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.
Everyday Acts of Lifesaving
We’re not fooling when we say Walt Whit is an absolute delight! He’s looking for a foster home where he can recover from his kennel cough, and will reward you with lots of affection and playful grandpa antics. Walt has an irresistible smile and plenty of pep for his 9 years, and is an absolute goof when the toys come out!
Sick animals tend to improve much faster outside of the shelter, but we’ve seen a dip in foster signups lately due to the recent canine respiratory virus going around. We’re urgently seeking dog-free homes for Walt and his sniffly friends, or homes where resident dogs can be kept separate for 2-3 weeks. If you can help, email foster@phillypaws.org!
#dogsofphilly #getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Would you like to save a pet from heartache and save an owner from losing their best friend? These cats are looking for Safety Net fosters! Many animals entering shelters have owners who are desperate to keep them, and just need a temporary place for them to stay during a difficult transition. By opening your home to a friendly pet for 1-3 months, you’ll help us open shelter space for pets who truly have nowhere to go, and help a family remain intact.
Sweetie, Larry, and Curly are all very nervous at the shelter and would love to find foster homes as soon as possible. Larry and Curly came from the same household and are hoping to find a home together until their owner can take them back at the end of May. Sweetie would be happiest on her own and just needs a place to stay until April 21. If you’d like to help, please email foster@phillypaws.org!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
We have a full house in our feline medical ward and fosters are needed now! Thumbelina, Prospero, Moon Jelly, Patchy, Peyton, and Patty Melt are incredibly sweet and would love to finish healing at your place. They’re all recovering from injuries and don’t need much beyond rest, basic oral meds, and lots of chin scratches ❤️🩹
Several cats needing medical care are waiting at @acctphilly with no rescue prospects in sight, but PAWS can save them if we find homes for our current medical cases. PAWS provides all the medication, follow up vet care, and guidance you’ll need, and your feline foster friend will thank you with tons of snuggles and affection!
Email foster@phillypaws.org if you can help, and sign up in the meantime through our #linkinbio!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #catsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Tim is the low maintenance senior of your dreams! This 12 year old charmer is full of endearing quirks: excited little hops when he sees a familiar face, butt wiggles when meeting a new friend, and full on sploots when he lays down with a favorite toy.
Tim absolutely adores relaxing by your side on the couch, but can also walk for miles without getting tired thanks to his arthritis medication. He’ll be a great fit for an adopter who enjoys leisurely strolls as much as he does!
If you’re looking for 67 pounds of love, Tim can’t wait to spend his golden years with you!
#oldbutgold #seniordoglove #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
SOS: sweet little Butterbean needs a foster hero asap! This cuddly girl has been incredibly affectionate in foster care and is going to make her future home so happy. She just desperately needs a little help getting to the point!
She was unexpectedly diagnosed with ringworm (not a worm, but a mild fungal infection of the skin), and her current foster parents aren’t set up to continue caring for her. She was very stressed when she was at the shelter, and we don’t want to put any more strain on her health!
Butterbean needs very little space in your home at the moment — she’s been prescribed strict rest due to a severe leg injury she arrived with — so even a large dog crate/pen or small bathroom will work great for this cutie! She`s currently on two medications, an oral med for Ringworm and a pain med that can be sprinkled in her food.
Email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about Butterbean from our foster team!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Piggy munchies with Peanut to kick off your Saturday night (sound on)! If you think guinea pigs sit around all day, think again. When they’re not treating you to crunchy ASMR during mealtime, many piggies enjoy exploring their surroundings and affection with their people.
We’ve got over a dozen guinea pigs available for adoption right now with a whole range of personalities, so whether you’re looking for a bonded pair or a single buddy to join a piggy friend at home (because they’re always best in twos), see who’s waiting to meet you at our #linkinbio!
#guineapigsofinstagram #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
🛑 Stop what you’re doing and watch Bear’s face flaps in action (sound all the way up, trust us)!
Bear’s foster parents (@phillyfosterdads) have nicknamed him Pop Pop, because he’s the sweetest old man you’ll meet. He loves to spend his days strolling through the neighborhood, or snoozing on the couch with his foster-dog sister. He is happiest with his head resting on your lap, and could stay there forever if you let him (or until dinner time)!
Bear is trying not to let his age slow him down, and still goes on walks and up & down stairs despite some arthritic hind legs that require daily pain medication. Bear was pretty fast friends with the dogs and cats in his foster home, and would be happy as ever to find another crew of chill dogs or cats to hang out with - or to be spoiled rotten as your only pet!
This kind soul is full of funny quirks that will keep you chuckling throughout the day. If you`re looking for a older boy to bring some more cuddles to your life, Bear may be the one! Learn more about this very special grandpa at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
#grandpadog #oldbutgold #jowlsfordays #dogsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
It’s #NationalPuppyDay, and these pups need your help! Canine influenza infections are sweeping through the community as well as local shelters, and dog-free foster homes are urgently needed to help these pups recover while they’re still contagious to other dogs. Every dog who leaves the shelter will allow us to rescue another dog in their place, so you’ll be saving two lives! Read on to learn more about our canine companions, and email foster@phillypaws.org if you can help!
7 year old Rocky loves to lean in for pets and will slump his whole body into you. He could stay snuggled up next to you all day long if you let him! This a heart-melting senior is having a rough couple of weeks after landing in the city shelter when his owner passed away. He’s looking for a foster home where he can enjoy lots of snuggles and won’t need to climb too many stairs.
9 year old Walt is a new intake from the city shelter who has been a very chill guy despite all the stress of the city shelter. He’s pretty easy to walk on leash, and spends most of his time sniffing or moseying around when outside. He seems to have a good foundation of manners, but has yet to really open up beyond hanging out by your side for pets — we`d love to hear from a foster what this sweet guy is like in a home!
6 year old Brian has the face of a wise house elf, and the heart of a silly puppy. Brian will charm you instantly with his wiggly tail, and he wants to be friends with everyone he sees. He also lived with cats in his previous home (though a foster should have space to separate during slow intros). Brian is the perfect goofy guy for both beginners or veteran fosters!
#getyourrescueon #dogsofphilly #fosteringsaveslives #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
If you’ve ever wondered why fosters are so vital to our work, just ask Jasper! He was very scared and nervous after losing his home, and kept getting overlooked at our adoption center because he was so withdrawn. After a few weeks in foster care with @monkeybutterfly (who made this adorable video), he’s embraced his inner lovebug and is ready to start the rest of his life with you!
“He had a tough time adapting to all the
changes at first,” wrote foster mom Rita, “but look how far he’s come!!!! This sweet boy is affectionate, loves to play, but knows the value of alone time. A forever home is the perfect ending to Jaspers journey.”
Visit our #linkinbio to find Jasper at our adoptions page, or to sign up and become a foster yourself!
#fosteringsaveslives #phillypawsfoster #phillypaws
Creamsicle’s a dreamsicle! This little Luck Dragon is around 13 years old and looking for a foster home ASAP. He’s very kind and his day-to-day care isn’t extensive at all, but the shelter is not the right place for a little old man needing TLC.
Sweet Creamsicle is eating a special diet to help manage his early stage kidney disease, and is likely blind due to hypertension. His legs are also a little wobbly, but with a smaller room to start him off and a consistent furniture layout, he can absolutely navigate around a home just fine once he’s had time to learn the “lay(out) of the land.”
We’re worried about Creamsicle’s quality of life here at the shelter. This friendly grandpa deserves to be out of a cage, free of stress, and soaking up lots of love and sunbeams! If you’d like to change Creamsicle’s life and find out just how soft his ear tufts are in real life, email foster@phillypaws.org!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #catsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
We know you`re appreciating the warmer weather... but are you enjoying it as much as Coffee Cake?? This lovable goofball is having some fun in the sun!
Coffee Cake is a 60-pound beauty full of zoomies and silly antics that are sure to put a smile on your face. And when it`s time to wind down, Coffee Cake is also a huge snuggle bug - despite her size, she wants nothing more than to curl up on laps and get some quality cuddle time in 💛
Coffee Cake is a strong lady and can get overwhelmed in a busy neighborhood so she`s looking for a dog savvy foster or adopter who is ready to work on her leash skills. She`s also dreaming of an area with less dogs and people walking around so she can relax and take time to smell the roses.
If you`re looking for a goofy, affectionate, and loyal companion, then Coffee Cake is the dog for you! Learn more about fostering or adopting this special pup on our website through the link in bio.
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #funinthesun
Denny has spent 5 glorious weeks out of the shelter - and doesn`t he look relaxed?! But now he needs a new foster ASAP to keep up his winning streak!
His current foster can only keep him through Wednesday due to travel plans, but he’s been thriving in a home setting and we want to keep up all the wonderful progress he’s made. Denny`s most recent temporary fosters have given him rave reviews, describing him as sweet, goofy, and a bit ridiculous ❤️
Denny is looking for a dog-savvy foster or adoptive home where he can bond with his people, continue developing his manners and confidence, and chase stuffy toys to his heart’s content. If that might be you, learn more about Denny on our website through our link in bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Dignified and derpy, Mr. Mister is the total package for anyone looking for a low-key and cuddly friend!
Mister was adopted from PAWS about a decade ago but came back when his human was forced to move & couldn`t take him along 💔
Mister lived with kids and another cat and could potentially live with a similar clan or as a solo pet! A perfect mix of affectionate and independent, Mister is an experienced WFH buddy who enjoys playing with his string toy and being a nap/bed-time companion.
This friendly boy was diagnosed with a low-grade heart murmur but promises to appreciate every minute he gets with you 💛
Learn more about adopting Mister at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fosteringsaveslives #sheltercat #phillycats #phillycatsofinstagram
Happy St. Patty’s Day from our favorite magical walrus, Darius! Legend has it that his jowls bring good luck and long life, so if you’re blessed with a slobbery kiss, consider yourself charmed ☘️
Darius will be available for adoption in a couple weeks, but you can follow his journey in the meantime at @beware.of.the.dogs!
#jowlsfordays #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
❗Help PAWS make room for kitten season - foster an adult cat❗
Quincy + Buff, Lexi, and Misty came from the same house when their owner passed away and, due to space constraints, are being housed in our maternity ward. But now it`s kitten season and we need room for mamas and babies! That`s where you come in.
If you’d like to take home one of these adorable, 6-year-old temporary roommates, please email foster@phillypaws.org!
Quincy + Buff (bonded pair) - Quincy (gray/white) and Buff (orange tabby) are pretty stressed about the life upheaval, but are trying their best to cope. Quincy is still pretty shy but Buff is slightly more outgoing. We’d like to give these guys some time to decompress and come out of their shells in foster care, before trying to find their new forever families.
Lexi - This stressy guy is desperately seeking the comforts of home... but if you sit quietly with him, he will come out of his hidey hut and accept pets! He`s on medication to take some of the anxious edge off and will need a dental procedure before he goes up for adoption.
Misty - A little reserved when she first arrived at our clinic, Misty is turning out to be a chatty little gal who knows what she wants - and that’s usually attention! Once she’s had time to adjust in your home, we can find her a permanent one.
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #getreadyforkittenseason
Donatella might look a little different, but that only adds to her charm! This friendly former stray has a puffy lip due to a previously untreated ulcer, but she’s healed up nicely and cuter than ever.
Just like her namesake, Donatella is a fabulous and confident cat. An incredibly sweet girl who loves affection, Donatella makes friends easily and is always on the lookout for her next cuddle session. She’d be a perfect work from home buddy or a wonderful face to come home to! All she needs is a hypoallergenic diet to stay healthy, and in return she’ll reward you with all the love you could ask for.
Visit our #linkinbio to learn more about Donatella at our adoptable pets page!
#catsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Denny’s Breakfast Special: his heart is full of love, his head is full of scrambled eggs. We would say Denny marches to the beat of his own drum, but we’re pretty sure he’s more of a tambourine guy. What we do know is that his quirks make him that much more lovable — and his fosters have agreed!
“I would describe Denny as an energetic dog who is sweet, goofy, and a bit ridiculous,” shared temp foster Liam, “When out and about, he is curious about everything, loves to sniff, and loves a routine. He enjoys a morning massage (first thing!) and is quick to offer up his belly for some rubs anytime of the day.”
“If you are sitting on the couch, he will try to snuggle up with you,” says weekend foster Phil. “At times, he will just sit right in front of you so you can pet him and rollover so you can give him belly rubs and if you stop, he will nudge you to continue…One time he woke in the middle of the night, put his front paws on my bed, and just licked me till I acknowledged him.”
Denny is looking for a dog-savvy foster or adoptive home where he can bond with his people, continue developing his manners and confidence, and chase stuffy toys to his heart’s content. If that might be you, learn more about Denny at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
#dogsofphilly #lovableweirdo #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Looking for a cheek-nuzzling, chest-sitting, purr machine? Meet Chicken Noodle Soup 🥣
This handsome, soft tuxedo is an affectionate people-cat. He’ll greet you with head bonks and plop down beside (or on) you for pets.
Having a bad day? Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect medicine. Mr. Soup`s curiosity means he loves looking out the window and may benefit from an enclosed porch or leashed walks around the neighborhood!
Chicken Noodle has a condition called pillow foot, which is managed with an easy daily med, but it doesn’t cramp his soupy style.
Learn more about this playful boy at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #fostercats #sheltercat #fosteringsaveslives
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 This season’s MVPs (Most Valuable Piggies) have been announced. Drumroll please… for Bryce & Harper! 🐽⚾️
Bryce (dark brown) & Harper (white and caramel) have been waiting for their forever home for months and we can’t understand how this adorable duo hasn’t been snatched up yet. From strays in the streets of Philly to living a cozy life in foster care, these guys are a never-ending source of entertainment.
Walk over to their cage and they’ll greet you with the cutest little sniffs and squeals. Can’t get enough of their squeals? Break out the veggies and they’ll go crazy! They make the perfect partners to cuddle up with and watch some TV (Bryce loves the Food Network).
They are shy at first, but they’ve shown a lot of improvement in their time in foster care with being handled. They would love a patient, loving adopter to help them further come out of their shells and feed them all the veggies 🥬
Learn more about Bryce & Harper or apply to adopt them at our small pet adoptions page #linkinbio
And to see more of this dynamic duo, follow @philly.paws.foster 🐽
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #piggiesofinstagram #guineapiglife
Happy #fosterfriday from Pickle! Her foster dad calls her “the most relaxed cat you’ll ever meet.” At 14 years young, this cuddly house panther has elevated napping to an art form, and is happiest when she’s getting chin scratches and snuggles from her people.
Pickle is a little plump and is currently working to shed some pounds, but that won’t stop her from showering you with love every chance she gets! Learn more about sweet Pickle at our adoptions page (link in bio).
#catsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster