Foster A Life. Change Everything.
One open heart, one open home, can mean the difference between fear and safety, life and loss.
What Is Fostering?
Fostering is the act of temporarily welcoming a rescue dog into your home and your heart, giving them a safe, loving environment while they wait for their forever family. It is one of the most powerful ways you can help save a life—often without the long-term commitment of adoption.
At Cookies Canine Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, fosters are the bridge between survival and hope. Many of the dogs we rescue have been abandoned, neglected, abused, or left behind. They do not need perfection—they need patience, consistency, and love.
When you foster, you become part of the dog’s healing journey. You help them decompress, learn trust, experience routine, and finally understand what it feels like to be safe.
Why Fostering Is So Urgent
Every day, we receive calls for dogs who have nowhere else to go—shelters at capacity, owners in crisis, dogs facing euthanasia simply because there is no space.
Fosters save lives.
When a foster steps forward, it opens space for us to rescue another dog. Without fosters, we cannot say “yes” to dogs who desperately need us.
If you have ever said:
“I wish I could help”
“I am not ready to adopt, but I care”
“I want to make a real difference”
Fostering is how you do that—right now.
Types of Fostering Opportunities
We understand that every household, schedule, and comfort level is different. That is why we offer multiple fostering options.
Short-Term Fostering
Perfect for first-time fosters or flexible schedules
Short-term fosters care for a dog for a few days to a few weeks—often during:
Emergency Intakes
Transport transitions
Shelter pull situations
Behavioral decompression periods
Short-term fosters provide immediate relief and safety during a critical window.
Long-Term Fostering
For those able to provide stability until adoption
Long-term fosters care for a dog until they find their forever home. This could be weeks or months, depending on the dog’s needs.
Long-term fosters help dogs:
Build confidence
Learn household routines
Develop good manners
Show their true personality
Dogs in foster homes are far more likely to be adopted than dogs in kennels.
Medical Fostering
A lifesaving role for compassionate hearts
Medical fosters care for dogs recovering from:
Surgery
Injury
Illness
Malnutrition
Special medical needs
Cookies Canine Animal Rescue and Sanctuary provides veterinary care and guidance—medical fosters provide a calm, loving place to heal.
These fosters quite literally save dogs who would not survive in a shelter environment.
What Does a Foster do?
Fostering is about love—but it is also about responsibility and teamwork.
As a foster, you agree to:
Provide a safe, indoor environment
Offer food, water, and daily care
Transport to vet appointments if needed
Help with basic training and socialization
Communicate regularly with the rescue team
Show potential adopters who the dog truly is
You are never alone—we support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Cookies Canine Animal Rescue and Sanctuary covers food, supplies, and veterinary care.
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That is okay. Many of our best fosters started with zero experience—just a big heart.
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Yes. We will consider and discuss the full situation to determine what is in the best interest of the dog and everyone in the home.
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That happens—and it is okay. Loving them is part of the job. Some fosters even become adopters, lovingly known as “foster fails.”
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Your honesty matters. We will always work with you to ensure the best outcome for both you and the dog.
The Impact You Make
Because of fosters:
Dogs learn what love feels like
Trauma turns into trust
Fear turns into confidence
Lives are saved—every single day
Fosters do not just care for dogs.
They give dogs a second chance at life.
"I have fostered dogs for over five years, and working with Cookies Canine Animal Rescue and Sanctuary has changed the way I see rescue. This is not a ‘move them through’ organization — this is a place where dogs are truly seen. Every dog is treated as an individual with a story, not a number.
I have watched frightened, broken dogs learn what safety feels like for the first time. I have seen medical cases that others gave up on receive unwavering care, patience, and love. Cookies Canine Animal Rescue and Sanctuary does not just rescue dogs — they rebuild them.
As a foster, I have always felt supported, heard, and valued. I have never felt alone, even in the hardest moments. This rescue stands behind its people just as fiercely as it stands behind its dogs.”
— Long Term Foster VolunteerReady to Foster? Let’s Get Started.
The need is immediate. The dogs are waiting. Your home could be the one that changes everything.
Opening your home does not require perfection—just compassion. This application helps us match you with a dog who fits your lifestyle, comfort level, and availability.
There is no obligation and no pressure. Filling out this form simply starts a conversation and allows us to support you every step of the way.
Every application brings us one step closer to saving another life.
Apply below and help a dog begin their journey to safety.
Take the First Step to FosteringIf you're interested in fostering, complete the form with a few details. We will review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.