Foster a pet
Open your home to a foster pet
Nearly every dog in our care at Briggs needs a foster home right now. We provide everything your foster pet needs. All we ask is a loving home.
We provide everything
No cost to you
Food, supplies, crates and litter boxes, plus all vet and medical care. You provide the love.
No experience needed
Anyone can foster
First-time or lifelong pet owner, we’ll match you with an animal that fits your home. Fosters must be at least 21.
Every foster is different
Flexible commitments
How long a foster lasts depends on the animal’s age and needs. We’ll talk it through with you before you say yes.
How fostering works
Fostering gives an animal a break from the shelter and a chance to show their true personality, which helps them find their forever home.
Apply
Fill out the dog or cat foster application and agreement online.
Attend orientation
Meet our team and learn what to expect, plus how we’ll support you along the way.
Get matched
We’ll pair you with an animal whose needs fit your home, schedule, and experience.
Bring them home
We send you home with food, supplies, and a crate or litter box, and we cover all vet care.
Who needs a foster right now
Nearly all of the dogs in our care need foster homes. These pets have special needs, and the right foster home can make all the difference.
Avis
Avis is a senior with vision problems and limited mobility. She needs a calm hospice home where she can be the only pet. A single-level home with easy yard access is ideal, and we can provide a ramp.
Timmy & Speckles
Rescued from neglect, these best friends need to stay together. Timmy is shy with new people, so they’d love a quiet home with no children, ideally with a fenced yard.
Katie
Katie needs a foster with dog experience who can help her feel safe and confident.
Ruby
Ruby eats a special kidney-support diet and needs regular vet check-ups. We provide her food and all her medical care; you provide the cuddles.
Hunter
Hunter can feel anxious with new experiences, including being left alone. He’d do best in an adults-only home without cats or small animals, ideally with someone retired or working from home.
Amelio
Smart, athletic, and high-spirited, Amelio needs a foster with experience handling energetic dogs, someone who can give him structure and plenty of exercise.
See every dog who needs a home: browse our dogs →
Looking for a cat? Our kittens and bonded pair Tom & Sunni are looking for adoptive homes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to foster?
No. Anyone can foster. We’ll match you with an animal whose needs fit your experience. Some animals, like Katie, do best with an experienced dog owner, and we’ll help you find the right fit.
Does fostering cost anything?
No. We provide food, supplies, crates and litter boxes, and all vet and medical care. All we ask is that you give your foster pet a loving home.
How long does a foster last?
It varies with the animal’s age and needs. We’ll talk with you about what to expect before you bring a foster pet home.
What is a hospice foster?
A hospice foster gives a senior or medically fragile animal a comfortable, loving home for the rest of their life, instead of a kennel. Avis is looking for a hospice foster right now.
How old do I need to be?
Fosters must be at least 21 years old.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email adopt@nhes.org or call (304) 725-0506, ext. 134.
Ready to foster?
Fill out an application online. Questions? Email adopt@nhes.org or call (304) 725-0506, ext. 134.