Foster a Dog from Orphans of the Storm

Fostering a dog from Orphans of the Storm gives a shelter resident individualized care and time in a home while the shelter works toward adoption. Foster placements are especially valuable for dogs who need medical recovery, a quieter environment, additional training support or relief from a long shelter stay.

Orphans of the Storm offers short-term and longer-term foster opportunities based on each dog’s needs. Foster homes provide patience, routine and observations that help the shelter understand how a dog behaves outside the kennel environment.

Apply to foster a dog from Orphans of the Storm or visit the Orphans of the Storm shelter profile.

Which Dogs Need Foster Homes?

Orphans of the Storm prioritizes several types of dogs for foster placement. Some are senior dogs who would benefit from a quiet place to rest. Others are recovering from surgery, illness or another medical condition that may be easier to manage in a home.

Long-term residents and dogs struggling to thrive in the shelter may also need foster care. Time away from the kennel can reduce stress, introduce a steadier routine and give the shelter more information about the dog’s personality and household needs.

Medical Foster Dogs

Medical foster homes provide a calmer place for dogs recovering from surgery or coping with illness, injury or age-related needs. Individual requirements vary, so prospective foster parents should review the dog’s information and speak directly with the shelter before accepting a medical placement.

Orphans of the Storm maintains a current list of medical foster candidates on its website. The number of dogs needing this kind of care changes as animals recover, return to the shelter or move into permanent homes.

Dogs Needing Training and Routine

Some dogs find kennel life especially difficult and benefit from a foster home that can provide structure, routine and additional support. Living in a home can help a dog practice everyday skills and allow the shelter to observe how the dog responds outside a busy facility.

These placements may require patience and consistent communication with the shelter. Foster observations can help identify the dog’s strengths, challenges and the kind of permanent household most likely to help them succeed.

Senior and Long-Term Shelter Dogs

A senior dog may benefit from a softer place to sleep, a quieter daily schedule and more individual attention than a shelter can provide. Foster care can also give long-term residents a restorative break from kennel life while they continue waiting for adoption.

Some placements are relatively brief, while others continue until the dog is adopted or ready to return to the shelter. Orphans of the Storm determines the expected commitment according to the individual dog rather than using one timeline for every foster placement.

What Foster Homes Help the Shelter Learn

A dog may behave differently in a home than in a kennel. Foster families can share useful information about routines, rest, walks, household activity and the dog’s response to a more stable environment.

That information helps Orphans of the Storm better understand each dog and communicate more clearly with potential adopters. The foster home also gives the dog individualized attention while the shelter continues promoting the dog for adoption.

How to Apply

Begin by completing the shelter’s dog foster survey. Orphans of the Storm can then review your household information and discuss dogs currently prioritized for foster care.

Program needs change as dogs enter foster care, return to the shelter or are adopted. Check the shelter’s current foster listings and ask about the needs, expected timeline and responsibilities associated with a particular dog before accepting a placement.

Complete the Orphans of the Storm dog foster application or read the dog foster FAQ for general information about preparing to foster.