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. 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 December 1st, 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: Nala Intake Date: 11/22/25 Age: ~4.5ish years old Weight: 20 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 If you’re looking for the perfect pre-Thanksgiving pick me up, new arrival Nala is ready to wiggle her way into your heart, home… and leftovers (just kidding)! This ~4.5ish month old lady just arrived to PAWS after her owner was no longer able to continue caring for her, and would love to find a home with a resident dog that can match her energy, and fosters that are patient, committed, and ready for all that puppyhood has to offer—the good, the less good, and the occasionally messy. But SO worth it! Nala is already picking up on “sit” and other training very quickly, and has puppy eyes down pat. She will need some additional help learning the ropes with all of the basics like house and crate training, walking on leash, and more, but is very eager to please! So what are you waiting for? If you are able to foster sweet and spunky Nala, please email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more!
	Name: Santa’s Little Helper Intake Date: 11/29/25 Age: ~8 months – 1 year old Weight: 7 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 Santa’s Little Helper may start off a bit shy, but give him a minute and he transforms into the sweetest, snuggliest little shadow. His absolute favorite place? Curled up on your lap, gently snoozing while you work, watch TV, or simply exist. When he’s not being a cuddle puddle, he enjoys playing with toys and puttering around like the happy little guy he is. He’s lived with other dogs before and gets along well with friendly, tolerant pups. Like many teen dogs, he can get a little overstimulated and may hump when excited — but he’s very easy to redirect, and this zbehavior will likely lessen once he’s neutered. With slow, structured introductions and some initial separation, we think he’d enjoy having another calm, agreeable dog friend. Santa’s Little Helper also has some mild skin issues (dry, flaky skin), which he’s currently being treated for. His foster will just need to keep an eye on his skin and bring him to the Foster Walk-In Clinic (FWI) for rechecks as scheduled — our vet team will guide you through everything! This tiny sweetheart is housetrained, affectionate, and looking for a soft landing where he can blossom. If you’re looking for a holiday helper, email foster@phillypaws.org for more information!

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 Transfer

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

	Foster Transfer Needed Name: Barbie Dreamhouse Intake Date: 7/11/25 Age: ~3 years old Weight: ~71 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 You already know and love this beautiful sentient meatball, and now you have the chance to enjoy all of her wiggles and smiles for yourself, and foster Barbie Dreamhouse! Barbie is currently living in South Philly, and she has been finding it a little bit too dense and foot traffic-y for her liking, and would really appreciate moving somewhere that is a bit quieter where she can ideally have her own yard until she is adopted. She is looking for a foster transfer to a more ideal environment, and see her adoption profile here to fall even more in love! Barbie Dreamhouse’s 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! She has also done well meeting other dogs that match her energy, but is looking for a cat-free home. If you can give this happy hippo a comfy spot to relax until she is adopted, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about helping out!

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—and let us know if you are interested in helping out over the holidays specifically!