Fostering

Be a Temporary Hero for Dogs in Need

Fostering dogs in Southern CA, isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a life-saving mission. At The Little Red Dog, Inc., we believe that every pup deserves a temporary home where they can feel safe and loved until they find their forever family. But let’s be real, this isn’t a walk in the park—it takes dedication, patience, and a sprinkle of doggie charisma. Think your family has what it takes?

The Joy of Fostering - Bringing Happiness to Your Home

While it’s true that dogs can offer endless love and companionship, fostering is a significant commitment. Joanna, one of our super fosters, has fostered over 200 pups. That’s right—two hundred! She’s more than a dog-napping heroine; she’s the reason many dogs now have loving homes. If you’re wondering how you can make such a fantastic impact, remember: fostering change lives, one wagging tail at a time!

Why Foster for The Little Red Dog?

When you choose The Little Red Dog, Inc. as your foster home for dogs in Southern California, you can expect:

Comprehensive Training: We offer guidance and support to ensure you feel confident in your fostering journey.
Community Support: Join a network of fellow foster families who share tips, tricks, and hilarious dog stories.
Flexible Commitment: Whether you’re a one-time foster or a lifelong doggie aficionado, we welcome all levels of involvement.
Vet Care Provided: We cover all medical expenses; your only job is to provide snuggles and love!
Life-Changing Experience: Fostering not only changes the life of the pup you save but enriches your own as well.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@thelittlereddog.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you have to live in Orange County to foster?

No, you do not. However, our vets, adoption events, and meet and greets are in Orange County. As long as you're willing to make the drive when needed, you can foster for us. If that sounds like too much, we suggest checking rescues/shelters who are closer to you to see if they need fosters.

What is expected of me as a foster?

We ask that fosters give their dog two solid, 30-minute walks a day, follow any instructions we give you about the dog, provide basic training if needed, take the dog to vet visits if needed, and bring the dog to at least one virtual adoption event in Lake Forest a month.

Is there a time commitment?

We hope you will foster the dog until they find their forever home, but we ask for at least a 3-4 month commitment. Some dogs are adopted in one day and some take a year to find the right forever home; the average is around 3 months. If you have a trip planned or an emergency comes up, just let us know, and we will figure out a solution.

Do you get to pick the foster dog?

Yes, unless we feel the dog won't be a good fit in your home or lifestyle. Some dogs that need foster homes more urgently than others will be prioritized.

Can I pick any dog off your website to foster?

If the dog has 'needs a foster' next to their name, then yes. If not, that means they are already in a foster home.

Do you need dog experience?

No! We won't give you a dog that we don't think you can handle. We can even have one of our trainers meet with you to go over basic dog behavior if you're interested.

Do I have to pay for anything?

No, we cover all costs for medical care (through our vet partners), food, and any supplies you need. We can reimburse you if you need to buy something for your dog after getting approval.

Are we responsible for promoting the dog?

No, you are not. However, we do ask that you get some good photos and/or videos of your foster pup, so we can promote them!

Do we have to take them to adoption events?

Currently, our adoption events are primarily virtual. We ask that you come to at least one a month. If your foster dog has a potential adopter, we try to schedule meet and greets at those events to make it easier for you.

What if I fall in love and want to adopt?

We call that a #FosterFail! As long as our team feels it makes sense and there aren't any potential adopters lined up, you can adopt your foster dog.

What if I have other pets?

No problem! Just like an adoption, we'll ensure the dog is a good fit with your pets before leaving them with you.

Can I foster a puppy?

Yes and no. If we save a mama and litter, they need to be fostered together until they're old enough to be on their own. However, there are times when puppies can be separated to different foster homes. Just know—puppies are a LOT of work and there's a LOT of poop!

Can I foster if I adopted from you?

Of course! Many of our fosters are also adopters.

What if my foster needs to go to the vet?

For non-emergencies, submit a request in our foster portal to set up a vet appointment at one of our vet partners. For emergencies, contact PJ immediately for next steps.

What if I need training help?

If one of our senior team members cannot help you, we have two very experienced trainers who can come to your house for a training session.

I got my foster dog, now what?

Give your new foster pup time to decompress and have fun! Take photos, videos, or give us updates in our Fabulous Foster Squad group chat online.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re ready to dive into the rewarding world of dog fostering Lake Forest, CA, then it’s time to lend a paw! Click the button below to sign up and become a part of our incredible fostering community. Remember, you could be the hero in a pup’s story—let’s make some tails wag!

Donate Foster Application