Dogs In Need of Foster Care

Thank you so much for fostering and saving a life!

Our dogs in need of foster care are listed below. 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.

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. Read on to find your next foster dog!

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!

(updated June 25th, 2025)

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Not all heroes wear capes – some open their hearts and homes to fostering!

As of June 20th, PAWS is calling on animal lovers citywide to answer the ultimate lifesaving call and help us place 150 pets into foster homes by July 20th! With shelters at capacity and pets in urgent need of a safe place to land, you can be the hero they’ve been waiting for.

Fostering saves lives! By opening your home, you free up shelter space for the next animal in need and help your foster pet prepare for adoption. It’s one of the most direct ways to make an impact – and it might just be your new superpower!

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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 6-7 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!

	URGENT Name: Piper Intake Date: 6/6/25 Age: ~2 years old Weight: 30 lbs Dog Friendly?: No, seeking a pet-free home Cat Friendly?: No, seeking a pet-free home Piper is a special pocket-sized pup in search of an equally special foster home, as soon as possible! She was returned from her adoptive home almost three weeks ago after experiencing some challenges with coexisting with their resident dog, so she is seeking a pet-free and patient home that can help her feel her best. Piper’s previous adopters described her as a lover of walks, and also said that “she’s so happy all the time!”. She’s full of playful energy and is always up for an adventure where she is able to explore her new environment at her own pace. And then after she’s gotten her zoomies out, she is happy to nap right on top of you. Piper is a very snuggly gal who just wants to be around her people, and her ideal foster home would have someone who has a flexible schedule to be able to be home often—and who is also able to commit to training. She is very smart, treat, and food-motivated, already knows “sit,” “down,” and “come,” and is eager to please and learn even more! Piper is also already crate trained and mostly housebroken. Her favorite things? Peanut butter-filled Kongs and snuggling up with her beloved stuffies—and of course, people! This sweet girl is a delightful mix of sweet and spunky, and she’s learning and growing into the amazing dog she’s meant to be. If you are able to help with this next chapter of Piper’s journey, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to make a big impact on a small(ish) pup!
	URGENT Name: Buckie Intake Date: 4/25/25 Age: ~3 years old Weight: 16 lbs Dog Friendly?: Unknown, and seeking a dog-free home Cat Friendly?: Unknown, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Buckie has been back in-kennel for almost two weeks now, and urgently needs a new foster home! His previous foster was unable to continue caring for him, and we’re looking for a new place for this tiny charmer to land as soon as possible. At just 12 pounds with a sweet face and an even sweeter personality, Buckie has a way of melting hearts wherever he goes. One of his signature moves? A joyful little dance when he’s excited—think happy feet in overdrive! While we expect he’ll settle down once he’s back in a home, his next foster should be ready to support him through an adjustment period that may include some vocalizing and separation distress. A home where someone is around often or works from home would be ideal to keep this pint-sized pup feeling his best, and he has been doing so much better after he has the chance to establish a routine! Buckie has been incredibly friendly with everyone he’s met and would thrive with a patient foster who can help him decompress, continue working on house training, and build confidence being on his own. He is also already being promoted for adoption, and you can view his profile here! If you’re looking for a lovable sidekick with major cuteness credentials, Buckie just might be your guy! Please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering this adorable little dude!
	Name: Haribo Intake Date: 6/23/25 Age: ~1 year old Weight: ~12.8 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, was found with other dogs, 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 Haribo is a lively, fun-loving dog with a sweet disposition and a passion for squeaky toys! He’s looking for a patient foster family that can help him decompress and learn the ropes since he was recently found as a stray with a few other dogs. Haribo gets along well with other tolerant dogs who can match his energy and playfulness, and we can’t wait to find out more about him and his personality from the comfort of foster care. If you’re ready to give this spirited pup the chance to thrive, Haribo can’t wait to start his journey to finding his forever home. Please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering Haribo!

Urgent 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! Names: Spongebob & Squidward Intake Date: 6/6/25 Ages: ~3.5 months old Weights: ~16 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, have previously lived with other dogs, 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 Spongebob & Squidward are looking for foster transfers as soon as possible! These sweet brothers have been settling into their new surroundings with bravery, curiosity, and lots of tail wags! They’ve been making new friends, sharing kisses, and exploring the big, exciting world around them. Squidward has just started medication for a congenital heart condition—and he’ll need a little extra TLC as we work with our medical team to determine the best plan moving forward. We’re seeking fosters, foster-to-adopt homes, or adopters (Spongebob is already available!) who can provide a loving, supportive space for one or both puppies. If you’re only able to welcome one pup, we ask that you have a friendly resident dog who can help guide them and continue their socialization journey. Spongebob and Squidward are ready to start exploring the neighborhood, but they’ll need your support in taking things slow, building positive experiences, and working on training. Puppy experience is a plus, but most important is patience, kindness, and a readiness for the fun (and occasional mess!) that comes with puppy life. In return, these boys will fill your days with playtime, snuggles, and heart-melting moments. Ready to join the puppy party? Please reach out to us at foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering one (or both!) of these precious pups so that they can avoid spending any time back in shelter!
	Urgent Foster Transfer Needed ASAP! Name: Maxie Intake Date: 4/4/25 Age: ~1.5 years old Weight: 50.2 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, has previously lived with other dogs, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, has previously lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Maxie is on the search for a new foster home as soon as possible! She has unfortunately been struggling with getting overwhelmed during her walks in her current foster’s busy neighborhood, and would love to transition to a quieter home and environment where she will be able to enjoy her time outside in peace. Especially with summer just around the corner! Maxie recently spent some time outside of the city, and had a blast truly getting to have some R&R. And right now she is really trying to take things easy while she awaits her consult with Penn’s orthopedic program this Tuesday June 24th. Ideally her new foster will be able to bring her to any follow up appointments and/or procedures that she may need while we assess her mobility and comfort, and abide by care instructions—like crate rest. If you’re able to foster and provide some well-deserved TLC to this very loving lady, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to chat more about helping out with Maxie and taking over her care!

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.

	Foster Sitter Needed from June 27th through July 6th Name: Ms. Frizzle Intake Date: 5/27/25 Age: ~4 years old Weight: 47 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Unknown, but seeking a cat-free home Just like her namesake’s Magic School Bus, Ms. Frizzle is ready to transform your world with her joyful, adventurous spirit from June 27th through July 6th while her foster is out of town! This sweet pup has a big heart and loves spending time with people, greeting everyone she meets with happy tail wags and lots of enthusiastic sniffs. She’s the perfect mix of playful and (couch) potato—whether she’s chasing a ball, exploring the yard, enjoying her enrichment, or lounging wherever she can for snuggles. Ms. Frizzle is also a great walking buddy who enjoys long strolls and takes it all in stride (though she might try to say hello to the occasional squirrel!). She’s a wonderful medium-energy pup who is just as happy relaxing as she is having fun. Ms. Frizzle is mostly housebroken and settling into crate training, with a few accidents at first as she adjusted to a new routine. She has done well meeting other dogs and could enjoy canine companionship, but she’s looking for a cat-free home. She also sports a unique, slightly unusual-looking eye from a healed corneal ulcer—which just makes her even more special! If you’re ready to take chances, make magic, and enjoy some summer fun, Ms. Frizzle is the perfect pup to join your adventure. Let us know if you can help give this wonderful girl a place to stay for the week by emailing us at foster@phillypaws.org!

Upcoming Scheduled 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, please check back soon!