An older woman holding a small dog on her lap

Fostering offers genuine companionship with more built-in flexibility than permanent ownership, useful if you're unsure about a long-term commitment.

How it works

Shelters and rescues place animals temporarily with foster caregivers, covering medical costs, while you provide daily care and companionship until a permanent home is found.

Fostering also lets you "trial" whether a specific type of pet fits your lifestyle before committing to adoption.