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How to foster a dog this summer without any expense

By
Social Links for Alev Aktar
Published June 15, 2023
Updated June 15, 2023, 9:28 a.m. ET
6 dogs ready to be fostered or adopted.
Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue in Sagaponack, Long Island, seeks temporary foster homes for these pups having a ruff go of it -- and they'll cover all veterinary and food costs.

If you can offer a temporary caring home to a pet in need, it might be time to join a foster roster.

“Fosters save lives,” says Michelle Montak, founder of Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue in Sagaponack, Long Island. “It’s such a wonderful thing for people to do. It teaches compassion, kindness and responsibility for another being.”

Gimme Shelter is one of the growing number of rescue organizations that don’t have kennels and depend on fosters to house dogs before they are adopted. “You basically take the dog in, you socialize them, you train them, you do everything you would if it was your own dog,” says Montak. 

Jada | Age: 6 years | Breed: Black Lab mix

Dog Jada
Why she’s paw-fect: Jada is the most devoted and affectionate girl you might ever meet. She just lost her owner to cancer and needs a home ASAP (without dogs, cats or toddlers). She adores her humans and wants to be right beside them at all times. 

Cartman | Age: 3 to 4 months | Breed: Dachshund-Lab mix 

Dog Cartman
Why he’s paw-fect: This snuggle bug loves to be petted and cuddled. A sociable fellow, Cartman likes to explore outside and hang with other pups and people. 

While foster parents for Gimme Shelter aren’t paid, they also don’t incur any financial toll. “We cover any vet expenses or any medical bills that might arise,” explains Montak. “We also cover some food if the foster needs us to pay for that.”

She says her fosters, on average, keep an animal between two and seven weeks. “We’re very lucky, and we have a few families who foster for us regularly. They’ll take a dog, and when that dog gets adopted, they’ll immediately take another one.”

Wilma | Age: 5 months | Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback mix 

Dog Wilma
Why she’s paw-fect: With her obvious smarts and soft, caramel coat, Wilma is both bright and beautiful. This little girl is playful until she’s ready to nap, and then it’s all mellow vibes.

Fred | Age: 5 months | Breed: Plott hound-Lab mix  

Dog Fred
Why he’s paw-fect: Fred is a confident young gentleman with a gorgeous, striped coat and big, brown eyes. Outgoing and happy, he loves socializing with other dogs.

Occasionally, a foster will take in a pair of pups. “There are certain cases where you want to keep them together,” says Montak. “We had a couple of adoptions recently where the dogs were bonded, and the foster agreed to take both of them, and then we adopted them together.”

And sometimes fostering leads to adoption. “We call them foster fails; that’s the rescue term,” says Montak with a laugh. “People get attached. These dogs are magical beings.”

Jake | Age: 2 years | Breed: Staffordshire terrier and Pekingese mix

Dog Jake
Why he’s paw-fect: This house-trained lowrider has the cutest short legs. He is very sweet with grown-ups, but was tormented by kids who shot BB guns at him. Jake will be most comfortable in an adult-only home with no children or other dogs.

Marge | Age: 3 to 4 months | Breed: German shorthaired pointer-dachshund mix 

Dog Marge
Why she’s paw-fect: With her dazzling, green eyes and velvety-smooth chocolate coat, Marge is a real looker. She’s also lively and curious, and loves everyone, including other dogs.

Want to become a foster? If you live in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut and are at least 21 years old, have a fenced property, permission to have an animal in your home and a schedule that allows you to take care of a dog, simply fill out the application form on the Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue site.

“We’re always looking for fosters,” says Montak. “I have so much respect and admiration for our foster families. They’re amazing.”