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 November 3rd, 2025)

—

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!

	URGENT! Name: Melon Intake Date: 10/12/25 Age: ~10-11 months old Weight: 40.6 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 Melon is a sweet, goofy, high-energy pup looking for a foster home to help her learn and grow! At around ~11 months old, she’s still very much a puppy—full of enthusiasm, curiosity, and love. Just watch her go here! Melon adores everyone she meets and has a friendly, social personality. She did great meeting another young pup and would likely enjoy a foster home with a similarly sized dog who can match her playful energy and be a fun companion. During a recent day trip with a volunteer, Melon impressed everyone with her great leash manners—she stayed close, listened to cues, and didn’t pull. She was gentle and well-behaved during lunch outside, politely waiting for treats and food, and handled meeting new people and dogs with happy curiosity. She’s still learning about car rides and can be a little unsure getting in and out, but she settles nicely once inside. While with her day-trip volunteer, Melon also practiced spending time in a crate and is continuing to build comfort and confidence with it. Melon will thrive in a foster home that can offer structure, positive reinforcement, and plenty of opportunities for play, walks, and cuddles as she continues to grow and learn. If you can help Melon while she starts her search for a forever home, please email foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering her!
	Name: Bella Intake Date: 10/24/25 Age: ~9.5 years old Weight: 51.6 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, previously lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home This lovely lady was brought to the city shelter as a stray, and although she had a microchip, her owner was sadly unable to reclaim her. Now Bella is looking for a quiet, loving foster home to help her heal and feel safe again. Bella just finished a course of antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection (kennel cough), but she is now cleared and feeling much better. She’s housetrained (though may have occasional accidents while settling in), and has no problem letting you know when she needs to go! She loves belly rubs, rolling in the grass, and all things food-related — Kongs and other tasty enrichment are her favorites! Bella enjoys playtime but is just as happy lounging beside you, soaking up love and attention. Her previous owner shared that Bella lived peacefully with children, cats, and dogs, and while she’s crate trained, she’d much rather be curled up near her people. A volunteer who previously spent time with Bella shared this sweet note: “Bella is a gentle soul and was a pure joy to hang out with. She was super easy to leash and walk. She wasn’t interested in treats or toys but she loved the 1:1 time. I adore her.” If you have room in your home for this kind, easygoing senior girl, please consider fostering Bella — she’ll repay you with endless gratitude, quiet companionship, and a lots of love. Email foster@phillypaws.org for more information about fostering Bella!
	URGENT! Name: Gone Fishin’ Intake Date: 10/25/25 Age: ~1.5 years old Weight: 13 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 Gone Fishin’ is a happy-go-lucky pup bursting with energy and love! He’s curious about everything, adores playtime, and is always happiest when he’s near his people. Life in the kennels has been stressful for this sweet guy, so he’s ready for a comfy foster home where he can relax, recharge, and be his goofy, joyful self. He’s looking for a dog-savvy foster who’s comfortable managing a high-energy dog and can help him continue learning good manners. Gone Fishin’ can be a little sensitive with certain handling, especially during vet visits, but that doesn’t stop him from literally jumping into your lap (or arms!) for cuddles and soaking up all the pets. He’s still learning some house manners (including marking) and would love a foster who can keep him busy with walks, toys, and fun adventures. With a little structure and a lot of love, Gone Fishin’ will shine! Email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering Gone Fishin’!
	Name: Kane Intake Date: 11/1/25 Age: ~1-2 years old Weight: 12 lbs Dog Friendly?: Unknown, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Yes, previously lived with cats, and would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Kane is an adorable, poodly-doodly guy who’s been in two homes already in his short life, and he’s feeling overwhelmed in the shelter. His last owner loved him but couldn’t keep up due to work hours — now this sweet boy just needs a place to land so he can decompress and shine! At just under 2 years old, Kane is playful, affectionate, and smart — he already knows sit, down, stay, and come! He’s house-trained, does well crated or free-roaming, and enjoys walks (with a little zig-zag enthusiasm). Loud noises can startle him, but he’s quick to recover. Kane has lived with cats, done well with teens, and while he doesn’t have much dog experience, we can set up a dog meet for any interested fosters with resident pups. His previous owner says he’s super loving, toy-obsessed, and loves being the center of attention. Shelter life has been stressful for him — he’s barking, jumping, and having a hard time settling — but we’re confident that a calm home will help him relax and show his sweet, snuggly side again. Kane still needs to be neutered, but we can schedule that soon. What he really needs right now is a home where he can unwind and remember what it’s like to be loved. If you can help Kane decompress and get ready for his forever home, please email foster@phillypaws.org!
	Name: Lil Debbie Intake Date: 11/2/25 Age: ~5 years old Weight: 38 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 This sweet, gentle girl is still finding her footing and can be a little shy at first, but once she feels safe, her warm and loving personality shines through. The shelter has been a stressful place for a sensitive pup like Lil Debbie, and she’d really benefit from a calm foster home where she can decompress, relax, and start feeling like herself again. She’s had positive interactions with other dogs, and could likely enjoy the company of a friendly, easygoing canine companion. She could also use a little help shedding a few pounds after her time in the kennels — at about 38 lbs, she’s close to her ideal weight of around 30 lbs and ready to get back to her healthiest self! Lil Debbie is an easy dog to root for and will make a wonderful companion once she’s had the chance to settle in. With a little patience (and lots of love), you’ll see her affectionate side in no time. Email foster@phillypaws.org if you interested in fostering Lil Debbie!

	Name: Big Bertha Intake Date: 11/2/25 Age: ~6 years old Weight: 62 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 Big Bertha is a lovable, easygoing dog who’s ready to trade the shelter for a soft bed and some good company. She enjoys being around people, going for walks, and relaxing by your side. She’s a friendly, food-motivated gal who’s happiest when she’s part of the action but is just as content lounging and taking it easy. Bertha has previously lived with other dogs and would likely do well with a friendly canine companion. She could also use a little help shedding a few pounds and would benefit from a foster home that can help her stay active and on track with her weight-loss goals — she’ll thank you with extra tail wags and love! Bertha is a wonderful companion who would love a foster home where she can settle into a comfortable routine and get the care and affection she deserves. Email foster@phillypaws.org if you interested in fostering Big Bertha!

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 dogs looking at this moment!

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. And see her 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. Barbie is continuing to make lots of progress on her weight loss mission before she has her spay surgery (provided by PAWS once she reaches her goal), and in the meantime, she’s ready to bring so much joy and love into your heart and home. If you can give this happy hippo a comfy spot to relax, please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to learn more!

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 dogs looking at this moment!