Foster a Dog (or Two)
Open Your Heart. Open Your Home.
Being a foster is a deeply rewarding experience that involves welcoming a homeless dog (or even two) into your home and providing them with the care, affection, and socialization they need to thrive. As a foster, you're not just offering a temporary home—you’re giving these dogs a chance at a new beginning, helping them heal, grow, and become the loving companions they were meant to be. Fosters play a vital role in preparing these dogs for their forever families by teaching them trust, routine, and the warmth of human interaction. Without dedicated fosters, we wouldn’t be able to save as many lives. By offering your home and heart, you’re helping break the cycle of homelessness and giving these dogs the opportunity to live the happy lives they deserve.
Fostering is a critical step in our rescue efforts and a truly impactful way to make a difference in a dog's life.
“The perfect rescue dog is out there for everybody. You just have to find it.”
-Josh Hopkins
Our Process
What are the responsibilities of a Foster Family?
As a foster, the most important responsibility is to provide a safe, clean, and caring environment for the dog in your care. This includes offering regular exercise and socialization to help them adjust and thrive. If needed, you may also be required to administer medications as directed by the vet. Additionally, fostering often involves transporting your rescue pup to adoption events, veterinary appointments, and grooming sessions to ensure they receive the care they need to prepare for their forever home. Your dedication and support play a crucial role in the success of our rescue efforts.
How long will the dog(s) be at our home?
The length of time a dog spends in a foster home can vary, ranging from just a few days to a couple of months. Since each rescue has its own unique circumstances, every foster experience will be different. As a foster family, you can expect to care for the dog until they find their forever home. While it’s difficult to predict exactly how long this will take, we can provide a more accurate estimate for the specific dog(s) you are fostering before you take them in. Every dog’s journey is different, but with your help, they will be one step closer to their new family.
What items are provided for the rescues?
At Little Dog Rescue, we strive to make fostering as easy as possible by providing everything your foster dog needs to feel comfortable and cared for. This includes food, beds, toys, chew bones, puppy pads, and any other essentials required to ensure their health and happiness. All we ask is that you provide the love, patience, and care they need to thrive while waiting for their forever home. Your nurturing environment gives them the best chance to adjust, heal, and prepare for adoption. With your support, these dogs will have a safe and loving space to grow, all while making a lasting impact on their future.
How do I know if fostering is a good choice for me?
Introducing a foster dog into your home can be a rewarding experience for your existing pets as well. It provides them with a new companion, offers additional opportunities for socialization, and gives them a new playmate to enjoy. For children, fostering is a wonderful way to teach responsibility, selflessness, and empathy toward animals. It’s also an educational experience, as they learn about the care and needs of pets. Plus, fostering can be a great way to "test" the idea of adding a permanent dog to your family in the future, helping everyone adjust to the idea of welcoming a furry friend into your lives.
How am I helping rescue dogs?
When the day arrives that your foster dog finds their perfect forever home, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Their new family will be forever grateful for the love and care you provided, and you’ll know that you played a crucial part in giving them their happy ending. The joy of seeing a dog begin their new life is unmatched, and knowing that another dog is waiting for your care makes the experience even more rewarding. It’s a fulfilling feeling to know that you’ve helped create a brighter future for a deserving pup, while making room for another to find their way to a loving home.
At Little Dog Rescue, we take great pride in providing our dogs with loving and comfortable foster homes while they wait to find their Forever Home. Foster care is essential to our rescue mission— the more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can save. Every foster home makes a huge impact by giving dogs a safe and nurturing environment to heal, grow, and prepare for their new families.
Fostering not only helps individual dogs, but it also allows us to save more lives and continue our work in providing second chances to those who need it most.
Happy Tails: Fur-ever Homes Found
“Had a really great experience adopting through Little Dog Rescue. The coordinator I worked with Tanya is super sweet and helpful. They are very responsive for any questions / concerns and she even sent us dog treats at one point when we mentioned our little girl is a picky eater. She’ll also check in every now and then even after adoption to make sure that everything is going well. Overall, we felt like we were in good hands being first time dog parents.
The $1K adoption fee also covers spaying/dental cleaning and all the vacancies for adult dogs which actually makes the price more than reasonable for a rescue considering getting a female dog spayed around Bellevue/Seattle area is already $1K plus.
Would highly recommend Little Dog Rescue if you are looking to adopt one of these breeds but prefer adopting over buying.”
-J.D.
“Such an amazing experience we did it twice. The first time we adopted Gus a Westie. He came with record of shots, microchip and I was able to speak with the vet. Our second experience was four months later when we adopted a six-year-old breeder girl Golden Retriever. It was obvious she had never been in a house or had the kind of human interaction most dogs experience. Every step of the way LDR was with us. They cheer all of the small victories we have with Daisy Mae. I can honestly say she is the most rewarding experience. They are the loves of our lives.”
-Traci S.
“We were so excited to bring our seven month old Little Dog rescue to his forever home! Our little guy was microchipped, had his vaccinations, paperwork, and even had a bonus trip to the vet when his rescue mom noticed he was itching his ear. His rescue mom was helpful and responsive to our questions to make his transition easier. Our little guy has a great personality, is playful, loves to take walks, and is very loved. He has turned our lives upside down, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”
-Teresa H.
“We adopted a mini poodle puppy with LDR back in February, and we are so happy with this decision!! The process was a breeze, we got all guidance needed and we are totally in love with the new member of our family!”
-Noa F.
“I have absolutely loved being a foster for Little Dog Rescue(LDR). It’s been a privilege to get to love on little pups until they get adopted and LDR provides all supplies and vet care for foster homes. After my dog of almost seventeen years passed away I didn’t think I would ever be able to open my heart to another pup, fostering was a wonderful alternative. However with our fifth foster puppy my family fell completely in love and we decided we couldn’t live without her. The rescue leadership team has continued to support post-adoption as I navigate veterinary care and the validity of recommended treatments. If you’re interesting in adoption of a small dog or getting involved to with dog rescue I highly recommend working with LDR in Seattle.”
-Haley H.
“This has been such a wonderful organization and an incredible experience for me and my family. We signed up as a foster home for little dogs as we have a huge yard and wanted to help. We had no idea how much of a need there really was. This organization is managed completely by volunteers who devote their time and energy into the care of the pups they rescue. I have seen some people who have put down negative feedback or responses that they did not hear back in a timely manner. These committed people are placing the needs of the dogs first and foremost, including transporting them, taking them to the vet, coordinating additional rescues, supporting foster care homes, and tons of other duties. These dogs have been through so much in their little lives. I would highly recommend this rescue as the place to find your perfect little companion. We did, and we are still fostering others to prepare them for their forever home.”
-J.D.
“Recently fostered with Little Dog Rescue and had an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The team at LDR are committed to saving these pups and finding them loving homes. A huge amount of work and care goes into rescue, vet check ups, transport and finding a forever home. I'm grateful and better for this experience.”
-Liana K.
“We got our sweet Harvey here! They were so wonderful and made our adoption process so easy! If you are looking to adopt I would highly recommend checking out the sweet pups they have here!”
-Daniel H.
With Your Help We Rescue Over 1,600 Dogs Per Year
Each year, we make a difference in the lives of over 1,600 dogs, providing them with the care, compassion, and second chances they deserve. From rescuing pups from dire situations to matching them with loving families, our efforts are fueled by a commitment to animal welfare and community support. Every dog we help represents a unique story of resilience and hope, and we’re proud to be a part of their journey toward a brighter future. Through adoption, education, and advocacy, we’re not just changing the lives of these dogs—we’re creating a ripple effect of kindness that inspires others to join the cause. Together, we can continue to save lives and make every wagging tail a testament to the power of compassion.
Let’s work together to get more tails wagging!
Ways You Can Help
Donate
Each year, we transform the lives of over 1,600 dogs, giving them the care and second chances they deserve. From rescues to loving adoptions, every dog represents a story of resilience and hope. Together, we create brighter futures—one wagging tail at a time.
Foster
Fostering means giving a homeless dog the care, love, and support they need while they wait for their forever family. It’s more than a temporary home—you’re helping them heal, grow, and thrive. Fosters are heroes, preparing dogs for adoption and making room to save even more lives.
Adopt
There’s a perfect match for everyone, and we’re here to help you find yours. At Little Dog Rescue, we heal our rescues inside and out, ensuring unparalleled adoption success. With around 20 dogs in our care, your future best friend is waiting!
Amazon Wishlist
Support Little Dog Rescue and help save lives in a way that works for you! Whether you choose a one-time donation or a monthly gift, your contribution directly provides care and rehabilitation for our rescues, making a lasting impact.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are the heart of our rescue, playing a vital role in saving and rehoming dogs. Whether fostering, helping at events, or providing hands-on care, your time and skills make a meaningful difference. We can’t wait to welcome you and show how your efforts impact countless dogs' lives!
Our Mission
Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of neglected, abused and abandoned dogs by rescuing and placing them with loving families. We do this by helping to bring together a community of individuals, businesses, and organizations with a shared goal to help dogs in need live a better life.