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 5th, 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 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!

	Name: Summer Lovin’ Intake Date: 5/22/25 Age: ~4 years old Weight: 51 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Has previously lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Summer Lovin’ is in search of a foster home, and knows that she’s the one that you want! This sweet lady is looking for a fresh start after her previous family lost their home, and she has lived with another large dog, a small dog, and two cats. She’s also friendly with kids, generally a calm and quiet lady, and LOVES chicken! Summer’s former owner reported that she is already crate and house trained, but a foster should plan to take that slowly since she has been through a lot recently and will need some time to decompress and adjust to a new routine. But, she’s ready to find her groove again in a foster home that is able give her the time, care, and snacks she deserves! This sweetheart is a true gem ready to embrace as much TLC as you are able to give. So please email us at foster@phillypaws.org if you’re able to foster Summer Lovin’!
	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, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Ms. Frizzle’s journey to us started with a surprising twist—she wandered onto a Philadelphia school bus and instantly charmed the driver with her gentle and friendly demeanor! The driver brought her safely to the shelter, where she quickly won over everyone she met with her happy-go-lucky spirit and affectionate nature. And now all Ms. Frizzle needs is a foster home to call her own! This sweet and social girl is the definition of a fantastic sidekick. Ms. Frizzle walks beautifully on leash, loves meeting new friends (both humans and dogs, unsure about cats), and adores snuggles and leisurely strolls. Everyone who meets her describes her as tolerant, easygoing, and always up for attention. She’s not especially interested in toys so far, but has a silly side and is happy to show off plenty of tail wags, and give lots of kisses! Ms. Frizzle came to us with an abnormal eye that doesn’t seem to be causing her any issues, but her foster should plan to continue monitoring, and also follow up with vet care as needed. But in the meantime, she’s all smiles and sweetness! If you can open your heart and home to this one-of-a-kind pup, email foster@phillypaws.org—Ms. Frizzle is ready to ride along with you next!

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! Name: Buckie Intake Date: 4/25/25 Age: ~3 years old Weight: 16 lbs Dog Friendly?: Unknown, 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 Buckie needs a new foster home as soon as possible! Buckie’s current foster is unable to continue caring for him, and we’re urgently looking for a new place for this tiny charmer to land. 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. 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! Email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering this adorable little dude!

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!

	Urgent Safety Net Program Candidates Name: Spike & Spencer Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: 2 years old (Spike) & 1 year old (Spencer) Weight: 35 lbs & 16 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, have lived with dogs, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, have lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Spike and Spencer are best buddies looking for a foster home together! We are hoping to have this dynamic duo join PAWS’ Safety Net Program as soon as possible, and find a dog-savvy foster home for the summer so that they can both continue to keep the good times rolling while waiting to be reunited with their owner. Spike & Spencer’s tentative reclaim date is September 1st, though ideally a foster would be able to hang onto them for a few extra weeks just in case it’s needed. Their owner is navigating housing insecurity, and is planning to reclaim them as soon as they are able to line up pet-friendly housing for them all. Spencer is barely a year old and still has some puppy behavior. He sometimes has accidents in the home, so he is looking for a foster that can help him polish up his housebreaking skills and training. He does also reportedly chew things occasionally, so puppy-proofing and providing plenty of other chewing outlets will help set him up for success—especially when transitioning to a new environment. Both dogs have lived in high traffic areas and are comfortable with walking on the leash, and are also reported to be harness trained. Their owner says that they sometimes bark at new dogs or other people on walks, but are generally well mannered and love to play together. If you are able to help out with this terrific twosome, please email us foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering Spike & Spencer!
	Urgent Safety Net Program Candidate Name: Tinkerbell Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: ~10 years old Weight: ~12 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, has lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Tinkerbell’s beloved owner is preparing for surgery and is looking for someone to care for her while he recovers. Her tentative return home will be in the next few months, and we’re looking for a foster who can commit to caring for her during that time, and ideally for a little bit longer just in case he needs a little extra time to get back on his feet. Tinkerbell is a gentle, easygoing senior who’s been very loved and a bit spoiled by her owner. Her favorite things include long walks, car rides, and relaxing while the TV plays in the background. She’s well-behaved at home, has full reign of the house when left alone, and is generally housebroken—though like many older dogs, she may have occasional accidents. She’s used to being around other dogs where she lives and feels most comfortable with dogs her size. She’s also lived peacefully with cats and children. Loud noises (especially vacuums) and vet visits can make her nervous, so a calm environment would be ideal. If you can give Tinkerbell a safe, cozy place to land while her person heals, please reach out—we’d love to find her a foster who can help make this temporary separation as easy as possible for them both. Email foster@phillypaws.org for more information about Safety Net fostering Tinkerbell!
	Name: Reese (brown/tan) & King (brindle) Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: ~3 months old Weight: ~10-12 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Reese & King have previously lived with cats that they would chase, and will require the ability to separate from any tolerant resident pets for slow introductions at home Looking for a single or double dose of puppy love? Meet Reese and King, two 3-month-old bundles of energy who are searching for a foster home—and a patient human or two to show them the ropes of puppyhood! Reese is the thinker of the duo—bright, affectionate, and never far from her favorite penguin toy. And King is a goofy little guy who’s always flopping around, full of charm and clumsiness—in all of the best ways. These playful siblings are curious, energetic, and always on the go! They thrive with lots of enrichment and activity, so a home that can keep their brains and bodies busy would be ideal. Like all young pups, they’re still learning the basics—crate trained when left alone but working on house training and leash skills. They’ve been around toddlers and children before, though they can get a little too excited with all the action, so supervision and structure will be important to help them learn good manners. Whether you’re ready to foster both or one, Reese and King would love a cozy, patient home where they can grow, learn, and shine with each other, or with another resident social and playful dog to help show them the ropes. If you’re able to help out, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering Reese and/or King, and helping them start this next chapter off on the right paw!
	Urgent Safety Net Program Candidate Name: Karma Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: ~4 years old Weight: ~30-35 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, has previously lived cats with but will chase some, and would require the ability to separate from any tolerant resident pets for slow introductions at home Karma is a sweet, snuggly family dog who is looking for a temporary foster through PAWS’ Safety Net Program while her loving owner works to secure stable pet-friendly housing. We’re hoping to find a foster who can commit to caring for her the next couple of months, but anyone interested should be prepared for the possibility of an extension just in case her owner needs a bit more time. Karma is an affectionate and well-rounded pup who’s great with dogs of all sizes and lives peacefully with a toddler who loves to cuddle up with her. She enjoys rope toys, squeaky stuffies, and anything soft she can carry around. Karma is friendly with new people, though she may bark a little at first—especially with men. A calm approach and letting her sniff your hand usually does the trick, and within minutes she’s all wiggles and ready for love. Karma can be timid at the vet and may need some gentle encouragement (and a spoonful of peanut butter!) to get through her appointments, but she’s a total sweetheart through and through. If you can open your home to Karma for the next few months, you’ll be helping to keep a beloved dog with her family—and making an immense difference in both of their lives. If you’re able to foster Karma, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about her!

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 12th through June 16th Name: Party Slice Intake Date: 5/9/25 Age: ~1 year old Weight: 12.5 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident dogs for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident cats for slow introductions at home This sweet, high-energy pup is looking for a sitter from 6/12–6/16 while his foster is away, and he’d love a calm, cozy home to relax in during their break. Party Slice is an energetic and curious little guy who’s still adjusting to home life and figuring out the world around him. He’s currently crated at night and does best with supervision, as he loves to explore and can get into things if left to his own devices. He’s also been working on some separation-related behaviors and can get vocal when he’s not near his person. While he enjoys the company of other pets and has done well with dogs, cats, and kids, he’s still learning how to manage his excitement and settle down. He’s made a lot of progress in foster care and continues to show more of his sweet, silly personality each day. If you’re home most of the time and can offer him a place to land for a few days, please email foster@phillypaws.org—Party Slice would be so grateful for a soft spot to keep the party going!
	Foster Sitter Needed from June 20th through July 7th Name: Blu Sapphire Intake Date: 3/28/25 Age: ~11 years old Weight: 52 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident dogs for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Unknown, she seems curious about ones that she sees on walks, and would require the ability to separate from any resident cats for slow introductions at home Blu Sapphire is seeking a sitter during her foster’s travels from June 20th through July 7th, so please email us at foster@phillypaws.org if you are able to help host this golden gal! She is a participant in PAWS’ Safety Net Program while her owner is working to line up pet-friendly housing, so we would especially love to find her somewhere cozy to hang out for a few weeks to avoid any time in-kennel. Blu is a sweet, loyal, and loving companion who is well-behaved, and pretty easygoing after she’s had some time to settle into a new routine. She is gentle around people of all ages including children, and has experience living with other dogs who are able to match her energy (mostly calm, but also have pep in their step) and hasn’t had formal introductions with cats previously, but she has given them curious sniffs on walks—and is also living peacefully with a ferret in her foster home. We think that Blu may prefer a pet-free home where she can shine in the spotlight for her shorter stay, but are open to talking about slow introductions for any foster homes that have the ability to separate. Blu loves all toys (especially ones that make sounds!), and having playful humans around to join in on the fun too! She also enjoys both short and long walks—she’s just happy to be outside and hanging out with you. For time inside she is described as well-mannered when free-roaming, and she really enjoys being near her people as much as possible. For commands she already knows, “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “back off,” and is an excellent playmate. If you are able to provide Blu with temporary home where she can feel safe and loved until she returns to her primary foster, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about having your very own temporary house-hippo!

	Urgent Safety Net Program Candidates Name: Spike & Spencer Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: 2 years old (Spike) & 1 year old (Spencer) Weight: 35 lbs & 16 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, have lived with dogs, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, have lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Spike and Spencer are best buddies looking for a foster home together! We are hoping to have this dynamic duo join PAWS’ Safety Net Program as soon as possible, and find a dog-savvy foster home for the summer so that they can both continue to keep the good times rolling while waiting to be reunited with their owner. Spike & Spencer’s tentative reclaim date is September 1st, though ideally a foster would be able to hang onto them for a few extra weeks just in case it’s needed. Their owner is navigating housing insecurity, and is planning to reclaim them as soon as they are able to line up pet-friendly housing for them all. Spencer is barely a year old and still has some puppy behavior. He sometimes has accidents in the home, so he is looking for a foster that can help him polish up his housebreaking skills and training. He does also reportedly chew things occasionally, so puppy-proofing and providing plenty of other chewing outlets will help set him up for success—especially when transitioning to a new environment. Both dogs have lived in high traffic areas and are comfortable with walking on the leash, and are also reported to be harness trained. Their owner says that they sometimes bark at new dogs or other people on walks, but are generally well mannered and love to play together. If you are able to help out with this terrific twosome, please email us foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering Spike & Spencer!
	Urgent Safety Net Program Candidate Name: Tinkerbell Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: ~10 years old Weight: ~12 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, has lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Tinkerbell’s beloved owner is preparing for surgery and is looking for someone to care for her while he recovers. Her tentative return home will be in the next few months, and we’re looking for a foster who can commit to caring for her during that time, and ideally for a little bit longer just in case he needs a little extra time to get back on his feet. Tinkerbell is a gentle, easygoing senior who’s been very loved and a bit spoiled by her owner. Her favorite things include long walks, car rides, and relaxing while the TV plays in the background. She’s well-behaved at home, has full reign of the house when left alone, and is generally housebroken—though like many older dogs, she may have occasional accidents. She’s used to being around other dogs where she lives and feels most comfortable with dogs her size. She’s also lived peacefully with cats and children. Loud noises (especially vacuums) and vet visits can make her nervous, so a calm environment would be ideal. If you can give Tinkerbell a safe, cozy place to land while her person heals, please reach out—we’d love to find her a foster who can help make this temporary separation as easy as possible for them both. Email foster@phillypaws.org for more information about Safety Net fostering Tinkerbell!
	Name: Reese (brown/tan) & King (brindle) Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: ~3 months old Weight: ~10-12 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Reese & King have previously lived with cats that they would chase, and will require the ability to separate from any tolerant resident pets for slow introductions at home Looking for a single or double dose of puppy love? Meet Reese and King, two 3-month-old bundles of energy who are searching for a foster home—and a patient human or two to show them the ropes of puppyhood! Reese is the thinker of the duo—bright, affectionate, and never far from her favorite penguin toy. And King is a goofy little guy who’s always flopping around, full of charm and clumsiness—in all of the best ways. These playful siblings are curious, energetic, and always on the go! They thrive with lots of enrichment and activity, so a home that can keep their brains and bodies busy would be ideal. Like all young pups, they’re still learning the basics—crate trained when left alone but working on house training and leash skills. They’ve been around toddlers and children before, though they can get a little too excited with all the action, so supervision and structure will be important to help them learn good manners. Whether you’re ready to foster both or one, Reese and King would love a cozy, patient home where they can grow, learn, and shine with each other, or with another resident social and playful dog to help show them the ropes. If you’re able to help out, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering Reese and/or King, and helping them start this next chapter off on the right paw!
	Urgent Safety Net Program Candidate Name: Karma Intake Date: TBD, but ASAP Pending Foster Interest Age: ~4 years old Weight: ~30-35 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, has previously lived cats with but will chase some, and would require the ability to separate from any tolerant resident pets for slow introductions at home Karma is a sweet, snuggly family dog who is looking for a temporary foster through PAWS’ Safety Net Program while her loving owner works to secure stable pet-friendly housing. We’re hoping to find a foster who can commit to caring for her the next couple of months, but anyone interested should be prepared for the possibility of an extension just in case her owner needs a bit more time. Karma is an affectionate and well-rounded pup who’s great with dogs of all sizes and lives peacefully with a toddler who loves to cuddle up with her. She enjoys rope toys, squeaky stuffies, and anything soft she can carry around. Karma is friendly with new people, though she may bark a little at first—especially with men. A calm approach and letting her sniff your hand usually does the trick, and within minutes she’s all wiggles and ready for love. Karma can be timid at the vet and may need some gentle encouragement (and a spoonful of peanut butter!) to get through her appointments, but she’s a total sweetheart through and through. If you can open your home to Karma for the next few months, you’ll be helping to keep a beloved dog with her family—and making an immense difference in both of their lives. If you’re able to foster Karma, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about her!