Your one-of-a-kind foster
experience for the whole family
Foster program unlike any other
WTAR’s foster program is designed not only to ensure the health of the pet, but also to provide people an opportunity to experience life with a pet before making the life-long commitment of adoption. This program is especially beneficial for families with young children in the home; they may need additional assurances the pet is the right fit. While some organizations have administrators who give preferential treatment to adopters based on their application, WTAR places the power of decision to the ones with the most first-hand knowledge and experience with the pet: the fosters.
Foster caregivers not only have priority in adopting, but they also get to interview and select which home they feel would be the best fit for the pet in their foster care.
WTAR’s foster program is defined by its veterinary health quarantine. This 21-day period is required of fosters, and that is the only time obligation. There is no fostering for an “unknown length of time,” but for only 21 days. If the pet has not found a home through Meet & Greets during that time, the foster can elect whether to continue fostering or to have a replacement selected by WTAR administrators. This process works effectively for fosters who are limited to specific time frames and schedules throughout the year.
#TogetherWeCanSaveThemAll
Everything you need to know about fostering with WTAR
What is Fostering?
Fostering is where you are providing a rescued pet with essential needs such as a safe home, enrichment, stimulation, exercise (playtime), and basic training while the WTAR team sends approved potential adopters your way to interview and find a forever home.
Can I Foster-to-Adopt?
Absolutely! We encourage all potential adopters (especially those with kids or other pets in the home) to try fostering first. You have first priority to adopt as a foster, and ownership begins once the 21-day foster period is over and the pet has been spay/neutered and received its final health check (Transfer Day).
Plus, our Bespoke Foster Coordination will help match you up with just the right pet! Keep reading below…
How do I sign up to Foster?
Visit the Foster Process Page!
Fill out and submit the foster application based on the type of foster you wish to be (Bespoke vs Basic Foster)
See our Transport Calendar and sign up for the 3-week foster period that works with your schedule!
What are the Requirements to Foster?
21 day commitment for care
Completion of Online Foster Training Course (will be provided to you once foster sign-up is confirmed)
Vehicle for Transportation
Outside of providing the essential care for a rescue pet, you will be required to have a means of transportation to bring the pet to any and all veterinary appointments (spay/neuter), typically 2-3x per foster period to the Rescue Headquarters/Veterinary Hospital located in Merrifield, Virginia (Dunn Loring/Mosiac)
You may be surprised to learn that fosters are NOT required to have a backyard! Many of our fosters have great success living in condos, apartments, and townhouses. Providing a loving and safe environment full of enrichment is our main priority. The only thing required prior to fostering is to review and complete the WTAR exclusive online training course “Puppy 101” once you have signed up. This online course will cover all the basics and fundamentals of common experiences with new rescued pets - specific to those of WTAR.