Anne Hendricks, outreach coordinator with All 4 Paws Rescue, a nonprofit, foster-based, all-breed organization located in Malvern, is familiar with the most common excuse potential pet foster parents give. "They all say, 'I could never foster because I would want to adopt them all,'" noted Hendricks, who has fostered more than 100 dogs over nine years. "We have all foster-failed at least once," she added, referring to a foster dog she knew she would be keeping within the first 24 hours of fostering her.

According to Kisha Reinmiller, site director for Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center, many who foster do become adoptive pet parents. "We are always recruiting new fosters," she shared. "A lot of them adopt for the first time."

Both organizations reported that becoming a foster parent for an animal is not complicated. The Lancaster Center application can be found online at http://www.pspca.org, and the All 4 Paws application is at http://www.all4pawsrescue.com. Representatives of both organizations noted that the foster application is similar to the adoption application. "We process (the applications), and then we reach out," said Reinmiller.

Hendricks pointed out that for potential fosters who already have pets, contacting the applicant's vet is a crucial step. "We talk to the vet to be sure (the applicant's) pets have been well taken care of," she stated.

Once an applicant is approved, the organization will want to learn the type of animal the foster parent would like to take in. "A lot of folks have preferences, whether it's a large or small dog, a cat, or kittens," stated Reinmiller. Other questions may reference lifestyle and family size, such as whether the home is high traffic.

At All 4 Paws, foster coordinator Melissa Kuchinski will contact the approved applicant to discuss the age and size of a possible foster dog and to learn whether small children or cats are present in the home. "We try to place (animals that) we think would work in that home," explained Hendricks. Special attention is given to place animals with medical issues with more experienced foster caregivers, since these animals usually remain in foster care longer than the typical stay, which can range from a day or two to several months.

Meeting the animal that will be fostered is treated much like an adoption meeting at the Lancaster Center. If the meeting goes well, the foster care provider will receive crates, toys, food, and treats, and any necessary medical care will be covered.

"The fosters are not out-of-pocket for anything (at All 4 Paws)," explained Hendricks. "We give them the white glove treatment," she added, noting that the organization depends on donations to make that possible. Fosters also receive a list of rules that include instructions such as keeping a leash on the dog at all times. "Rescue dogs are a huge flight risk," noted Hendricks. "It's easier and safer to grab a leash than a dog."

Training for dogs and foster parents can also be part of the mix. "We have training partners who work with us," shared Hendricks, who recalled a dog she fostered who did not like to meet new people. "A training partner met with us for an hour and gave me hints, and (that dog is) now in a wonderful home," she shared.

At the Lancaster Center, foster parents are given direct access to SPCA staff members even after hours. "We can counsel, provide handouts, or talk on the phone about what to do with certain behaviors," explained Reinmiller, who reaches out to fosters weekly to see how things are going.

According to Reinmiller, foster parents are a great source of information about the pet and provide photos and videos that help in the adoption process. "We are a municipal shelter contracted with local police to take strays," explained Reinmiller, who noted that each dog is assessed at the center. "Foster homes are really helpful for us to get home knowledge for the dogs in our care ... especially with dogs that are a little shy or have behavioral concerns or need medical care."

Hendricks agreed, noting, "We can make a good match (for an adoptive home) using the information about the (pet provided by foster parents)."

Finding foster homes with volunteers who have had pets but do not have any at the moment is especially helpful because those foster parents have experience but are able to focus more on the animal being fostered.

Both organizations accept cats as well. "For the most part (with) cats, it's mostly kitten fostering," said Reinmiller. "It's socializing and housing until they are old enough to come to the shelter for adoption." Kittens must be eight weeks old or weigh two pounds to stay at the shelter.

At All 4 Paws Rescue, both rescues and owner surrenders that are not immediately adopted go to foster homes the same day. "We like the foster care system because it gives the (pet) a home as opposed to a kennel," said Hendricks. "It's about whether we have a foster home (available) that will work," she added, pointing out that foster homes are always needed. Reflecting on her own experience fostering, Hendricks stated that she has reaped many benefits. "It's wonderful to be part of a dog's journey," she said.