At Loves Dogs, our mission is simple — to save as many dogs as possible and find them loving forever homes. But we don’t do it alone. One of the most powerful tools in dog rescue is collaboration, especially between animal rescues like ours and local shelters. Together, we create a network of support that gives countless dogs a second chance at life.
As a foster-based rescue and like many others, we rely entirely on a community of dedicated foster families to house and care for the dogs we help. This unique approach not only allows us to rescue more dogs but also gives them a better environment to heal, grow, and ultimately thrive. Here’s why the partnership between rescues and shelters is so important — and why foster families are at the heart of everything we do.
Why Collaboration Between Rescues and Shelters Matters
- Reducing Overcrowding in Shelters
Many municipal shelters are overwhelmed with the number of dogs coming through their doors. Sadly, when shelters reach capacity, they’re often forced to make heartbreaking decisions. That’s where rescues like Loves Dogs step in. By transferring dogs from overcrowded shelters into our network of foster homes, we free up space for more dogs in need while giving those we take in a better shot at adoption. - The Power of Foster Homes
As a foster-based rescue, we don’t operate a physical shelter. Instead, every dog in our care lives in a loving foster home until they find their forever family. This is life-changing for so many dogs — especially those who struggle in noisy, stressful shelter environments.
In foster homes, dogs can decompress, receive one-on-one attention, and get the socialization they need to become well-rounded pets. Fosters learn about the dog’s personality, quirks, and needs, which helps us match them with the right adoptive family. Plus, dogs in foster care often thrive faster, making them more adoptable in a shorter time.
- Specialized Care for At-Risk Dogs
Some dogs need extra TLC before they’re ready for adoption. Puppies, seniors, dogs with medical needs, or those recovering from trauma often don’t do well in shelters. Foster families can provide a stable, nurturing environment where these dogs can heal both physically and emotionally. - Expanding Adoption Opportunities
Shelters typically serve a specific community, but rescues like Loves Dogs operate both locally and nationally. Through our network of foster families, we can move dogs to regions where adoption demand is higher, increasing their chances of finding the perfect home.
Why Fosters Are the Heart of Our Mission
Without foster families, we simply couldn’t do what we do. Every dog we save needs a place to land, and foster homes give dogs the safe space they need to thrive while waiting for their forever family. Fosters help us:
- Save More Lives: Every new foster home means one more dog we can pull from an overcrowded shelter.
- Provide Critical Socialization: Dogs in foster care get to experience living in a home — learning routines, interacting with people and sometimes other pets, and receiving the love and attention they may have never known.
- Gain Insight for Perfect Matches: Fosters help us learn a dog’s personality, quirks, and preferences, which makes matching them with the right adopter easier and more successful.
How the Public Can Help Strengthen This Lifesaving Partnership
The bond between rescues, shelters, and fosters is only as strong as the community supporting them. Here’s how you can help:
🐾 Become a Foster Parent
Foster families are the backbone of our rescue. Whether it’s for a weekend or a few months, fostering a dog is one of the most impactful ways you can help. We provide the supplies and cover all vet care — you provide the love and a safe place to land. Click here to fill out our Foster application.
🐾 Volunteer Your Time
Even if you can’t foster, there are plenty of other ways to help. From transporting dogs to vet appointments to helping at events or assisting with administrative work, every bit of support counts.
🐾 Donate to Support Lifesaving Work
As a foster-based rescue, we depend on donations to cover medical care, food, supplies, and transportation. Every dollar directly supports dogs in foster homes and helps us rescue even more.
🐾 Help Spread the Word
Share adoptable dogs on social media, tell friends about our foster program, or advocate for responsible pet ownership. You never know who might be the next person to open their home to a dog in need.
🐾 Adopt, Don’t Shop
When you’re ready to add a furry friend to your family, choose adoption. Every time a dog is adopted, a spot opens up in a foster home for another dog in need.
Together, We Can Save More Lives
At Loves Dogs, fostering is at the heart of our mission. Our partnership with shelters, combined with the incredible dedication of our foster families, means we can give more dogs a second chance at life. But we can’t do it without the help of people like you.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, adopting, or donating, now is the time. Together, we can create a world where every dog finds their forever home. 🐾💛
Ready to foster? Click here for our Foster application.