Foster Program
With nearly 10,000 dogs arriving in our care each year, our foster families make all the difference!
At the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, our foster program is designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you have a few days or a few months to give, we will help match you with a foster dog that fits your lifestyle and availability.
Could Fostering Be Right For You?
If you have been looking for a meaningful way to help dogs in our community, fostering may be a great fit. Our program is flexible, welcoming, and designed to support you every step of the way, whether you are new to fostering or already have experience.
Foster Opportunities
Short Term Foster
Short-Term Fostering, Big Impact, Flexible Commitment.
Short-term fostering at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center is a great way to help without a long-term commitment.
You will care for a dog in your home for a few days to a couple of weeks.
This may include helping while another foster is on vacation, providing a dog with a short-term break from the shelter, caring for a dog recovering from surgery or raising puppies until they are ready for adoption.
We will provide everything you need and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Long-Term Foster
Long-Term Fostering. A Lifesaving Commitment.
Long-term fostering at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center means caring for a dog in your home until they are adopted.
This could be a few weeks or a few months, whatever it takes to provide them with the care they need and keep them out of the shelter while they wait for a new family.
You provide a safe, nurturing environment and we will supply the supplies and resources you need.
By fostering, you become a vital part of a dog’s journey.
Together, we help them build confidence, experience love, and take the first steps toward a healthy, happy future in a loving home.
Foster to Adopt
Our Foster to Adopt program is designed for individuals who are interested in adopting a specific dog and would like a short trial period at home before finalizing the adoption.
This option allows you to take a dog home, often the same day, with the intention to adopt. The foster to adopt trial period helps ensure the dog is a good fit for your household.
The foster to adopt trial period is typically one week.
Unlike short term and long term fostering, an appointment is NOT required for those interested in adoption
If you are interested in adoption or a foster to adopt trial, please arrive at least one hour before closing and sign in with an adoption counselor!
How To Become A Foster
Step 1: Learn about the foster program
Review the foster options above (short-term vs long-term) to decide what type of foster opportunity may be the best fit for your home and schedule.
Step 2: Complete the Foster Survey
Fill out our online Foster Survey so your Foster Coordinator can get to know you, your availability, and the type of dog you may be interested in fostering.
Complete the Foster Survey
Step 3: Connect & Train
After reviewing your survey, your Foster Coordinator will follow up with two emails: a Welcome Email and an invitation to complete the required online Fear Free training certification course. If you have questions along the way, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment to bring a foster dog home, please email foster@franklincountyohio.gov.
Step 4:Schedule an appointment to take a dog home
Once approved, you will begin receiving emails with a list of dogs who currently need of a foster home.
If you need help choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle and preferences or to schedule a foster appointment, contact the your Foster Coordinator at foster@franklincountyohio.gov.
Step 5: Welcoming your foster dog home!
Congratulations and welcome to our foster community! At home, you will provide your foster dog with the care, comfort, and support they need on their journey to adoption.
Step 6:Marketing your foster dog
Once your dog is available for adoption, you will help share information about them. This includes providing photos, videos and details that highlight the dog's personality and best qualities! You may also meet with potential adopters at events or through one-on-one meet and greets.
For more information or for help accessing this page or the foster survey, please contact our Foster Coordinator by emailing: foster@franklincountyohio.gov.
View Dogs Available for Foster In Our Care
View Adoptable Dogs In Our Care
View Special Needs Dogs Available for Rescue