What is Fostering?
Fostering is the act of temporarily opening your home to a pet in need—providing love, care, and a safe space while they wait for their forever home. It’s one of the most impactful ways to help animals in need.
Every time a foster steps up, a kennel at our rescue opens up for another life to be saved. Foster parents treat these pets as their own during their stay—helping them adjust to home life, caring for their daily needs, and showing them what it feels like to be safe and loved. Whether it’s a few days, weeks, or months, that time makes all the difference in a pet’s journey to a better life.
Lakeshore PAWS provides all essential foster supplies—including food, a bed, a crate, and more—so there is no cost to you. We also cover 100% of the pet’s medical expenses while they’re in your care.
What Kind of Dogs Need Fostered?
- Pregnant/nursing mothers
- Long-term residents who start to decline
- Medical cases
- Heartworm-positive dogs
- Fospice (end of life fostering)
- Dogs who don't do well in a shelter environment
What are the requirements?
- Good communication skills and willingness to stay in touch with our team
- Reside within a reasonable distance of the Lakeshore PAWS facility
- Be available to bring the foster dog to scheduled adoption appointments
- For medical fosters: be able to transport the dog to vet appointments as needed (all medical costs are fully covered by Lakeshore PAWS)
- Any resident dogs in your home must be up to date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and currently on heartworm prevention
Peppa
Peppa is one of our longest residents. She does well with respectful dogs and children.
Dogs Needing a Foster
Nugget
Nugget has started to decline mentally after a long stay at the shelter. He is very affectionate and does well with other respectful dogs.
Skier
Skier is a low-medium energy dog with great manners. He has done well with other respectful dogs.
