Get Involved

Foster Program

Becoming a foster parent for the Animal Rescue League of Boston is one of the most important ways that you can help the animals in our care, and our shelters in Boston, Brewster and Dedham are always in need of great foster parents.

Our foster parents provide love, care and attention to the animals that need to spend some time in the comfort of a home environment. The length of commitment varies; some animals only require a few weeks, some require a few months. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, here's some information you'll need to know.

Steps to becoming an Animal Rescue League of Boston Foster Parent:

1. Submit an application. You must be at least eighteen years of age to be a foster parent. (If you are younger then 18, please discuss your interest with your parents or guardian).
2. Attend a foster care orientation (once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted with an upcoming orientation date).
3. Agree to a home visit to establish a foster parent relationship with the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

Foster Parent Opportunities

There are several reasons why animals entering our care need a foster home, although there are certain foster homes that we need more than others.

Most commonly needed foster homes:

• Orphan kittens (with & without bottle feeding)
• Feline moms with litters of kittens
• Cats with upper respiratory infections
• Dogs recovering from injury/surgery
• Horses and livestock 
  

Somewhat commonly needed foster homes:

• Cats recovering from injury/surgery
• Pregnant cats
• Cats requiring a 6-month quarantine
• Dogs needing behavior rehabilitation
• Canine moms with a litter of puppies

Least commonly needed foster homes:

• Cats needing behavior rehabilitation
• Dogs recovering from illness
• Pregnant dogs
• Orphan puppies (with & without bottle feeding)
• Dogs requiring a 6-month quarantine
• Birds
• Livestock
• Rabbits and other small animals

Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster parent for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. If you have any additional questions, please contact:

Boston: Melissa Cox, assistant manager of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Animal Care and Adoption Center by email at mcox@arlboston.org or by phone at (617) 226-5634.

Dedham: Beth Finn, assistant manager of the Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center by email at bfinn@arlboston.org or by phone at (781) 326-3524.

Brewster: Kristin Barthelman-Petty, assistant manager of the Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center by email at kbarthelman@arlboston.org or by phone at (508) 255-1030.