Our dogs in need of foster care are listed below. Every time an animal leaves for foster care, it opens a space in our shelters to save another in need. You are truly changing lives: not just for these dog, but also for others whose lives depend on a spot at PAWS.

If you are new to fostering with PAWS, please apply here to get started.

For foster meets with dogs at our shelter (2900 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19146), the expectation is that you will meet the dog and take them home the same day, so please come prepared!

• All members of your household and resident dogs should be present for the foster meet. If for any reason this is not doable, please email the foster team to talk it through.
• We will provide you with a sample of what the dog has been eating in the shelter, but fosters will provide dog food long-term. We can lend out any other supplies you may need including a leash, martingale collar, harness, crate, pee pads, and toys/enrichment items.

Please email foster@phillypaws.org if you have any questions, or see anyone that you think could be a good fit and are interested in scheduling a meet and pick up with!

For a refresher on PAWS’s foster policies and procedures, view our online orientation.

If you are not able to foster at this time, many of our healthy in-kennel dogs are eligible (and very grateful) for day trips or short-term foster placements as a shelter break. If you are interested, please email us to chat more about what that may look like!

Read on to find your next foster dog!

(updated September 16th, 2025)

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Dogs Currently at the Shelter

These dogs are currently in our kennels at the PAWS Grays Ferry location (2900 Grays Ferry Avenue).

We are a small facility with only about 8 kennel spaces available at one time, so we really rely on foster parents to help us open up kennels so that we can save more dogs! 

	Name: Jillian Intake Date: 9/16/25 Age: ~2 years old Weight: 38 lbs, but needs to gain a little bit of weight Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Unknown and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Jillian came to us from the city shelter where she was found as a stray, and she’s now looking for a foster home! She’s a social, affectionate, and playful young dog who enjoys meeting new people, going for walks, and spending time with other dogs. On a recent day trip, Jillian politely met other dogs on the trail, happily soaked up attention from people (including kids), and later curled up for a nap like she had always belonged. She already knows “sit,” is learning “stay,” and enjoys a good game of fetch. Jillian may need a little reassurance when left alone, but she’s quick to adjust and will thrive with consistency and love. If you can give Jillian a temporary home, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org!

Dogs in Need of a Foster Transfer

These dogs are currently in foster homes, and looking for a new foster home to help keep them out of the shelter. 

	**Urgent Foster Transfer Needed ASAP!** Name: Barbie Dreamhouse Intake Date: 7/11/25 Age: ~3 years old Weight: ~75 lbs, and on a weight loss journey! Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: No, and seeking a cat-free home This sweetheart is all wiggles, smiles, and butt scritches, and if that didn’t convince you enough to foster a truly beautiful meatball, you can see more of Barbie Dreamhouse here and on her adoption profile! Barbie is continuing to win over everyone she meets, and looking for a place to hang out until she finds her forever home. Her favorite activities are; carrying a toy on walks (or wherever she goes), leaning in for pets, and being the center of attention. A triple threat! Barbie has done well meeting other dogs, but is still working on her leash manners, so she’d thrive in a quieter neighborhood where she can continue to work on training—and bonus points if you have a backyard for her to enjoy. She is also looking for a cat-free home. Barbie is on a weight loss mission before she has her spay surgery (provided by PAWS once she reaches her goal), but in the meantime, she’s ready to bring joy and fun into your heart and home. If you can give this happy hippo a comfy spot to relax, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org!

Upcoming Intakes

Due to our limited kennel capacity, we cannot intake every surrender request. The dogs listed below may either be an upcoming owner surrender appointment, or a dog at ACCT Philly we are hoping to rescue. Lining up a potential foster home prior to their arrival can help them avoid staying at the shelter altogether! 

	No one at the moment, but please check back soon!

Dogs in Need of a Foster Sitter

These dogs are currently in foster homes, and looking for a short term foster sitter to help keep them out of the shelter. 

	No one at the moment, but please check back soon!