Foster FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your AWLA Foster Team is here to help you every step of the way in your fostering adventure, providing all the supplies you may need as well as guidance and insights for the animal in your care. Read more about one foster caregiver’s experience HERE. What else should you know about fostering for the AWLA?

Why should I foster?

Fostering helps a variety of different types of animals. Some are too young or small to be adopted and need some time to grow in foster care, as well as learning how to be a pet. Others are recovering from medical care or illness and can recuperate best in a quiet home environment. Still others are stressed in the shelter environment or can use the extra one-on-one care and training that a foster home can provide. And every animal in a foster home means that the AWLA can care for even more animals at the shelter, increasing the numbers of animals whose lives can be saved. When you foster, you not only change the life of an animal in need…you change your own too!

I completed the orientation. Now what?

Thank you so much for completing this integral part of the foster process. We’ve added you to our Foster Team List, and we will reach out when we have animals looking for a foster home.

Do I have to buy a bunch of pet supplies?

No! We provide you with everything you should need, from the basics like food and bedding, to specifics for each animal: medications, ramps, a favorite special toy and anything in between. All we’re asking you to provide is your time, skills and love!

Do I get any training?

Yes! Each animal is a bit different, and so the information and training we will give you may differ as well, whether we are telling you about a medication schedule, offering guidance for taking them on walks or showing you how to give an injection.

How long would I foster an animal?

Depending on a foster animal’s needs, foster windows can run from a weekend foster to several months. When we ask you about fostering a specific animal, we’ll let you know how long we anticipate they might be in your care.

Are these animals house-trained?

Maybe. Animals come to us from a variety of backgrounds, so it’s hard to know who is or isn’t house-trained. Some animals might also have been house-trained at one point but need some reiteration of their house-training habits. Our foster team will provide you with all of the information we have, and we appreciate you helping these animals learn – or relearn – the best habits during their stay with you.

Can they hang out with my pets?

Generally we advise that foster animals are separated from your own pets, for health and safety reasons, but this can be determined on a case-by-case basis. Ask us for more specific details about the different animals you foster.

Fostering sounds like it might be a bit much for me at this time. Can I assist the Foster Team in some other way?

We’re always looking for certain supplies for the animals in care. Check out our Foster Wish List; supplies can be delivered to us or dropped off at 4101 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304.