Welcoming a foster dog into your home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only are you providing a safe home for an animal in need and helping provide a solution to shelter overcrowding, but you’re also directly contributing to saving lives. According to the ASPCA, approximately two million dogs were adopted in 2024, yet sadly, 334,000 were euthanized. Shelter Animals Count reports that even a 2% increase in fostering could eliminate preventable euthanasia entirely.

If you make the amazing decision to foster dogs, there are some easy things you can do to prepare for their arrival to make them comfortably adjust to your home.

Create a safe haven

Dogs transitioning from shelters almost always experience anxiety. One of the best ways to help your foster dog feel secure is by providing a dedicated, comfortable and calm space where they can rest and decompress. Prep this area with essential comforts including bedding, food, water, and toys.

Another good way to provide a reassuring sense of stability for your foster is to maintain a predictable daily routine. Keeping consistent feeding times, walks, and play sessions helps to build trust and comfort, allowing your foster dog to settle more easily into their brand-new surroundings.

Build trust through patience and positive reinforcement

Moving into an unfamiliar space can be difficult for anyone so it’s important to remember that foster dogs may understandably be wary or timid at first. Give them space to approach you at their own pace and always practice gentle and patient interactions when they do. Praise, treats, and affection not only reinforce positive behavior, but they help build trust. If you have other pets, any introductions should be gradual and supervised so you can ensure a peaceful transition for everyone involved.

Engaging in basic training exercises early on can strengthen your bond while establishing healthy boundaries. Keep these training sessions short, upbeat, and reward-driven to build confidence and mutual trust.

Prioritize their health and well-being

Closely monitor your foster dog’s health and behavior, especially in the beginning during the initial adjustment period. You’ll want to look for signs of stress, such as reduced appetite, lethargy, or withdrawal and promptly address any concerns that you notice with your rescue organization and/or veterinarian. Early intervention ensures your foster dog remains comfortable and well-adjusted and can only happen if you are paying close attention.

Although fostering is temporary, it’s important to remember that saying goodbye can still be emotional. Your love and care provided critical support to a dog on their journey to finding their permanent home and leaving you and your home could be difficult and stressful, even though they’re going to their permanent home so be compassionate and supportive as much as you can during this additional transition.

Ready to foster or adopt on Long Island?

Mark T. Freeley, Pro Bono lawyer for Last Chance Animal Rescue (LCAR) and a dedicated volunteer, is available to support you on your fostering or adoption journey. With years of experience fostering, and countless hours supporting the transition of dogs from LCAR to foster families, he knows first-hand just how amazing this process can be. Feel free to call Mark directly at 631-495-9435, he will gladly guide you through every step of the process and answer your questions.

Together, we can ensure more animals receive the love, care, and second chance they truly deserve.