Become a Foster Family:
Help Build a Shelter Without Walls
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Would you like to help save a life?
The Animal Care League depends on our foster families to help save the lives of unwanted, neglected and ill dogs. Without foster homes, we can only take in the amount of animals we have physical space for at our shelter in Oak Park. The more foster families we have, the more lives that are saved. Our foster family network is a sort of shelter without walls.
Where do the rescued dogs come from?
Our dogs come from three places: straight off the streets, overcrowded shelters that are out of space and would have to euthanize the dogs if not for the Animal Care League, and owners who can no longer care for their dogs.
What does fostering involve?
Fostering is simple. It involves taking a needy dog into your home until his or her new forever home is found. You will be responsible for ensuring that the rescued animal will make a good forever pet in someone's home. This often involves some minor obedience work (sit, stay, come), learning their new name (if we didn't know it when they came to us) and might involve crate training or housebreaking. You will also be responsible for taking your foster dog to Animal Care League for vet care and keeping us informed should any issues, either medically or behaviorally, arise. Before becoming a foster, your home will be visited by an Animal Care League staff member or volunteer. They may bring a dog with them to see how your family and other pets in the home react to a new presence. The dog they bring may, or may not, be available for adoption.
How long will the rescue dog stay in my house?
Depending on the age and health of the dog this can vary from 2 weeks to a few months. However, the average dog stays in foster care for about 14-20 days.
What are my expenses?
Expenses are minimal. We ask that you pay a $25 fee so that we can license you with the State Department of Agriculture as a foster home. The Animal Care League will provide you with food, treats and toys for your foster dog. We also provide you with a leash and collar. Our staff veterinarian provides all of your foster dog’s medical care free of charge. This includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter, collar, tag, Frontline and Heartworm preventative. We will also provide a crate if needed.
Is it hard to let fosters go?
Yes. You will fall in love and at first it is hard to let them go. But you are not sending them off into the unknown. The Animal Care League screens all potential adopters. One thing to remember is that each time you place a foster in their forever home, you free up your home to give another deserving dog a second chance at life.
Are you still interested?
Fill out the on-line foster application. You can e-mail the application to: foster@animalcareleague.org or fax the form to 708-848-0172. We will review your application and contact you within 10 days.
Would you like to help save a life?
The Animal Care League depends on our foster families to help save the lives of unwanted, neglected and ill dogs. Without foster homes, we can only take in the amount of animals we have physical space for at our shelter in Oak Park. The more foster families we have, the more lives that are saved. Our foster family network is a sort of shelter without walls.
Where do the rescued dogs come from?
Our dogs come from three places: straight off the streets, overcrowded shelters that are out of space and would have to euthanize the dogs if not for the Animal Care League, and owners who can no longer care for their dogs.
What does fostering involve?
Fostering is simple. It involves taking a needy dog into your home until his or her new forever home is found. You will be responsible for ensuring that the rescued animal will make a good forever pet in someone's home. This often involves some minor obedience work (sit, stay, come), learning their new name (if we didn't know it when they came to us) and might involve crate training or housebreaking. You will also be responsible for taking your foster dog to Animal Care League for vet care and keeping us informed should any issues, either medically or behaviorally, arise. Before becoming a foster, your home will be visited by an Animal Care League staff member or volunteer. They may bring a dog with them to see how your family and other pets in the home react to a new presence. The dog they bring may, or may not, be available for adoption.
How long will the rescue dog stay in my house?
Depending on the age and health of the dog this can vary from 2 weeks to a few months. However, the average dog stays in foster care for about 14-20 days.
What are my expenses?
Expenses are minimal. We ask that you pay a $25 fee so that we can license you with the State Department of Agriculture as a foster home. The Animal Care League will provide you with food, treats and toys for your foster dog. We also provide you with a leash and collar. Our staff veterinarian provides all of your foster dog’s medical care free of charge. This includes all vaccinations, spay/neuter, collar, tag, Frontline and Heartworm preventative. We will also provide a crate if needed.
Is it hard to let fosters go?
Yes. You will fall in love and at first it is hard to let them go. But you are not sending them off into the unknown. The Animal Care League screens all potential adopters. One thing to remember is that each time you place a foster in their forever home, you free up your home to give another deserving dog a second chance at life.
Are you still interested?
Fill out the on-line foster application. You can e-mail the application to: foster@animalcareleague.org or fax the form to 708-848-0172. We will review your application and contact you within 10 days.
