ways to help

Foster homes are a fundamental part of Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue. The bigger our network of foster homes, the more animals we can rescue. By opening your home to a foster dog or cat and temporarily caring for them, you are giving that rescue a chance to find the life and love they deserve. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience. 

Foster commitments range from a couple of days to many months, depending on the time of year and the rescue animal or animals. While fostering can be a lot of fun, it is also work and not always easy. Dogs may not be house trained, cats may need socialization, but when placing a foster in your care we will do our utmost to provide you with appropriate support. There are plenty of pets, cuddles, and kisses but also vet visits, feeding schedules, and cleanup. 

Rescue animals will receive vet care prior to placement with a foster family, however, additional vet visits, and other routine care may be required depending on age and health of the animal. Foster families will work with an adoption coordinator who will provide support and guidance throughout the entire foster process. Your adoption coordinator will review the history of your foster with you and address any questions you may have. Veterinary expenses will be paid for by the rescue. All vet visits and services rendered must be approved by your adoption coordinator.

When you decide to foster, you are committing to caring for a dog/cat and preparing him/her for adoption. Foster applicants are carefully screened, using much of the same criteria as potential adopters. All other pets in the home must be spayed/neutered and current on all vetting, a veterinary reference must be provided, and we will perform a virtual home visit prior to approving you for the foster program. Once you are approved for the foster program, we will match you to a rescue that fits best with your residence and lifestyle.

Fosters must reside in Northern Virginia, DC, or Maryland. Fosters must be 18 years of age or under the supervision of a parent or guardian. 

Puppies and kittens may not yet be fully vaccinated and will require extra care and attention. Puppies who are not fully vaccinated will require a foster home with a private yard for potty breaks. Fosters are not responsible for training or housebreaking, just caring for the little ones until they are adopted. Puppy and kitten fosters need to have a flexible schedule, lots of patience, and be very attentive.