Pet Fostering Options for Every Lifestyle: Choose the One That’s Right for You

Interested in fostering a pet but not sure it fits your lifestyle? Good news! From having a few free hours or the ability to host a pet for a few months, there’s a pet foster opportunity that's sure to fit your lifestyle, experience level, and comfort zone. From daytime outings to couch crashing for a few weeks, here’s a breakdown of the most common types of pet fostering—so you can find your ideal foster option.

Daytime Foster

Best for: People who can't have a pet at home

Not able or ready to bring a pet home overnight? No problem. Many shelters and rescues need fosters to take pets out for a few hours during the day for walks, playtime, fresh air, and fun. This kind of short-term interaction helps pets decompress and stay socialized while they wait to be adopted at the shelter.

Weekend Foster

Best for: First-time fosters

Fostering over the weekend gives a pet a cozy spot to relax while offering you the joy of trying companionship without the long-term commitment. Weekend fosters help pets build confidence, adjust to new environments, or simply enjoy a quiet break from their shelter friends. Many times, weekend fosters are helping a full-time foster caregiver when they have a conflict. This is a great option if you want to try fostering before you care for a foster pet for more than a few days.

Senior Pet Foster

Best for: First-time fosters or low-energy households

Older pets are often already trained, calm, and content with a comfy bed and a little love. Fostering a senior pet provides a peaceful home while they wait for adoption. It’s a gentle way to start your foster journey and make a big difference.

Dog Foster

Best for: Fosters that can provide play, structure and quality time

Fostering adult dogs may involve training reminders and helping them show their true personality. You become a key part of their journey by reinforcing good habits and giving them the structure they need to thrive in a future home.

Cat Foster

Best for: Fosters with a calm and quiet home

Fostering cats gives them a chance to come out of their shell, learn boundaries, and develop trust. Whether you’re caring for a shy adult or a playful teen, you’re preparing them to seamlessly transition to a new family once they’re adopted.

Puppy Foster

Best for: Patient and active fosters with a little extra time to give

Puppies need structure and stimulation. Fostering these cuties means working on crate training, potty habits, and basic commands. It’s a bit of a whirlwind, but the rewards of watching them learn and thrive are priceless.

Kitten Foster

Best for: Dedicated fosters

Teaching kittens how to play and socialize helps young cats develop into confident, happy companions. If you're lucky, you might get to help mama cat too, offering a safe space for the whole family.

Neonatal Foster

Best for: Experienced, highly committed fosters

Neonatal kittens or puppies are typically 4 weeks or younger and need around-the-clock care, including bottle feeding and temperature regulation. Your role as a foster is crucial and incredibly rewarding, but it does require serious dedication.

Medical or Hospice Foster

Best for: Experienced fosters with big hearts

These pets need extra TLC. They’re likely looking for someone to help them recover from surgery, manage chronic illness, or make them comfortable in the later stages of life. Providing medical or hospice care is one of the most compassionate foster roles, offering pets dignity, love, and support when they need it most.

The Bottom Line: There’s a Foster Option for You

Whether you're dipping your toes in with a daytime stroll or opening your home for a longer stay, there’s a foster option that fits your lifestyle. Connect with your local shelter or rescue to find the best match for your availability, energy level, and comfort zone. Every time you foster you save pet lives!

Petco Love recognizes June as National Foster a Pet Month to help save the lives of shelter pets across the country. However, fostering is needed year-round. Reach out to your local shelter or rescue at any time of the year to make a difference for pets in your community. 

Already foster? Help us inspire others to foster by sharing your favorite foster date activities on social and tagging @petcolove.