Foster Program

Why Foster?

Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster parent with the Wayne County Dog Shelter!

Foster families are a vital network that enable us to expand our ability to care for animals far beyond the walls of our shelter.  By fostering a homeless animal, you can experience the joys of being a pet parent without the lifetime of responsibility.

The Wayne County Dog Shelter seeks foster families for a broad range of needs:

  • Moms and Pups & Orphaned Pups

    Pups require extra TLC!  Mom and pups need a quiet place to rest until the pups are old enough to be adopted.  Puppies who lack a mother or are too young for adoption need to be placed in homes with fosters who have had prior experience caring for orphaned pups.



  • A Much-Needed Break from the Kennel

    Animals of any age who have been living at the Dog Shelter for an extended period of time can be sent into foster care to escape the stress of a kennel environment.



  • Medical Care

    Animals with specific medical needs are placed in foster homes.  The Dog Shelter medical staff coordinates all required vaccinations, medications, and medical care while these animals are in foster care.



  • Behavior

    Animals who require special training or socialization before they are ready for adoption are sent into qualified foster homes to receive appropriate training and care before being adopted. 



  • Hospice Care

    Occasionally we receive animals who require loving care for the remainder of their lives.

Holiday Sleepover!

Research shows that any amount of time out of the shelter environment is beneficial to shelter dogs, so what better time for a dog to be in a home than for the holidays.  Foster families LOVE our holiday sleepover program because there are so many benefits to both people and dogs. The holidays can be emotional for many people and having a loving companion there by your side could make all the difference. If you are having a low key holiday consider spending it with a shelter dog. The information you provide about your time with the dog you choose to foster will greatly help to find them a furever home. 

How it works

  • Submit and Application

    The first step in becoming a foster for WCDS is filling out a Foster Application which can be found below. Once approved, we will contact you to set up a time to meet a furry friend! 

  • Meet a Dog

    Click HERE to view our adoptable dogs. Check with a staff member to see which ones are available for fostering or a holiday sleepover. 

  • Support

    Many prospective foster families have questions about the experience and if they are qualified to foster an animal. 


    Contact our Shelter Manager, Stephanie, at 330-345-1018 ext. 204.

Foster Application

Foster Application