The Heartbeat of Hope - Transport Fostering

Every day in animal shelters across the country, space, time, and resources run out long before the love does. Some of the most incredible dogs and cats find themselves out of options simply because there’s no room, no adopter, or no access to the care they need. That’s where transport becomes a lifeline.

Transport isn’t just a van ride. It’s a bridge between desperation and possibility. It’s a fresh start for animals who have waited far too long. When a dog steps into a transport crate, they aren’t just leaving the shelter, they’re stepping toward a second chance. That chance comes through our trusted transport rescue partners, organizations committed to giving animals the time, care, and opportunity they need to thrive.

When an animal is selected for transport, our team places a Networking Hold on them. This hold is only good for seven days while we search for a foster home. Once the animal is tagged by a foster, they are no longer available for local adoption or foster placement. From that point forward, our partners are preparing on their end too—arranging for foster or adopter placement, promotion in their community, and making travel plans.

If the pet does not make it to the partner, it can affect their reputation with adopters or fosters who were already committed to that animal. While it can be hard to say goodbye, it is incredibly important that these animals make it to their destination so we can continue to save more lives.

Some of our partner states have strict medical entry requirements. This may include additional vaccines such as Leptospirosis, or tests like fecals and 4DX. We schedule all these appointments in advance and do our best to make it easy for you to attend. However, your commitment to these appointments is vital. Many tests must be completed within a specific timeframe before travel to be valid.

Throughout your time fostering, we ask that you fill out a Foster Report Card. This form was developed in collaboration with our transport partners and includes all the behavior and personality traits they need to successfully match pets with homes.

We ask that the first report card be submitted within two weeks. You will be able to upload up to five photos, and if your foster did not have a great photo at intake, we may request one sooner. Photos are key to getting animals adopted once they arrive.

Transport takes place over three days at our North Drop Facility, located across the street from the North Animal Campus. Here’s how it works:

• Day One: Drop-off Day. You will schedule a time to drop your foster off using the link we send by email. You may bring a go-bag (one gallon ziplock or smaller), an optional flyer about your foster, and items like toys or a blanket. You are welcome to donate those items for other pets or pick them up later. When you arrive, you will come to the door next to the garage bay and speak with our team. This is your chance to say goodbye and tell us anything we should know.

  

• Day Two: Our veterinary team comes in to complete final exams and health certificates.

• Day Three: Transport Day. Your foster begins their journey to a new life.
  

These three days are structured to ensure every pet is healthy, ready, and as stress-free as possible before travel.

Our partners do their best to send updates and adoption photos when they can. Sometimes this comes right away, and other times it may take a few weeks depending on how fast the animal gets adopted and how quickly adopters share updates. We always post them in our FWACC Foster Support Group and email them to you when available. If you’re wondering how your foster is doing, just reach out. We are always happy to follow up.

Fostering for transport isn’t just rewarding. It’s life-changing. These animals often come from difficult circumstances. Because of you, they get a chance at a safe and loving home. They get hope.

We know how emotional transport drop-off can be. Goodbyes are never easy. But take heart in knowing that the love, training, and care you gave your foster is what opened the door to their future. You are part of something bigger than one adoption. You are helping to solve the crisis of pet overpopulation and giving pets a real chance to be seen, chosen, and loved.