Fostering FAQ

Foster homes provide a more appropriate environment for learning and growth than a shelter or kennel. In a foster home, an animal is exposed to all the same experiences they would likely get in a real home — they have a chance to properly learn, socialize, and interact with others. These opportunities aren't available in a shelter. Foster homes better prepare dogs and cats for their real home and make for a smoother transition when that time comes.

Our expectations are simple: care for and love your foster animal as if it was your own. If you have questions, ask — we want your foster experience to be successful and as easy as possible. We have a Facebook group for fosters to help guide you through the process. We also ask that fosters attend at least one adoption event per month at PetSmart in Lafayette on Saturdays (10:30am–4pm approx.) and provide regular updates and photos of their foster animals to help with the adoption process.

AAVA covers all medical care for the animal — routine check-ups, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, treatment of routine illnesses, and emergency treatment as needed. All medical care is scheduled and approved by AAVA ahead of time. We also provide basic necessities upon request: kennels, litter boxes, litter, food, puppy pads, preventatives, and more. If you need something, just ask and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Treat them as if they were your own! Take them for walks. Let them sleep in your bed. Spoil them with toys. Take them on adventures. Post on social media. Training and socialization will drastically increase their chances of adoption. A litter-box-trained kitten or house-trained puppy is much more appealing to potential adopters.

We cannot guarantee a time frame. Some fosters are short-term (2–4 weeks) to prepare animals for out-of-state rescue or adoption transport. Others are longer until a forever home is found. If you choose to foster a dog who has a potential out-of-state adopter, please understand that circumstances can change — adopters or rescues may change their mind. We try to match you with an animal whose timeline fits yours.

Yes! We frequently need short-term foster homes to prepare animals for out-of-state rescue or adoption. We work with numerous rescues who agree to take on the care of an animal but need local assistance to prep them for transport. Often these placements are only needed for 2–4 weeks.

It happens all the time — we call it 'foster failing' and we consider it a success! If you'd like to adopt your foster animal, just let us know and we'll work through the standard adoption process with you.

Contact us immediately and we'll arrange vet care. You are never responsible for vet bills — that's entirely on AAVA. Don't wait to reach out if something seems wrong.

Usually, yes. We'll match you carefully based on your resident pets' temperaments. Some foster animals may need to be the only pet in the home, and we'll always tell you that upfront before placement.

Yes. Most foster animals adjust to a regular work schedule. We'll factor in how many hours per day the animal will be alone when matching you with a foster.

We don't have a generic template. Our foster families come in all shapes and forms. Overall, we're looking for someone who is responsible, mature, and dependable — someone who loves animals and has the patience to deal with whatever situations arise. We generally prefer fosters to be over 21 years old with dog or cat experience. We prefer dog fosters to have a fenced yard, but exceptions are made case by case.

We understand — sometimes a match isn't right. Contact us and we'll find another placement for the animal. No judgment, no pressure.

Yes. As a 501(c)(3) organization, out-of-pocket expenses you incur while fostering — food, supplies, transportation — may be deductible as charitable contributions. Keep your receipts and consult a tax professional for specifics.

All supplies furnished by AAVA — kennels, food bowls, leashes, etc. — must be returned promptly when you are no longer fostering.