Foster a dog

Give animals a temporary home

Foster Now

WHY FOSTER

Saving an animal's life

We get it – adoption is not for everyone and it’s also not the only answer to our rescue mission. Fostering is also critical to our rescue work here at HKPAWS and it can make a huge difference in an animal’s home-searching journey.


How fostering helps

  • Provide a safe harbour with food, warmth and care while the animal waits for a forever home
  • Help to tend to those in need of dedicated care, e.g. cats and dogs after an operation,  new born puppies & kittens
  • Relieve the capacity of our shelters and enable us to rescue more in dire needs from the streets
  • Allow them to socialize with humans and other furry friends as early as possible, and develop good manners


Plus it’s a really rewarding experience for your family members, kids and pets at home to build a precious bonding with another animal!

Fostering Explained

Responsibilities of Fosters

Introduce your foster dog to potential adopters 👥

Care for basic daily needs like regular feeding and attending medical appointments 🐶

Lots of love ❤

Requirements

Dog Fosters Eligibility

To start the process, you will be asked to fill in an  Dog Foster Form for us to assess your conditions whether you would be a good fit.

These include:

Applicant must be 25 years old or above

Your residence building must be dog-friendly and have adequate space for the size of a dog

The dog must have its own indoor space to rest and sleep

Your family/co-live partner are supportive and suitable with dogs

The other pet(s) (if there are) are suitable with dogs

The dog must not be left alone in the house for long hours

STEPS TO FOSTER

HKPAWS Fostering Process

STEP 1:  
Complete Form -

Submit the Adopt/ Foster Form, including the name of the specific pet you are interested in.

STEP 2:  
Wait to Be Contacted -
Our volunteers will reach out to you within 14 days if you are right fit for fostering, explaining the fostering requirement and responsibility.

Due to overwhelming responses, our team will only be in touch via phone call / WhatsApp if you have met the conditions.

STEP 3:
Meet N’ Greet -  
Arrangements will be made for you to meet the potential dog(s), either in Bow Wow Inn or with the current foster.

STEP 4:
Fulfil Foster Duties –

During foster care, HKPAWS will provide food supplies, equipment needed such as crates & harness, and cover all necessary medical costs for the dog. We will also support you with basic training guidance and integration tips. As fosters, you are required to bring the dog to adoption events and medical appointments.

STEP 1:   FORM - Fill in the foster application form

STEP 2:  CONTACT - HK PAWS volunteer will reach out to you within 14 days if you are right fit for fostering, explaining the fostering requirement and responsibility,

STEP 3: MATCH MAKING - You can pick the cats who are currently in cat house based on appearance and characteristics. Please also let our volunteer know your availability and if there are any situations in advance.

STEP 4: CAT PICK UP - It’s time to pick up bring the lovely animal home. 🏡

Interesting in fostering?
Please complete the questionnaire below!
🐶  Dog FOSTER form

FOSTERING

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements for dog foster?

To start the process, you will be asked to fill in an online questionnaire for us to assess your conditions whether you would be a good fit. These include:

  • Applicant must be age 25+
  • Yourresidence building must be dog-friendly and have adequate space for the size of a dog
  • The dog must have its own indoor space to rest and sleep
  • The dog must not be left alone in the house for long hours
  • Your family/co-live partner are supportive and suitable with dogs
  • The other pet(s) (if there are) are suitable with dogs
How is fostering different from adoption?

Fostering is when you provide a temporary home for our dog(s) for a period of time, while getting the dog ready to integrate into society and up for adoption.

What are the responsibilities of a dog foster?

Short answer: lots of love! But there are also other key duties:

  • Care for the basic daily needs of your foster dog, including regular walking and feeding
  • Assist in teaching basic commands and manners to the dog
  • Bring your foster dog to adoption events and medical appointments, and introduce your foster dog to potential adopters

Can I pick which pet I want to foster?

In many cases, when you decide to adopt a dog, you may have some input or preference in selecting the specific dog, you want to care for. We often consider factors like your living situation, experience, and the needs of the animal when matching you with a dog.

Can I foster a dog if I have other pets in my home?

We will conduct thorough assessments including home visits and trials to make sure the foster and your pets get along. Introductions and proper precautions are typically recommended.

I only have a few days of holidays, can I foster?

Fostering a dog typically requires a longer time commitment than just a few days, as animals need stability and time to adjust to a new environment. If you have only a few days of holidays, it might be challenging to provide the necessary care and attention a foster pet requires. Consider other ways to support animal welfare, such as volunteering at Bow Wow Inn or cat shelter.

How long is fostering?

The duration of fostering can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors like the dog's needs, age, temperament, and how long it takes for the dog to be rehomed. It's essential to discuss the expected duration with us before committing to a foster placement.

Can I keep the foster pet or find them a home?

We very much appreciate your willingness to help with the rehoming process of the foster dog, by either spreading the words or considering adopting the dog yourself! The specific arrangements can vary, so it's best to discuss your preferences and bring it forward with us as the final decision resides with HKPAWS.

What should I do if the foster shows signs of illness or distress?

If you notice any concerning symptoms or behaviors in the foster, contact us for guidance on how to address the issue promptly.

What if I have questions after I get the foster pet home?

If you have questions or need support after bringing a foster pet home, we are readily available to provide guidance and assistance. We value open communications, so seek help when needed to ensure the well-being of the animal in your care.

NOT READY TO ADOPT OR FOSTER?

More ways to support our dogs and cats

Support our Operation

We're seeing more abandoned pets in HK - and with your support, we will never turn them away.

Your donation will be 100% contributed to the animals waiting for home, which includes food, health check, surgeries and more!

Donate Now

Become our Volunteer

If you love pets and would like to spend some of your time to help those in need, we’ve got some amazing volunteering opportunities for you!

Join our team of volunteers on rescue mission or skill-based, there are plenty to do.

How It Works