppies until they find their forever homes. This system helps shelters manage space constraints and gives puppies a chance to adjust to life in a loving family environment.

Nicole Bawol, Shelter Director of The Humane Society of Northwest Pennsylvania, emphasizes the importance of fostering pregnant dogs and young puppies.

“The shelter can be a loud and stressful environment," Bawol says. "Since puppies are more vulnerable to illnesses, fostering them in a home is ideal for their health and socialization."

She recalls a recent case where puppies rescued from a cruelty investigation transformed from anxious and aggressive to playful and confident after just a few weeks in a foster home.

“That’s the power of fostering — you give them a safe space, and they thrive,” she adds.

What to Expect When Fostering a Puppy

Before fostering a puppy, it’s helpful to be familiar with basic dog care and prepared for some messes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Daily care: Expect to make time for feeding, walking, playtime, and socialization. Puppies often require more attention than adult dogs, especially if they have behavioral or medical needs. 

• Puppy-proofing: Puppies are naturally curious and love to chew, so creating a safe, enclosed space with a baby gate or playpen is essential.

   

• Temporary care: After a few weeks in a foster home, most puppies are adopted quickly. Shannon notes that with the help of social media, many shelters can find homes for puppies within hours. 

The Cost of Fostering a Puppy

The good news? Most shelters provide support for their foster families. Many cover veterinary expenses and offer supplies like food, leashes, toys, and bedding.

As a foster parent, you should expect:

• Laundry duties: Be ready to wash bedding daily, especially with a litter of puppies.

• Time commitment: Puppies need constant care and attention, especially if they require bottle feeding or other special care.

• Safe spaces: As puppies grow, they become more adventurous, so creating a secure environment is crucial for their safety.

Requirements for Fostering Puppies

Each rescue organization has its own approval process for foster families. Typically, this includes an application, a background check, and sometimes a home visit.

“Some people think we’re overly strict since this is a volunteer job, but we’re responsible for the well-being of these pets and we take that seriously,” says Bawol.

The Reward of Puppy Fostering

Shannon admits that saying goodbye to foster puppies is never easy, but the joy of knowing they’re going to loving forever homes makes it worthwhile.

“Of course it's hard to say goodbye, but I remind myself that I’m just a step on their journey,” she says.

If you’re interested in fostering a puppy, contact your local animal shelter to learn more about their programs. Fostering timelines vary, and sometimes it may be weeks or months before a puppy needs your care, so staying prepared is key.

The joy of fostering puppies is indescribable — watching them grow, play, and learn will warm your heart and change their lives forever.