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
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
Birthday Boy, Marley, and Coffee Cake urgently need your help! These very friendly pups are all fighting the canine respiratory infection that’s been going around, and are desperate to find foster homes where they can finish their recovery.
We’re experiencing a very difficult foster shortage right now, and pets who would usually leave the shelter quickly have been sitting for days or even weeks with no prospects in sight. The good news is, you can help!
If you currently have no dogs at home, or a set up that enables you to keep your foster separate for a couple weeks, one of these lovable friends just might be the perfect fit (cats are an unknown for them right now). Want to learn more? Email foster@phillypaws.org! Can’t foster? Please share this post!
A quick rundown:
🎂 3 year old Birthday Boy has a big doggie grin that’s quite contagious, and he has the most joyful energy to match! If stocky and squishy is your type, you`ll fall in love with this guy. He also seems to have a solid foundation of basic commands, and already knows sit and down.
❤️ 5 year old Marley is a 53 pound, melt-in-your-arms type of girl. She loves to be close to you, even if that means just gently resting her head on your knee. She would be a great foster for first timers, or anyone looking for a snuggle buddy!
☕️ 5 year old Coffee Cake is full of fun and loves nothing more than to run around the yard and play a game of fetch. Her zoomies are a sight to behold and she`ll make you laugh with her silly antics! But when it`s time to wind down, Coffee Cake is also a huge snuggle bug, despite her size. She’s also available for adoption!
#dogsofphilly #fosteringsaveslives #getyourrescueon #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
⚠️ Caution: Baba’s eyes are dangerously soulful! 🥺 Side effects may include a melted heart, excessive baby talk, and pledges of undying love ❤️
This gentle granny was found as a stray, but she surely knew what it was to have a family before. She’s very quiet and loving, with impeccable house manners and an appreciation for the simple things in life. Baba loves spending time outside, meandering through the neighborhood and sniffing around to her heart’s content. Once she’s home her favorite place to relax is next to her humans on the couch (ideally while enjoying some ear scratchies).
Baba`s fosters say she`s quite a low-maintenance girl to care for day to day. While she doesn`t have much experience with other animals that we know of, we think she could live with respectful dogs or cats, and her laid back nature would make her a perfect companion for any mellow household. She is a real sweetheart who has a heart of gold, and once you meet her, we know you’ll agree!
Visit our adoptions page to learn more 9 year old Baba (link in bio)!
#seniordoglove #oldbutgold #dogsofphilly #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Isn’t Tilly stunning?😍 This cuddly senior will steal your heart — and the empty space on your lap! She’s a simple girl who just wants to share love and affection with her people. If you’ve had a hard day, she’ll always be ready to comfort you with gentle purrs and warm snuggles, and her favorite place to sleep is under the covers with her humans!
When she’s not curled up on your lap, Tilly enjoys sunbathing, relaxing nearby while you work, and zooming around the house after feather toys. She also loves to burrow and will dash under the covers to army crawl and wiggle her way around – if you can`t find her, she might just be digging!
At 11 years young, Tilly is on a special diet for her kidney function, and shows no signs of slowing down. If you`re looking for a loving, kind-hearted soul who will always lift your spirits, learn more about Tilly at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
#seniorcatlove #catsofphilly #oldbutgold #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Our mushy and loveable girl Coffee Cake is still at the shelter and looking for a home! This 60-pound beauty is full of fun and loves nothing more than to run around the yard and play a game of fetch. Her zoomies are a sight to behold and she’ll keep you laughing with her silly antics! But when it’s time to wind down, Coffee Cake is also a huge snuggle bug in spite of her size.
Due to some limitations with her sight, Coffee Cake does best when meeting new friends slowly. However, it doesn’t take her long to end up curled up next to you on the couch! She loves people more than anything, and wants to be with them as much as possible.
As a snuggly queen who’s happiest being the center of attention, Coffee Cake would love a pet-free home with a dog-savvy foster or adopter. If you’re looking for a goofy new bestie, email foster@phillypaws.org to learn about fostering Coffee Cake, or read more about adopting her at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
#60poundlapdog #dogsofphilly #getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #phillypaws #phillypawsfoster
Poor Bess is one stressed out lady! She’s seeking a cat-savvy foster to help her decompress and feel safe again.
This little house panther was adopted from PAWS around 9 years ago and has only lived with one family. While she was always a sensitive girl, she became very stressed as the family expanded, and made it clear she wasn’t able to share her home with young humans.
It’s no surprise that Bess is extremely stressed at the shelter and very suspicious of newcomers — she’ll meow for attention, then hiss when you open her door. However, the bond she’s formed with one of our animal care attendants shows just how much she enjoys affection and human friendship. She’s reportedly very sweet with her buddy, and gives enthusiastic head bonks to solicit pets!
If you’d like to help Bess feel happy and comfortable again, email foster@phillypaws.org for more info!
#getyourrescueon #fosteringsaveslives #phillypawsfoster #phillypaws
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