Foster a dog in Los Angeles with VIDA and help save lives. Our foster program provides temporary homes, veterinary care, and support for rescue dogs left behind after deportations. Fostering offers hope, comfort, and a path to forever homes across Southern California.
1. Why Fostering a Dog in Los Angeles Saves Lives
Every animal lover knows: pets are family. Perhaps nowhere in the United States is that more true than in Los Angeles and Southern California- more families here include pets than anywhere else in the country. Los Angeles is unique in other statistics too: more people experiencing homelessness live in Los Angeles than in the rest of the country.
The intersection of these two statistics has meant that for several years, Los Angeles city and county animal shelters have been overwhelmed by an influx of pets with no place else to go. And it’s getting worse: the most recent statistics show shelters are at 147% capacity, and in the past year, animal euthanasia rates due to lack of space are up a shocking 72%.
And now another unfortunate statistic: in the aftermath of the immigrant deportations that have been carried out in the Los Angeles and Southern California area, certain shelters or county animal care have reported a possible 50% increase in pet surrenders, month over month, after mass deportation sweeps. In this unsustainable climate, we created VIDA- a direct community response to the families and pets affected by deportations, and the organizations already on the ground serving them.
In assessing the most urgent call to action, there is one clear priority: VIDA’s most pressing issue is to find foster homes for the dogs displaced by deportations. Until there is a temporary safe haven for these dogs, there is no proceeding on to finding permanent homes for either VIDA pets or for the remaining animals in shelters now even more flooded with homeless pets.
2. How VIDA’s Foster Program Works Fostering a Dog into your home
VIDA’s foster network is currently being built- you, a potential foster home, have never been more important. Because of the unprecedented category of dogs and families that we serve, VIDA is aware of the unique fostering environment that we occupy.
Our ultimate goal, as with any family separation, is family reunification. In cases where owners’ legal status post-detention has yet to be determined, VIDA foster homes will serve as temporary ‘halfway houses’- a safe place for loving and wanted furry family members to reside until they are able to be reunited with their families of origin.
These lengths of stay may vary from a few days to a few months. For those pets whose families have either self-deported or been forcibly relocated who wish to be reunited with their pets, foster families will provide temporary accommodation as the VIDA network prepares these pets for travel via our veterinary and travel teams. In the cases where reunion is deemed not possible, VIDA is building a network of both short- and long-term foster homes while the pets await their new forever families.
Minimizing the amount of time, if any, that pets of the deported reside in city or county shelters not only reduces the secondary trauma of institutionalization, but reduces the demands upon the already overburdened shelter systems. By placing as many dogs into foster homes as possible, more spaces become available in shelter and rescue organizations for remaining pets in need. Every foster dog becomes a hero to the dog behind them awaiting a space- and the foster families are the heroes behind the heroes.
3. Who Can Become a Foster?
Who can become a foster? You! The need has never been greater, and the diversity of pets needing temporary placement has never been more vast. If you have always considered fostering, now is the time. There are plenty of people that urgently need to rehome their dogs and we can tell you from our many years of fostering, oftentimes the idea of bringing in a new animal to your home, especially for the first time, is much more overwhelming than the actual process of doing so. Remember- VIDA pets will already have been in homes before.
Your place is in helping them replace what is familiar, and in helping us to learn the special personalities and preferences of each individual as we work together to find a forever family. The ‘special experience’ necessary to open up your home to a foster dog in need is patience, compassion, and a sense of adventure. As experienced fosters know; we never foster the same dog twice. Every new foster is a new adventure, and a new opportunity to learn about ourselves and what we, as caretakers, are capable of learning.
4. What VIDA Provides to Foster Families
As the VIDA Alliance grows, so too will our access to supplies. VIDA’s goal: to provide every foster family with all the supplies necessary to support both human and nonhuman household members for the duration of your foster dog’s stay.
At present, we are in the process of finding providers of food assistance for foster families who cannot afford it, ongoing medical care both routine and specialized, training from our grassroots network of qualified and experienced trainers, and guidance from fellow VIDA volunteers with years of fostering history.
5. The Types of Dogs Who Need Fosters
VIDA will be accepting dogs from every type of family, with only deportation in common. We know that each dog will be unique, and likely from more stable homes than some other pets with unknown histories. Just like us, families experiencing deportation have a variety of dogs, and we will need foster homes for all of them.
We anticipate the intake of puppies, nursing mothers and litters, senior dogs, special needs dogs, dogs needing emergency fosters until next of kin can be located, and humane fosters needing a place to live out their final days. The vast majority of dogs in need are just like the dogs we already have at home, because these are the dogs people have at home.
6. How We Match Dogs With Foster Homes
VIDA will assess, via both phone and in-person interviews, the right foster match for your particular environment, household makeup, and level of comfort. We may also conduct home checks to help you prepare for your particular match.
7. Preparing Your Home for a Foster Dog
VIDA will work with you to prepare your home for your upcoming foster dog.
Primary supplies include:
- a crate for crate training and for giving your foster a quiet place to decompress
- their own food dish for feedings
- blankets and toys for making their crate cozy
Some dogs may come with some of these supplies from the displaced home, and some will need a new start.
8. Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Foster Parent
The day-to-day responsibilities of a VIDA foster parent are the same as any animal foster parent, or forever animal parent. Families with dogs already present may even find that foster dogs make the daily routine easier, as dogs are community minded and often prefer to do things together.
Walks: If you’re new to fostering, and especially a first time dog custodian, walking will be the most immediate way to bond with your new family member. Allowing your dog to explore their new environment with you will help to familiarize them with their new world and will build trust.
For dogs integrating into homes with other dogs already present, walks are a form of neutral territory that allow your dogs to get to know each other without some of the tension that enclosures can contain. Be ready: you will probably meet neighbors you never knew had, and learn about your neighborhood in a while new way!
Feeding: Most dogs, except puppies and special needs dogs, will eat twice a day.
Socializing: Socialization is key, not only to helping foster dogs become more comfortable with new people, places, and animals, but also to exposing them to wider network of potential adopters. The more that you are able to learn about your foster dog’s experiences, and build upon them, the more possibilities open up for forever placement.
Love: Love is the greatest reward of fostering. Not only will you give it, you will receive it, usually straight away. Fostering allows us to learn each dog’s love language, which helps us to make the best forever match.
9. Emotional Rewards of Fostering
Fostering a dog brings emotional rewards that last a lifetime. Every foster parent experiences the joy of watching a shelter animal transform in a loving home. Testimonials and impact stories from VIDA’s community show how fostering changes lives — for both rescue dogs and the humans who open their hearts.
10. Foster Training and Ongoing Support
Foster training at VIDA helps every foster parent feel confident and supported. Through educational resources, team communication, and hands-on guidance, we match you with a foster and provide everything needed to create a comfortable space. Our foster care program ensures every animal receives love, structure, and the best possible start.
11. Common Foster Challenges and How VIDA Helps
The most common foster challenges, housebreaking and shyness, are easily manages with a few days of love and consistency. For other challenges, VIDA will provide emotional support and mentorship for foster families.
12. Becoming a Long-Term Foster Partner
VIDA anticipates a unique challenge in providing for long term foster dogs who are awaiting reunion with their families, either here in the States or the countries to which their families have been relocated. These dogs will need a special type of foster home with the resiliency to treat the dogs as one of their own, and to let them go when the time is right. If this is you, contact us at info@vidaallianceinitiative.org.
13. Community and Volunteer Opportunities for Fosters
Join VIDA’s foster care community and connect with other volunteers who support every shelter animal’s journey. Our team and shelter staff help match you with a foster that fits your home and lifestyle. Enjoy a comfortable space to share experiences, learn, and be able to meet others making a difference for animals in Los Angeles.
FAQs — Foster a Dog in Los Angeles
What does it mean to foster a dog in Los Angeles?
To foster a dog in Los Angeles is to open your heart and home to a foster pup home — a loving home that provides a temporary place to stay for a rescue dog awaiting adoption. Foster parents provide care foster support, veterinary care, and stability while each animal heals, learns to trust again, and becomes ready for adoption. Fostering offers a safe and comfortable environment that helps pets adjust, time to decompress, and prepares them to find their forever home.
Who can become a foster parent?
Anyone with compassion, space, and a desire to help rescue dogs or a shelter animal can become a foster parent. Whether it’s your first foster or another foster experience, VIDA welcomes you to open your heart and home to an animal in need. You don’t need professional experience — only patience, love, and a willingness to create a comfortable place for a foster pet to thrive. Fostering is a rewarding journey that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals who deserve a second chance.
How do I apply to foster a pet in Los Angeles?
Start by filling out the foster application through VIDA’s foster program. Once submitted, our foster team reviews your details, interest in fostering, and home environment to match you with the best fit. You’ll receive an orientation video and everything you need to know about welcoming your first foster dog, from care and attention routines to preparing your loving home for success.
What is the difference between short term foster and long-term fostering?
Short term foster homes provide a temporary place to stay for dogs recovering, awaiting transport, or preparing for adoption events. Long-term fostering offers continued care until pets are adopted or reunited with their families. Both are vital — each foster parent who provides a temporary home makes all the difference, helping more homes for dogs open up in overcrowded shelters.
What does VIDA provide for foster families?
VIDA supports foster families with supplies, training, and full veterinary care. We provide food, bedding, toys, vaccines, and emotional guidance to ensure each foster dog remains safe and healthy. Our foster program includes veterinary partnerships for vaccination, exams, and any special care needed to provide the best experience for both foster and family.
What are the daily responsibilities of a foster parent?
Foster parents provide food, structure, socialization, and love to their foster dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and interaction around other pets help them build confidence and learn trust again. The goal is to create a safe and loving environment — giving the dog care and attention, time to decompress, and preparing them to become adoptable and ready for adoption into a forever home.
How does VIDA match foster pets with families?
VIDA carefully considers your lifestyle, schedule, pets in your home, and comfort level to find the best fit. Each foster dog has unique needs — some may need quiet spaces to recover, while others love being around other pets or active families. Our goal is to ensure foster parents provide a safe, loving home and the right care foster approach for every rescue dog.
What if my foster isn’t the right match?
If your foster dog isn’t the right fit, VIDA will reassign the pet to another foster home without sending them back to the shelter. We ensure every animal has a stable place to stay and continues receiving care, love, and support while awaiting adoption.
Can I foster kittens, or only dogs?
VIDA primarily focuses on those who foster a dog in Los Angeles, but we also work with animal shelters and rescue groups to find temporary homes for kittens and other small pets. Each foster opportunity makes a meaningful difference for animals across the city.
What if my foster needs medical or special care?
VIDA’s veterinary care partners handle checkups, vaccination schedules, and treatments. If a foster dog needs special care, we’ll coordinate everything so foster parents can focus on providing a safe and comfortable home. You’ll never be alone in your foster experience — we’re here to support you at every step.
Do foster families attend adoption events?
Yes! Foster parents are encouraged to bring their foster dogs to adoption events. These gatherings help foster pets meet potential adopters face-to-face and complete their adoption process. Watching your foster pup find their forever home is one of the most rewarding moments for any foster family.
Can I adopt my foster dog?
Absolutely. Many fosters choose to adopt their first foster dog and make them a permanent part of their family. Once your foster is eligible for adoption, simply complete an adoption application through VIDA’s adoption center to finalize the process.
How does fostering help local animal shelters?
Fostering helps reduce overcrowding by giving dogs a break from the shelter environment and a temporary home to recover. Every time you open your home, you provide a comfortable place to stay and free up shelter space for another animal in need. Fostering offers a great way to help rescue dogs and keep the shelter system sustainable.
Do I need special training before fostering?
No — you don’t need professional training or prior experience. VIDA provides an orientation video, foster handbook, and continuous support. We’ll teach you how to prepare for adoption, build confidence in your first foster, and create a safe and loving home where every foster pup can thrive.
How does fostering make all the difference?
Fostering is a rewarding act of compassion and a long-term commitment to love. It’s how rescue dogs go from fear to joy, from temporary care to their forever home. When you open your heart and home, you give every foster pup a chance to heal, grow, and await adoption — making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless animals across Los Angeles.
15. Apply to Foster a Dog With VIDA Today
CTA and application link.
Are you thinking of becoming an original VIDA foster family? Email us at vidaallianceinitiative.org