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 May 15th, 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!

	URGENT Name: Humble Intake Date: 1/28/25 Age: ~3 years old Weight: 12 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?: Unknown, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Everyone’s favorite muppet-alpaca hybrid is still in-kennel, and Humble is also still urgently on the search for a foster home! Playful, wildly cute, and totally one-of-a-kind, Humble marches to the beat of his own drum. Whether he’s showing off his pre-shave zoomies or playing with his former foster brother (here and here), he’s a constant source of joy and ridiculous charm. Underneath all that fluff is a dog who loves hard, tries his best, and just needs the right support and guidance to thrive. While Humble has a sweet and silly spirit, he’s still working on feeling fully comfortable with handling and needs a dog-savvy, adult-only home that can help him continue building trust. He’s still learning the ropes, so patience and routine will go a long way. A stable foster home would give him the space and structure he needs to keep growing his confidence, while staying far away from the stress of kennel life. If you’re ready to cheer on a quirky underdog with a big personality and even bigger heart while he awaits his forever home, email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering Humble!
	Name: Captain Thunder Intake Date: 5/8/25 Age: ~4 years old Weight: 29 lbs, and on a weight gain journey! 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 This high-voltage sweetheart is as joyful as his name suggests—full of wiggles, snuggles, and tail wags for everyone he meets! Described by his previous owner as “very friendly and full of joy,” Captain Thunder is a happy-go-lucky pup who thrives on attention and affection. And he would love to find a foster home of his very own to receive all of the TLC that he deserves! Very sadly Captain Thunder was diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma, so he is looking for a hospice foster that is able to keep him comfortable for the time that he has left. Unfortunately we expect Thunder to decline within the next few months, and will proceed with humane euthanasia when his quality of life is declining. So as sad as that will be for everyone, we want to make sure that his foster family is prepared to say goodbye when the time comes. Thunder has been a trooper in spite of his health challenges, and is being treated with daily steroids to help him feel his best day to day. This medication can cause increased thirst and urination, so a foster/fospice home should be prepared for regular walks and/or bathroom breaks, especially while he is getting settled at home initially. Otherwise in his previous home he was mostly house trained. If you’ve got room in your home (and heart) for Captain Thunder, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering him.
	Name: Daphne Intake Date: 5/15/25 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?: Unknown and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Daphne just arrived from the city shelter, and is on the lookout for a foster home! Due to Daphne’s unique potato shape, she struggles with stairs and would do best in a home without stairs or with very limited steps (including steps in and out of your home). This friendly girl loves peanut butter, back scratches, and being with people! Our vets confirmed she will also benefit from some weight loss. We are still learning more about her but please email us at foster@phillypaws.org for if you are able to foster this sweet lil lady.

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 by May 31 Name: Hustle Intake Date: 10/17/24 Age: ~5.5 years old Weight: 56.8 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?: Unknown, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Hustle is seeking a foster transfer by May 31st that is able to provide some stability and routine until he is adopted, in case he isn’t already by then. But we are of course hoping that he is! Unfortunately he has had a bit more transition than he would have preferred during his last few months with PAWS, and Hustle would love to have the chance to get into a solid place (physically and mentally) before making his way into his forever home—and begin his next chapter on the right foot, aka paw(s)! Hustle is a big(ish) guy with an even bigger heart, and absolutely adores getting pets and belly rubs, sharing kisses, and playing with his favorite heavy duty chew toys. He is a seasoned snuggler and couch connoisseur, and he’s also got lots of pep when it comes to walks, playtime, and his beloved tug-of-war. He’s the total package, just watch him go here, here, and here! After lots of recent change, Hustle requires a little bit of extra patience when getting established into a new environment, as well as management like training, and providing opportunities for daily enrichment and exercise to make sure that he has a good outlet for his energy. Otherwise he is typically a gentle giant and certified couch potato around people of all ages—though, like any true superstar, he can still get a little excitable in new settings or when meeting new friends, which he is working on. Hustle is very smart and already knows “sit” and “stay,” and he is very quick to pick up on new commands and training games. He is also housebroken, crate trained, and a pro at sleeping soundly through the night in or out of it! Hustle loves all adventures, and spending as much time with his people as he can get. Also, a big bonus for him would be having access to a fenced in yard so that he can have more opportunities for time outdoors. If you’re able to help out a loyal companion who’s always ready for a cuddle, activity, or long nap right next to you or your feet, Hustle would love to join your home. He’ll gladly offer you endless love and kisses in return for a few pets—and don’t be surprised if he brings his favorite toy over for a little proud strut! Ready to add a little “hustle” to your home? Please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about bringing this ham home!
	Foster Transfer Needed ASAP, or By May 31 Name: Zero to Hero Intake Date: 4/17/25 Age: ~2.5 years old Weight: 39 lbs, and on a bit of a weight gain journey! Dog Friendly?: Yes, has previously lived with other dogs, and would require the ability to separate from any resident dogs for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, has previously lived with playful and tolerant cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident cats for slow introductions at home Zero to Hero is currently in a foster home, but due to a change in his caregiver’s schedule, he’ll need to transfer to a new foster or adoptive home by May 31st. This sweet boy would love more than anything to keep his comfy couch and continue his journey toward a forever family without a stop back at the shelter! He has a heart as big as Hercules’ and a personality that’s larger than life! Whether he’s zooming around in excitement or showering you with affectionate wiggles (see here), Zero is always ready to show you just how much joy he can bring into your life. His favorite things include playing with stuffies, spending time outside on walks, lounging on a cozy blanket pile, and snuggling up for naps or bedtime. He’s also a pro with food puzzles and other enrichment toys that keep his brain busy and belly happy. Zero is quite the socialite and has done well living with other dogs, cats, and people of all ages. He’s described as perfectly crate trained, though he’s also an agile guy who can jump over baby gates and x-pens—so a secure setup is important. With a consistent routine and regular bathroom breaks, Zero is also housebroken and a well-mannered housemate. If you’re ready to welcome a playful hero into your life and be a part of his epic journey, Zero to Hero is eager to fill the role. He’s on a mission to find his happy ending, and with your help, he’s sure to go from zero to hero in no time. Please email foster@phillypaws.org if you can help give Zero a soft place to land—he needs a transfer by May 31st!

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!

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.

	*Sitter Needed from 6/5 to 6/18* Name: Jim Gaffigan Intake Date: 3/13/25 Age: ~5 years old Weight: 22 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, would require the ability to separate from any resident dogs for slow introductions at home. Cat Friendly?: Unknown, and would require the ability to separate from any resident cats for slow introductions at home. Meet Jim Gaffigan, the canine comedian and ultimate cuddlebug! Our lovable guy Jim is still searching for his forever home, and we’re hoping he finds it before June—but just in case he doesn’t, we’re looking for a short-term foster sitter while his current foster is away from 6/5–6/18. Email foster@phillypaws.org if you are able to watch Jim Gaffigan! Jim’s foster parent lovingly describes him as both lovable and laugh-out-loud funny. He’s an affectionate goofball who thrives on attention and belly rubs, and he has a way of making everyone around him smile. Click here to watch Jim getting some cuddles! This playful pup’s favorite pastime? Trotting around proudly with his stuffed animal sword in his mouth—because every great comedian needs a prop! Jim is gentle and sociable, eagerly greeting dogs of all shapes and sizes. Click here to watch him on a doggy playdate! He’s curious and expressive, and when he’s not cuddled up next to you, he’s probably rolling around with a toy or flashing his signature goofy grin. Click here to watch Jim playing with toys! Jim especially loves relaxing afternoons in the park, leisurely car rides, and exploring new places. While he’s eager and gentle, he can be sensitive to loud noises and is still mastering leash manners. He’ll benefit from extra help and patience as he continues his training and adjusts to his new home, and would prefer a person or people with a flexible schedule to help him get settled. If you’re looking for a furry companion who will keep you entertained, warm your heart, and offer endless cuddles, Jim Gaffigan is the star you’ve been waiting for!
	*Sitter Needed from 6/18 to 6/24* Name:Patience Age: ~10 years old How I came to PAWS: Found Stray Animal ID#: A-179388 Weight: 6 lbs Tiny queen Patience is looking for a temporary foster sitter while her foster parent is traveling from 6/18 (drop off date)- 6/24 (pick up date). This tiny bundle of joy is as cute as can be, with a sweet, soulful personality and an expressive little face that will melt your heart. She does the most endearing happy hops when she’s excited—whether it’s mealtime, treat time, or time for a walk—and her cheerful energy is simply contagious. Patience is friendly with everyone she meets and totally unbothered by other animals, making her an easy companion in any setting. She loves going for walks (especially when there are new smells to sniff!) and is always down for a cozy cuddle on a soft blanket or bed. While toys aren’t really her thing, she absolutely lives for food puzzles and enrichment games that show off her curious, playful side. She has dry eye which is pretty common for a “golden girl”, and needs daily eye drops to help her feel as comfortable as possible. It’s easy to manage, and she’s a total champ about it—especially when treats are involved! Please reach out to foster@phillypaws.org if you’re able to temporarily open your home to this little cutie!