Co-Fostering: Working Together for Better Outcomes

Co-fostering is a collaborative approach that allows two approved foster homes to share the responsibility of caring for a foster pet. This can look like alternating weeks, tag-teaming care during busy schedules or vacations, or providing backup support when one foster needs temporary assistance. When done thoughtfully and with clear communication, co-fostering can be a win for the animal, the fosters, and the organization.

More flexibility for fosters
Co-fostering allows volunteers to continue helping animals even when their schedules change. Travel, work demands, or family obligations don’t have to mean giving up a foster pet entirely.

Reduced burnout
Sharing responsibility helps prevent compassion fatigue. Having a trusted co-foster can provide relief and ensure the animal continues to receive consistent care.

More enrichment and exposure for the animal
Animals may benefit from experiencing different home environments, routines, and handlers—especially those working on confidence, socialization, or training.

Increased foster capacity
Co-fostering can allow more animals to leave the shelter by making fostering accessible to people who might not be able to commit full-time on their own.

To ensure the safety of the animal and the integrity of our foster program, the following steps are required:

• Please notify us before co-fostering begins and let us know who you will be co-fostering with.
  This allows us to verify that both foster parents are approved, eligible, and meet fostering criteria for both the organization and the specific animal’s needs.

• Approval must be confirmed in advance.
  Not all animals are appropriate for co-fostering, and some have unique medical, behavioral, or placement requirements that must be considered.

• When it is time to swap foster parents, the new foster must notify us the day they take custody of the pet.
  This ensures we can update the foster status in our system accurately and maintain clear records of where each animal is located at all times.

Successful co-fostering relies on open communication between fosters and the organization. Keeping us informed helps protect everyone involved—especially the animal—and allows us to continue offering flexible, supportive foster options.

If you’re interested in co-fostering or have questions about whether it’s a good fit for your current foster pet, please reach out to the foster team. Thank you for being part of a community that works together to give animals the best chance at success.