Foster parents are needed for. . .
Adult cats with illnesses
Foster homes are needed for felines in our medical wards with a variety of conditions including upper respiratory infections, eye infections, dental conditions, digestive issues, and more. Some are very ill and urgently need a home setting to heal, and others just need to finish a round of meds before they’re ready for adoption.
Dogs with Medical Needs
PAWS is seeking loving foster homes for dogs of all sizes while they heal from surgery or receive treatment at our clinic for illnesses and injuries. We focus on saving the neediest dogs, many of whom are seniors with special medical needs requiring ongoing care.
Adult Dogs
Fosters are especially needed for medium and large size dogs to provide walks, play, and training to help them transition to home life and reach their potential as family pets. Rise to the occasion, take the leash, and transform the life of a fun-loving dog who needs you!
Nursing cats with litters
The best kept secret of fostering: mom does all the work! With just the basics (food, litter, vet care, and love) the kittens will grow healthy and strong and ready for forever homes. When Mom’s done nursing, she’ll go on to find a loving family too. Fosters are especially needed during the summer months – also known as “kitten season.”
Orphaned Kittens
Take a pair, three, or more! Kittens who are too young for adoption need temporary foster care where they can grow big enough to be spayed/neutered. The need is most urgent during summer months, especially for bottle-feeding newborns.
Healthy pets of all kinds
Take in a healthy, adoption-ready pet just to open up a space in the shelter. Your foster will thrive in your care while they wait for a home, and we’ll use the spot they leave behind to rescue the next pet in need!
Program Spotlights
Bottle Feeder Program
Join our bottle-feeding team! The tiniest and most vulnerable homeless pets are orphaned newborn kittens. PAWS’ innovative program takes a team approach to giving them the round-the-clock, intensive care they need to survive and thrive.
Ringworm Recovery
This common fungal infection requires methodical care, but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of a new life. PAWS has dedicated shelter space for pets with ringworm, and provides fosters with everything needed to help them recover.
Hospice Program
When a pet we have rescued becomes incurably ill, our veterinarians, lifesaving staff, and the foster parent form a team to provide compassionate comfort care for as long as the animal is able to enjoy their time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster as a trial adoption?
Fostering is not a trial run before adoption. While fosters may potentially adopt the pet they are fostering, all animals in foster care remain available for adoption by the public. If you’re specifically interested in adopting, our staff can work with you to find a good fit for your household: matchmaking is our specialty!
Can I choose how many foster kittens I take at a time?
We can help match you with fosters based on your preferences. Kittens are sometimes with their mom, and sometimes they are orphaned. Litters come in all sizes, and we often split larger litters into pairs or threes for foster placement. Even if you can only foster two kittens, you will be making a tremendous difference! We typically do not send single kittens into foster care, since they need companionship and socialization of at least one other kitten as they grow.
How do I get started if I want to foster an animal?
Just complete the foster care application and you will be contacted shortly by a PAWS staff member. You can also contact us at foster@phillypaws.org and we can help you find an animal who suits your needs, abilities, and lifestyle. There are always animals at the shelter who need foster care!
How can I find an adopter for my foster pet?
There are lots of opportunities to find a loving homes: a listing on PAWS’ website and other adoption websites, adoption events which we hold frequently on weekends, promotion on social media, placement at a PAWS adoption location, and more. We also encourage you to promote your foster to your own friends and family to widen the adopter pool even further!
How long do I keep my foster animals?
Length of stay generally ranges anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the needs of the particular animal.
I have animals of my own, how do I keep them safe?
Even if you have pets of your own, you can still take in kittens and give them the chance they deserve. A small room that is separate from the rest of your living space, such as a bathroom, is the perfect place for new fosters. Sick or injured animals may or may not need to be kept separate from other pets in the house; a PAWS staff member can tell you about animals’ specific needs and precautions you’ll need to take to keep your pets healthy and safe. If you have a dog and wish to foster another dog, we’ll conduct “meets” to ensure we pair you with a dog who’ll get along well with your own.
What do I have to provide?
Foster parents are responsible for providing the basics: food, water, a litter box, litter, bedding and toys. If you need help with the start-up supplies, please ask; we may have donations we can provide to you. Daily care required for foster kittens depends on their age. PAWS provides evaluation and treatment for conditions we are able to treat. If a foster animal has a condition we are unable to treat, the foster parent may choose to have the condition treated at a private veterinary practice at their own expense or they may return the animal to our shelter.
I can’t foster. Is there anything else I can do?
Absolutely! Donations are always needed to save more homeless animals. And, you can become a PAWS volunteer and help care for animals in the shelter while they wait for foster and adoptive homes. Learn about volunteering and complete the application, and you will be contacted promptly with information on how to get started.
Can I claim fostering expenses (food, litter, supplies, etc) as a charitable deduction on my taxes?
Yes! First, check with your tax preparer to get a list of all eligible items for deduction — then make sure to save any and all related receipts. If your fostering expenses add up to over $250 for the year, PAWS can provide a letter confirming that you are an active foster parent during a particular calendar year. (To request this letter, please contact foster@phillypaws.org with the subject line “Active Foster Tax Letter.”) This letter can then be used for tax purposes to support claiming related expenses as deductions. Please note, PAWS is unable to provide any legal or tax related advice — always consult with a professional if you need any clarification.
Everyday Acts of Lifesaving
Handsome Marcus is the perfect gentleman you need in your life! ✨
Equal parts majestic and laidback, Marcus enjoys sleeping and presiding over daily activities from a perch.
At 14 years young, Marcus still enjoys a good feather wand and laser pointer. But when playtime is over, he loves to snuggle — and at almost 16 pounds, he makes a great weighted blanket!
Marcus is a fan of stability and would thrive in a home without dogs or children. Once he becomes comfy around you, though, he’ll purr nonstop when you`re around! 💕
This cutie is a fantastic listener and all-around wonderful companion. Are you the right match?
Learn more at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives #phillycats #sheltercats
Happy National Cat Day from Mr. Mister! 🐱💕
Dignified and derpy, Mister is the total package for anyone looking for a low-key and cuddly friend! This affectionate tabby was adopted from PAWS about a decade ago, but came back when his human was forced to move and couldn`t take him along.
Mister could potentially join a home with kids and another feline or soak up all your attention as an only pet!
An expert WFH companion, Mister is a social butterfly, but can also be independent enough to do his own thing.
Mister was diagnosed with a low-grade heart murmur, but this cuddle machine promises you he’s worth it! This handsome boy will also go home with a 3-month supply care package 💛
Learn more about adopting Mr. Mister at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives #phillycats #catsofphilly #nationalcatday
Dynamic duo Midnight and Princess are ready to find their special someone! ✨
This adorable pair wound up at PAWS after their human took ill and could no longer care for them. But this brother and sister have so much love to give!
Princess is the ultimate extrovert and will warm up to you immediately with snuggles and head nudges.
Midnight is slightly more introverted but plenty affectionate, enjoying head bonks and cuddles when the mood is right.
Learn more about these fashionable siblings at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives #cleartheshelters #phillycats
Adorable lady, Nova, joined our Safety Net Foster Program and needs a place to call home for the next three months while waiting to head back home! Sweet and cuddly, she`s everything you could ask for in a house guest. Nova loves playing with her toys, snuggling up for a nap, and finding the perfect box to sit in 📦🐈
If you think you`ve been seeing a lot of posts about our Safety Net Foster Program recently, you`re correct. PAWS is seeing an increase in neighbors and community members reaching out for support, and we want to be there but we need your help! To foster Nova or another Safety Net pet, sign up at phillypaws.org/foster (link in bio)
#phillpaws #phillypawsfoster
All hail Cleo the queen! 👑
Once accepted into her royal kingdom, she’ll offer snuggles and lap time to her loyal subjects.
Among her royal duties? Plenty of playtime, window gazing, and cuddling!
Cleo was found pregnant as a stray in 2021. Within hours of her rescue, she gave birth to 6 kittens. After resolving some medical issues and building trust with her foster moms over 2 years, her majesty is ready for her forever home!
Cleo prefers a pet-free home and humans who will provide plenty of stimulation and patience to earn her love 💕
Learn more about this majestic girl at the link in our bio!
And remember, adoption fees for adult cats over 6 months are $0 for the entire month of August!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives #fostercats #catsofphilly #phillycats
Get ready to ditch your business wear for Casual Friday! This fun-loving teenager wants every day to feel like a weekend. There’s never a dull moment once she romps into a room – she’s eager to greet every person, investigate her surroundings, and seek out every toy she can find (she’s especially partial to plushies)! Once playtime is over, Friday will splay out on the floor at your feet. Her main priority is being where the people are – she doesn’t want to miss a thing!
Casual Friday is ready to find her forever home, and would be thrilled to find a foster in the meantime since the shelter has been really stressful for her. She’ll do great in a dog savvy home with teens and up where she can continue polishing her manners and enjoying lots of playtime. She’d also love to live with a playful and tolerant dog who can keep her entertained and show her the ropes!
This snuggly and wiggly girl is dying to get out of the shelter and into a home where she can romp and play with people to her heart’s content. Casual Friday is 42lbs of pure silliness, and she will be overjoyed to leave with anyone who will welcome her home! Learn more about this 11 month old cutie at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
#dogsofphilly #cuteanimals #getyourrescueon #adoptlocalphl #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives
Our goal of sending home 150 pets for the #PAWSFosterChallenge is within reach – but we *really* need your help to get there! To open up desperately needed shelter space for homeless pets, we’re extending the Summer Foster Challenge until July 3! If you have room in your home and heart, please save a life by fostering today.
The city shelter is full – with cats arriving at alarming rates and dogs staying for increasing lengths of time. 131 cats and dogs have found safety and love in foster homes since the challenge kicked off in June, and your help is urgently needed so we can save more pets who are counting on us!
Every animal who leaves the building allows us to rescue another who is waiting at the city shelter for their second chance. Please join us by signing up today at our #linkinbio!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #dogsofphilly #catsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Looking for a handsome new BFF? Meet Winston! ✨
This easygoing boy would love to become your family dog-cat. His fav activities include following his humans from room to room, playing fetch, and taking naps!
Winston has a history of seizures and takes medicine 2x/day, but the seizures are infrequent and do not seem to affect his quality of life 💛
This playful boy gets along with young kids but would prefer to be your only pet!
Learn more about Winston at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fostercat #fosteringsaveslives #adoptdontshop #phillycats #catsofphilly
Honeydew is an introverted tuna lover looking for a space where she can decompress! 🍣
This shy and curious girl was rescued from a hoarding situation. She would do best in a space where she can process and be social in her own time (though she always comes around when Tina is on the menu!).
Honey will eat tuna from your hand, but isn`t quite ready to be pet. She is also a fan of catnip and laser toys!
Honey may even do well as a working/shadow cat. Learn more about her at the link in our bio!
#phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives #catsofinstagram #phillycats #catsofphilly
The #PAWSFosterChallenge is heating up: 46 pets have left the shelter since last Friday! This means we`ve sent a total of 80 cats and dogs to foster care where they can relax in a loving home while opening up a spot in our facility for the next pet who needs our help.
Let`s keep up the lifesaving momentum! We`re still 70 pets away from our goal of sending 150 animals into foster care by the end of the month, and our foster pickup schedule for the weekend is looking a little light. Sign up to foster at phillypaws.org/foster (link in bio) and our team will be in touch to match you with a homeless pet who needs you right now!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Like that one football player everyone had a crush on in high school, Maximus is soooooo dreaaaaamy. This sporty teenager is not only a great guy to play fetch with, but he`s also ready to settle in for a `90s rom com binge on the couch at a moment`s notice. Maximus has it all: enormous ears to listen to all your problems, soft pillowy jowls you can`t stop daydreaming about, and a bouncy, adventurous attitude you just KNOW would make him like, SO fun to take to homecoming!
Like any typical teen, Maximus tends to get into mischief when left home alone. He`d do best with someone who can stick with him during the day, provide a routine, and help him learn the skills to be comfortable at home by himself.
Is this goofy guy with prom king potential the pup for you? Learn more about adopting or fostering him on our website through the link in bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Sign up to foster by TOMORROW, June 13, so you can join us for a live foster orientation on Zoom! We’ll hold two sessions, one for cats and kittens, and one for dogs. Each session will include everything you need to know about fostering, time for questions, and the opportunity to meet a pet who is looking for their new foster home. You’re welcome to join one session or both!
🐱 Cats and Kittens: Wednesday, June 14, 6-7pm
🐶 Dogs: Thursday, June 15, 6-7pm
Once you’ve completed the live session, you’ll be ready to take home your new foster pet. Sign up now at phillypaws.org/foster (link in bio)!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives
SOS: cats need homes now! PAWS’ foster manager Tammy has a special plea for adult cat fosters.
For the first time in over a decade, far more cats are entering Philadelphia shelters than the year before. We are also seeing fewer adopters and fosters, leaving no space for us to rescue more cats whose lives are depending on it.
PAWS’ ability to save vulnerable pets – both in the community and at @acctphilly, where cats are increasingly at-risk for euthanasia due to lack of space – completely depends on the number of fosters who open their homes.
Philly’s cats are counting on all of us more than ever, and right now, adult cats especially need your help! By opening your home for even a few weeks, you’ll transform a homeless cat’s life and create desperately needed shelter space for another.
Fosters are most needed for:
🐾 Sick and injured cats, who will receive treatment in our clinics or need time to heal
🐾 Nursing mothers with kittens
🐾 Shy cats needing socialization or time to decompress
🐾 Ailing seniors and cats with chronic medical conditions
🐾 Owned cats who need temporary care through PAWS’ Safety Net Program
Learn more and sign up to foster through our #linkinbio, or email foster@phillypaws.org!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #catsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Party time or snuggle time? Beach Ball Surprise says, “how about both!”
This sweet and silly girl is as fun and colorful as her name implies. At 1 year old, she’s still a puppy at heart, and has plenty of playful energy for fetch, tug of war, and trotting around the house with a squeaky toy — but she’ll drop everything for a cuddle session!
Beach Ball is a very affectionate gal who loves laying next to or on her humans. When she’s not snuggling, she shows her love by wiggling all over when she sees you, smiling when getting neck scratches, and gently offering her paw!
Curious, social, and enthusiastic about befriending humans and pups alike, Beach Ball will make a fantastic buddy for a home with teens and up where she can have some structure and continue working on her puppy manners.
If you’re looking for a fun-loving bestie who will always remind you to smile, learn more about Beach Ball Surprise at our adoptions page (link in bio), or follow @beachballsurprise!
#dogsofphilly #phillyrescuedog #cuteanimals #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #adoptlocalphl
Remember Bella? We first shared her story when she was dangerously ill at the hospital, but now she’s healthy, happy, and ready to start the rest of her life with you!
Bella is a dog who just loves to be loved, and she makes it pretty easy with her soulful eyes and tender personality. There’s nothing she wants more than the attention of her people, whether that is curled up next to you on the couch, or getting head scratches while you work.
This smarty pants is fully housebroken, and knows a number of commands including sit, stay, down, come, and shake. Bella is equally happy watching tv with you or running around in the yard, and her favorite thing is a car ride adventure, especially outside of the city where she can run endless zoomies!
Bella’s previous owner shared that she’s the type of dog who will “love you forever,” and her foster has expressed the same sentiment. She’s endlessly loyal and attuned to the feelings of her humans, and will be during your harder days. At 9 years young, Bella definitely has years left to love, and will make them as full as possible!
Learn more about Bella and see more of her adorable photoshoot pics at our dog adoptions page (link in bio)!
#dogsofphilly #seniordoglove #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #adoptaseniordog #nationaladoptashelterpetday
These sad boys desperately need to leave the shelter! Fish and Chips were rescued together by PAWS after losing their home, and are incredibly stressed in our housing room in spite of our best efforts. These handsome orange lads are looking for a foster home ASAP so they can decompress and come out of their shells. If you can help, please email foster@phillypaws.org!
#catsofphilly #fosteringsaveslives #phillypawsfoster #phillypaws #getyourrescueon
Flowerpot has a crush 😍 can you guess who it is? This little ham goes into wigglebutt overdrive every time she sees her favorite mailman!
Their friendship is really something, but truth be told, Flowerpot puts this much enthusiasm into most new humans she meets. She loves people with her WHOLE heart, and would jump right into your arms if you’d let her (although we discourage that behavior since she’s 56 pounds)!
While Flowerpot’s dedication to being an absolute goofball is one of her most lovable traits, she’s also a fantastic cuddle companion at home who relaxes like a pro and has her house training perfected. If you’re looking for a goofy princess who will greet you with a happy dance every time you come home, visit our adoptions page to learn more about Flowerpot (link in bio)!
#dogsofphilly #rescuedog #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #adoptarescuedog
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly lovebug, look no further than Snowbonk! He’s gotten glowing praise from his foster family, and if you meet him, you’ll see why.
“Snowbonk is the biggest sweetheart,” shared his last foster, “He loves chin scratches, belly rubs, and being around people. He`s 11 so mostly naps during the day, but will come find you in the evening to get some pets and play time. He`s good with my 4 yr old and just really super friendly and easy. Lots of purrs!”
Snowbonk has mild hyperthyroidism, a common senior condition that’s easily managed with a daily pill in his food. His medication is very affordable, and his love is 100% free! Snowbonk can’t wait to make biscuits on your softest blanket, so learn more about this kind-hearted cutie at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
#catsofphilly #rescuecat #seniorcatlove #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Meet friendly senior Nibbles! 👋
This low-key companion loves to be around his people and soak up your affection!
Nibbles had a loving family of 17 years, but sadly they were evicted and could not take him with them.
A social butterfly, Nibbles will follow you around the house or supervise your work nearby while observing the neighborhood via the closest windowsill.
Nibbles has hyperthyroidism and takes a little pill daily, but he’s in good health and can’t wait to find a loving adopter to make the most of his golden years!
Learn more about this sweet boy at the link in our bio.
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #seniorcat #fosteringsaveslives #catsofphilly
Looking for a cuddly piglet to keep you company? Look no further than Science! 🔬
This 3-4 year old sweetheart who would love to be your new shadow. Science loves her people and wants nothing more than to follow you around and be your best bud. But she also knows how to keep herself entertained and does well in her crate when her foster parents aren’t home.
Science is a sensitive girl who can get a bit nervous outside of the home, especially with loud noises. She`d love to find a patient adopter to help show her the world isn’t so scary (snacks are a big motivator!) and would do especially well in an area outside of the city or a quieter neighborhood.
If you’re looking for a gentle soul to stay by your side and give you all the love in the world, visit our adoptions page to learn more about Science 💕
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #dogsofphilly