Every foster saves two lives
The dog you foster, and the next dog whose spot you open up at the rescue.
Why foster
The most important thing you might ever do for a dog takes about 2 to 8 weeks
“I hesitated for a long time. I was worried I’d get too attached, that it would be too hard. And yes, the goodbye was hard. But watching that dog walk into their forever home knowing I was part of that? There is nothing quite like it.” — A Buddy Love foster family
Fostering is the single most impactful thing you can do for a rescue dog. You give them a safe, loving home while they wait. You teach them what a couch feels like. You show them that humans can be trusted. By the time they meet their forever family, they are ready — because of you.
Apply to foster today →The honest truth
We’ve heard every hesitation.
Here is the reality.
“I’ll get too attached and it will break my heart”
The goodbye is hard. That is the point.
Every teary goodbye means a dog found their forever home. Most foster families say it gets easier and that the joy of seeing the match far outweighs the goodbye. Many fosters end up fostering again within weeks.
“Rescue dogs are too traumatized or difficult”
Most rescue dogs are just confused, not broken.
The vast majority of dogs in our rescue are friendly, loving, and eager to please. They need consistency and patience, not expertise. Our team supports you every step of the way so you are never alone in figuring it out.
“I don’t have enough time or the right lifestyle”
There is a dog for every lifestyle.
We match dogs to foster families based on energy level, living situation, and schedule. Whether you work from home, live in an apartment, or have other pets, we will find a dog that fits your life, not the other way around.
“I can’t afford the extra cost”
We cover all veterinary care.
All medical costs for dogs in our care are covered by Buddy Love through our partner veterinarians. We also provide starter supplies to get you set up. Your job is simply to provide a loving home.
“I already have pets and it would be too complicated”
We make introductions carefully and thoughtfully.
We match foster dogs with families based on compatibility with existing pets. We guide you through proper introductions and are available if anything comes up. Many of our most successful fosters have multiple pets at home.
“I rent my home so my landlord won’t allow it”
Many landlords make exceptions for fosters.
Because fostering is temporary, many landlords who normally restrict pets will make an exception. We can provide documentation about our rescue and the temporary nature of fostering to help you have that conversation.
Step by step
What fostering actually looks like
From your first application to the day your foster dog goes home, here is everything you can expect.
1
You apply
Fill out our foster application below. We ask about your home, lifestyle, experience with dogs, and what kind of dog you feel ready to welcome. There are no wrong answers, honesty helps us make the best match.
Takes about 10 minutes
2
We find your match
Our team reviews your application and reaches out to discuss which dog might be a great fit for your home. We take your lifestyle, existing pets, and comfort level seriously. If the first match is not right, we keep looking.
We contact you within 3 to 5 days
3
You meet your foster dog
Before bringing them home, you meet your potential foster dog so you can make sure it feels right. We are there for the introduction and happy to answer any questions you have in person.
In person meet and greet
4
They come home with you
You bring your foster dog home with their supplies and a full briefing from our team on their personality, quirks, likes, and dislikes. The first few days are an adjustment and that is completely normal. We are available by phone or text whenever you need us.
We are a text away the whole time
5
You help them shine
You share photos and updates with us so we can update their profile and find them the perfect home. Your firsthand knowledge of their personality is invaluable — you know this dog better than anyone.
Your feedback finds them their family
6
They go home — and many fosters do it again
When their forever family is found, you hand them off knowing you made this possible. Most of our foster families are back within weeks, ready to do it again. Stays typically run 2 to 8 weeks, though every dog is different. The goodbye is bittersweet but the feeling of knowing you saved a life never gets old.
Typically 2 to 8 weeks per foster
What we provide
You provide the love. We handle everything else.
All veterinary care
Every medical cost for dogs in our care is covered by Buddy Love through our partner veterinarians. You never pay a vet bill.
Starter supplies
We provide a crate, leash, collar, and toys to get you and your foster dog set up comfortably from day one.
24/7 support
Our team is available by phone and text whenever you have a question, concern, or just need reassurance. You are never on your own.
A community
You join a network of experienced foster families who share tips, celebrate wins, and support each other through the hard moments.
Every foster situation is unique and we work with each family individually. Reach out to us with any specific questions about what fostering looks like for your household.
From our fosters
Real stories from real foster families
Add foster story
I never thought I could do it. Now I cannot imagine not fostering. Every dog teaches you something new about yourself.
Add foster story
We fostered our first dog as a family and it changed all of us. Our kids learned so much about empathy and responsibility.
Add foster story
I was worried about my cat. Buddy Love matched us with the perfect dog and the transition was smoother than I ever expected.
Are you a Buddy Love foster with a story to share? We would love to hear from you →
Questions
Foster FAQ
Do I need prior experience with dogs?
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No prior experience is required. We match dogs to your experience level — first-time fosters are matched with dogs who are easygoing and low-maintenance. Our team provides guidance and is always available. Many of our best foster families started with zero experience.
Can I foster if I work full time?
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Yes. Many of our foster families work full time. We ask that dogs are not left alone for more than 6 to 8 hours, and that you are able to provide morning and evening care. We also try to match working fosters with more independent dogs who do well with some alone time.
What if I fall in love and want to keep the dog?
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It happens more frequently than you think — we call it a foster fail, but it is actually a foster win. If you want to adopt your foster dog, you go through our standard adoption process. Many of our happiest adoption stories started as fosters who simply could not let go.
What if I need to return the dog before they are adopted?
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Life happens and we completely understand. If your circumstances change, please reach out to us as soon as possible so we can arrange for the dog to transition to another foster home. We never want you to feel trapped, so communication is all we ask.
Can I choose which dog I foster?
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You can absolutely express preferences — size, age, energy level, good with kids or cats. We take your preferences seriously because a good match benefits both you and the dog. However the final match is made by our team based on compatibility, so we may suggest a dog you had not considered and we ask that you keep an open mind.
How soon can I start after applying?
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Once your application is approved and a match is found, the process can move very quickly. Some foster families bring their first dog home within a week of applying. It depends on which dogs are currently in need and how quickly we can arrange introductions.
You are never doing this alone
Every Buddy Love foster family is part of a community of people who get it — the joy, the challenges, and the bittersweet goodbyes. We are building a dedicated space where fosters can connect, share resources, and support each other.
Ask questions anytime
Our team and fellow fosters are available when you need advice, reassurance, or just someone who understands.
Share resources
Have extra supplies, crates, or food? Pass them on to a foster family who needs them.
Celebrate every win
Every adoption, every milestone, every breakthrough moment — we celebrate together.
Coming soon
Foster Community Hub
We are building a private online space exclusively for Buddy Love foster families — a place to connect, share, and support each other. Until then, follow us on Facebook to stay connected with the community.
Follow us on Facebook
Apply now
Ready to open your home?
Fill out the application to get started. There are no wrong answers. We use your responses to find the right match for your home and lifestyle.
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Takes about 10 minutes to complete
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We will follow up within 3 to 5 business days
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No commitment until you meet and agree to a match
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All vet costs are covered by Buddy Love
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Starter supplies provided to get you set up
Questions before applying? Email us at info@buddylovedogrescue.org or call (585) 944-1307
Foster Application
Tell us about yourself and your home and we will find the right dog for you.
Not ready to foster yet?
There are other meaningful ways to support Buddy Love and the dogs waiting for their forever homes.