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 April 25th, 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: Zero to Hero Intake Date: 4/17/25 Age: ~2.5 years old Weight: 36.4 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 back at to PAWS due to a change in his previous adopter’s circumstances and schedule, and this sweet boy would love more than anything to head back into foster care as soon as possible! He has a heart as big as Hercules’ and a personality that’s larger than life, just watch him go here! 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 his stuffies, spending time outside on walks, laying on a blanket pile, or snuggling when he’s ready for a nap or bedtime. And he is also a pro at using his food puzzles and enrichment for meals and treats. Zero is quite the socialite and has experience living well with other dogs and cats, as well as humans of all ages. He is described as “perfectly crate trained,” but he may not be a “fit” for all types of x-pen and baby gate setups since he has been known to have the impressive ability to hop over them. When in a routine and consistently getting the opportunity for bathroom breaks, Zero is also housebroken and very well-behaved at home. 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 us at foster@phillypaws.org if you’re able to help foster him, and open up your heart and home so that he can continue his quest for the perfect forever family.
	Name: Bumpy Intake Date: 4/25/26 Age: ~2 years old Weight: 46 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes – has previously lived with dogs and would need slow introductions to any resident pups Cat Friendly?: Unknown – may have coexisted with cats but could occasionally chase; would need the ability to separate for slow intros Bumpy is a lovable 46-pound lapdog with a heart as big as her paws. After being adopted, she’s unfortunately coming back to us through no fault of her own—and now she urgently needs a foster home where she can feel safe, supported, and loved once again. This sweet girl is ready to snuggle up with anyone who will offer her attention, and her gentle, affectionate nature is sure to win you over! Bumpy thrives when she has a canine companion by her side. She’s spent most of her life around other dogs and feels most at ease with a social resident pup to show her the ropes and help boost her confidence. A calm, quiet foster home with another dog would be the ideal setting to help her decompress and adjust. She’s still learning the ins and outs of house training and leash walking, and a yard would be a big bonus to support her at her own pace. Though she’s mostly mellow, Bumpy has a playful, goofy side that shines through once she settles in! She loves tearing apart stuffed toys and may try to sneak a snack if it’s within reach. Her previous family described her as having “the calmest disposition” and said being around her is “relaxing and soothing.” She’s a comforting presence who just needs time and patience to feel secure. Bumpy is once again looking for a place to land—either a foster home to help her recharge or an adoptive family ready to show her lasting love. You can view her adoption profile here. She’s a “dino-mite” dog who brings sweetness, snuggles, and soul to any home. If you’re able to foster or interested in adopting this one-of-a-kind girl, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org!
	Name: Humble Intake Date: 1/28/25 Age: ~3 years old Weight: 10 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 back—Humble is once again in need of 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 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 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 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, email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering Humble!

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 April 30th 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 an urgent foster transfer by April 30th 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!

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.

	Name: Minnie Intake Date: 3/20/25 Age: ~1.5 years old Weight: 7.5 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. Minnie is looking for a sitter from May 5th through the 13th! This sweet, soulful pup would love a calm, cozy home to stay in while her foster is away—and she’ll be an incredibly loving short-term guest for anyone looking to share their space with a cuddly companion. Minnie is truly a special little dog who just wants to be near her people. She thrives in a calm environment where she can be part of the action—or just lounge beside you. She’d likely do best with someone who’s home often, like a retiree or a remote worker, and she’d be thrilled to tag along for low-key errands or outings. She’s lived peacefully with children, cats, and other dogs, but she really shines in a quieter setting with one or two devoted humans to shower her with love. Minnie does have some separation anxiety, which has improved in foster care. She may need a little support during longer absences (3+ hours), and can be vocal when left alone—so a sitter with a flexible schedule and an appreciation for her affectionate nature would be perfect. Interested in spending a week with this lovable shadow? Email foster@phillypaws.org to help Minnie feel safe and cherished while her foster is away!
	Name: Count Fluffy Von Ottoman Intake Date: 4/3/25 Age: ~6-7 years old Weight: 19.4 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Unknown, would still require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home In case he isn’t already adopted, Fluffy is looking for a sitter from May 9th through the 12th, and again from June 15–25! This sweet, one-eyed pup is settling in beautifully with his permanent foster, but he’ll need a helping hand while they’re away. If you’re available for either timeframe, Fluffy would love to spend some time snuggling up with you! Fluffy is a mellow, affectionate companion who enjoys long naps, gentle walks, and hanging out with his favorite people. He’s fully housebroken, crate trained, and knows several basic commands. While he’s completely blind, he navigates his environment well with a little consistency and support—and always appreciates having a cozy spot to curl up. He’s friendly with everyone he meets and previously lived with other dogs. Fluffy is an easy houseguest who’s just looking for a calm place to relax while his foster is out of town. If you’re able to host this lovable couch potato for a short stay, please email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more!

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!