Frequently Asked Questions

No, we are not a rescue. We support fostering through the shelter. This means all of the dogs in our program are still shelter dogs, they are just being cared for in foster homes. We do have some wonderful rescues that we work with and sometimes partner with to help dogs get out of the shelter.

Dogs that tend to need the most help getting out of the shelter are usually approximately 35lbs and larger. We scout dogs that are both human and dog social (degrees vary) and get to know them in playgroups multiple times a week to observe their progress during their shelter stay. Only after getting to know the dog do we feel confident in placing them in a foster home.

No problem! We have many people start their foster journey with our program. The first step after the foster form is reviewed will be a follow-up call to help our team pair an appropriate dog based on the foster family’s household, lifestyle, and experience. Once a pair has been matched, our team will do a set-up call before pick-up to ensure the foster is prepared before the dog comes home. Every dog is different and our team is here to help along the way.

Thank you for fostering! We do ask that all fosters in our program participate in our training protocols for rules and boundaries, crate training, and leash training and provide regular updates on how the dog is progressing. We also rely on fosters to help supply images and video of the dog to help with adoption promotion and attendance of adoption events. If that sounds like something a good fit, please apply!

No. Our team puts in a lot of work to select dogs for our program to afford each foster the best fit. We scout shelters for dogs observing their temperament and sociability with dogs and humans and each pairing begins with a conversation to understand the lifestyle, experience, and household make up of the foster family.

Adoption placement times vary. We ask that fosters commit to fostering until the dog is adopted. Barring major safety, legal, medical, or logistical reasons, our goal is that dogs stay out in foster and never see the shelter again! In the instance that a foster cannot commit beyond a known date or have gaps due to travel, we may be able to find another foster or temporary coverage if arranged from the start.

Foster fails happen! We’re thrilled to see a dog find their way home even if that means staying right where they are. Should that be the case, please be courteous of our time and resources and let us know as soon as possible so we can help another dog in need.

No. If a foster falls in love with their dog, that’s totally okay, but our program is for folks who are intending to foster. We have conversations with each foster to try to achieve a good fit and ask that fosters commit to seeing their dog through to final placement barring major safety, legal, medical, or logistical life changes.

All dogs currently in foster are awaiting adoption. The advantage of adopting one of our foster dogs is that we have gotten to know them and their quirks and given them a foundation in leash, crate, and house training. Please check out our adoptable dogs or come to one of our adoption events!

After filling out the Adoption Form and/or talking with our team at an adoption event, we will set up a time to chat to learn more about the adopter and what they’re looking for in their next best friend. Our goal is always to try to find a good match, so we consider lifestyle, members of the household (human and animal), experience among other factors. We will also help coordinate a one-on-one meet with the dog and their foster. If all goes well and all parties are ready to move forward, the dog will be adopted from Los Angeles Animal Services. Adoption fees, licensing and the official documentation will be taken care of with LAAS.

Tax-deductible donations to our program help provide basic supplies like leashes, collars, and crates, and on occasion, specialty food, supplements and emergency medical and behavioral costs.

Follow us on Instagram and share our posts! The more followers and interactions we have on Instagram, the more people see the dogs in our program. Not only does it help get more eyes on our content based on the Instagram algorithm, but there just might be someone who falls in love with a dog from a shared post. One share could be the reason a shelter dog finds their way home!