Fosters - the caretakers of the lives we save

Why Foster?

Foster parents are the most important people involved in a rescue. Imagine getting over 20 emails a day from people begging you to take their dog. Pit Bull Rescue San Diego works with a network of foster homes who care for the dogs while we find them their permanent homes. We don't have a shelter, so the fosters are invaluable to us. Without the support and presence of fosters, most of the dogs that would otherwise find homes end up languishing in the shelters, or not finding homes at all.

Testimonials from our foster parents

What does a Foster Parent Do?

All the things that a dog owner does, but for a shorter time! Daily care, feeding, grooming, reinforcing obedience, and generally giving the dog love and affection. The reason why foster parents are so important is because there are wonderfully adoptable dogs in the shelters whose perfect owners haven't found them yet. Many people are wary about adopting directly from a shelter because so much is unknown about the dog. We only take in temperamentally sound dogs, and people are more likely to adopt from us because their foster parents can tell them what they are like in a home situation, likes and dislikes, and little quirks - things that are impossible to tell in a shelter situation.

How long will the Foster Dog stay with me?

That is the question we always get asked, and is the most difficult to answer. It can be anything from a couple of weeks to a couple of months - there is no fixed time. Sometimes we get a rush of people wanting to adopt dogs from us, and they literally fly out the door, and other times it is fairly slow.

What do I need to be a Foster Parent?

The main criteria are love and patience. You don't have to have a yard - many people who foster for us live in apartments - but if you do, we ask that it is secure and properly fenced. It's okay if you have another dog, and even if you have a cat. Most of the dogs that we take in are dog-friendly, and some even love cats. Before you become a foster, you and your existing pets will meet out dogs to make sure that you foster one that is acceptable to your furry family.

Do I need to be home all day to Foster?

Not at all. Most regular dog owners aren't, and the dogs are fine. The only things that we ask is that if you have another pet, that you secure the foster dog in a crate or similar while you are away from the home. Never leave the dogs together unattended for both of their sakes. The most important thing to us is that safety of your pets as well as the safety of the foster dog.

Do I have to pay for everything myself?

Not at all. There will be small expenses such as dog bowls if you don't already have them, but if you need help with food expenses, we are happy to provide a bag of food for you. In the event that the dog requires medical treatment or medication, we will take care of those expenses. We would love to be able to pay for toys and other things for them, but we are a non-profit organization, and cannot afford to reimburse you for these items. All the money that we have pays for boarding and medical costs of the dogs in our rescue. When we get toys and other sundries donated to us, we will pass them straight onto you!

How do you handle potential adopters for my Foster?

We used to interview them ourselves, set up a time for them to come and meet the dog and then go from there, but recently, we have changed our process. Many of our foster parents have told us that they would like to be more involved in the adoption process....so we listened, and changed the process. We figure that the foster parent knows their foster dog much better than we ever will, and will know when the right home comes long for them. Now, we have the foster parent interview the potential adopter, and you will also have the option of doing the home-check too - to make sure that the home will be right for your furry foster baby. To all intents and purposes, your foster dog is your dog, and we know that you will be able to choose the right home for them better than we will. If you would prefer us to handle the whole process, we can do that, but you definitely have the option.

What if I become attached to my Foster Dog?

That is completely natural - you are fostering because you love dogs, and you will probably become attached. It would be strange if you didn't! When you meet the family that will give the dog his permanent home, though, you will be more than happy to see him go. That's why you fostered in the first place! It is a wonderful thing to do to make sure that a dog in need will find a loving home!

What if I want to adopt my Foster Dog?

Of course! We understand how you can become attached, and we offer you the first choice at adopting your foster!

There are so many dogs out there that need people just like you to help them find permanent and loving homes before their time in the shelter runs out.

Please consider fostering. It is one of the best things you can do for a dog in need.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, fill out a foster parent application. Thank you.