Apply to Foster today

Fostering a dog in need can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience for both you and the dog. When you open up your home to a foster dog, you’re giving them a second chance at life and the opportunity to learn how to be a part of a loving family.

Foster Carers are gold to us and we can always do with more.

There are countless dogs in shelters and rescues that are in need of temporary homes, and fostering is an important way to help these dogs get the care and attention they need while they wait for their forever homes. By fostering a dog, you’re not only providing a safe and comfortable place for them to stay, but you’re also helping them socialise, learn new behaviours, and adjust to life outside of the shelter environment.

Pug in Jumper and Glasses

Duration of Foster Care

ARF’s objective is to foster a dog for as long as it takes for a new permanent home to be found. Some dogs are adopted in a couple of weeks, others may take many months, and some are so gorgeous that the carers fall in love with them and adopt them themselves.

“We have learnt so much from fostering in the last 5 years and have made heaps of friends in the rescue community. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a go.”

Kally, Volunteer Foster Carer

“I was able to have a part in the rescue of hundreds if not thousands of dogs. This makes me incredibly proud…”

Beverley, Foster Carer & Foster Carer Mentor.
Pug in Jumper and Glasses

We do have some criteria a new foster carer must meet

  • Have owned a dog as an adult
  • Have an interest in animal behaviour
  • Ability and willingness to train your foster dog. Most foster dogs have limited training and often have some behavioural issues
  • Suitable yard and secure fencing (live in an apartment? not a problem – talk to us).

  • We expect dogs to be allowed inside and be part of the family.

  • Ability to create a separation area (if there are multiple dogs)
  • Able to attend our ARF training sessions throughout the year on a variety of dog and fostering specific subjects.
  • Have any other animals in your care vaccinated and desexed
  • If renting or a Body Corporate, have a dog permission letter from your landlord or Committee.
  • Have your own vehicle
  • Have a LOT of love to give!

Different dogs come into care with a wide variety of needs and requirements. So because of this we have a Perfect Match rating system Gold, Silver and Bronze.

We use this system to work out what rating you would be as a foster carer and we also rate the dogs based on their behaviours observed during temperament testing, this way we ensure that you are suitably matched with the right dog for your household.

Dog holding teddy ready for fostering
Dog holding teddy ready for fostering
Dog stood on back legs in long grass, panting heavily.

Things to consider

  • Time required to rehome the dog including training, responding to enquiries, etc.
  • Impact on your household – children and pets.
  • Type of dogs you are interested in fostering. ARF most frequently get medium sized dogs, often staffies, bull arabs and working breeds. We do also get other breed mixes and occasionally small dogs but these are the minority.
  • Please note that we can only accept foster carers from the Canberra/Queanbeyan/Yass region.

As a foster carer, it can be difficult to say goodbye to a dog that you’ve cared for and grown attached to. However, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of fostering is to provide a temporary home for a dog until they can be adopted into a loving forever home.

When the time comes for your foster dog to be adopted, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, including sadness and worry about their future. But it’s important to trust the adoption process and the new family that will be taking in your foster dog. Remember that by letting go, you’re making space in your home and in your heart for another dog in need.

Seeing your foster dog happy and loved in their forever home can bring a sense of joy and fulfilment that makes the goodbye worth it.

In the end, being a foster carer is about selflessly giving your time and love to a dog in need, with the goal of helping them find their forever home. While saying goodbye may be bittersweet, it’s a reminder of the positive impact you’ve made on the life of a dog, and the potential to make a difference in the lives of many more.

Dog stood on back legs in long grass, panting heavily.

What we offer

  • Mentoring system for new foster carers
  • Training and information sessions throughout the year
  • Access to ARF Park a private dog park in Canberra.
  • Access to Underdog training resources
  • A community of dog lovers

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