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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?
Fostering helps a variety of animals. Some are too young or small to be adopted and need time to mature in foster care. Others are recovering from medical care or illness and can recuperate best in a quiet home environment. There are other animals that are stressed in the shelter environment and 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 number of animals whose lives can be saved. When you foster, you change the life of an animal in need!
Thank you so much for completing this integral part of the foster process. After receiving a 100% on the quiz, we’ll send you the next steps via email! And then we’ll reach out to you based on your preferences and availability that match with an eligible foster animal.
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!
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.
Depending on a foster animal’s needs, foster windows can run from one week 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.
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 some might need to refresh 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.
It depends! Underage, sick, and undervaccinated animals should be kept separate so that we keep everyone healthy. If you are fostering a dog, there will need to be a dog meet with the resident dog(s). Other animals, like healthy cats and small mammals, can be slowly introduced to resident animals. Please check with us before moving forward!
Yes! Fosters currently with animals could always use assistance with a variety of tasks! Please ask the Foster Team how you can help. 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.
Foster mythbusting
We often hear similar concerns from potential foster parents. Whether you think you don’t have enough space, time, experience, or emotional strength, we’re here to separate fact from fiction and show how fostering can be truly lifesaving.
FACT: Many animals thrive in foster homes where their foster parent works outside the home. In fact, it can be great preparation for adoption, since many future adopters will also have regular work schedules.
FACT: You don't need a ton of extra space to foster. Cats, kittens, and small mammals don't take up much room at all. Dogs, even large-breed ones, can thrive in smaller living spaces, like apartments or condos, with the proper exercise, toys, and enrichment needed to keep them happy.
The AWLA provides ALL supplies necessary to foster.
Not all shelter dogs have behavior challenges. Some foster pets simply need a quiet place to decompress, some are recovering from medical issues, and others may be waiting to grow big enough for spay/neuter surgery. While a few dogs may need extra support or training, many just need a temporary home and a little stability while they wait for adoption.
The world is still your oyster (whatever that means)! Your foster animal can be placed in another foster home or come back to the shelter while you're away.