Foster with PACA

Dog Fostering

Fostering a dog or puppy saves a life. Every foster home directly impacts the number of dogs we can help as a foster based rescue. Fostering dogs or puppies is a rewarding and fun experience. Fostering is a great way to enjoy a dog if you can’t add a dog to your household permanently. Get your puppy fix, and allow your family to contribute to a worthwhile cause, without a long-term commitment. Fostering a dog changes that dog’s life forever.

PACA is all about the match in both fostering and adoption. We can find a foster dog that fits your household and lifestyle. Usually our dogs need some help with house-training and learning how to be a pet, but we supply a crate and support on how to achieve these things. We also ask that you transport your foster dog to any vet appointments, usually for spay/neuter. All medical care is paid for by PACA.

On 1st & 3 rd Saturdays you may bring your foster dog our adoption clinic and meet our other volunteers. Fostering allows the dog to adapt to a home environment and allows PACA to learn about the dog and place the dog appropriately in a good home.

If you would like to foster a dog, please fill out the volunteer application and we will contact you.

Please e-mail pacadogs@aol.com with any questions.

Cat Fostering

Would you like to have a cat or some adorable kittens short term to give them a good start to the rest of their life? Cat foster homes are needed for kittens (or moms and kittens) too young to adopt out; for cats needing medication or recovery time after a medical treatment; or for cats who just need a break from being in a cage.

You can foster a cat for just a week, or you can foster a litter of kittens so they get plenty of socialization and become great pets. We’re very flexible. Some cats can interact with your own cats and dogs; others will do great if they stay in a separate room such as a bedroom.

If you’re interested in fostering cats, please email us at pacacats@aol.com or call (505) 255-0544 and leave a message.

Foster FAQs

What if I get too attached?

Fostering a pet is an incredible gift to give to a dog or cat. We know our foster homes form strong bonds with pets in their care. We encourage our foster homes to be involved in choosing a home for their foster pet so they can feel good about their foster pet’s future and will want to foster another animal. We have a thorough adoption process so we can find a great home for your foster dog or cat.

What if my foster animal gets sick?

PACA covers all medical costs for foster animals. We have a couple of veterinarians in Albuquerque we work with to care for your foster animal. If your foster animal becomes sick, just contact your representative and they will coordinate care thru pre-authorized medical facilities.

What are my responsibilities as a foster parent?

We ask our foster homes to provide a loving environment with appropriate boundaries and limitations so as to create the most stable and peaceful experience for everyone involved. We will provide food if we have donated packages available. Otherwise, we ask you to provide food for your foster pet. We ask that you are available to transport the animal to any necessary vet appointments. Attending adoption event is highly encouraged to get your foster pet exposure for adoption, but not required. We can make arrangements for transportation if needed.

Can I meet the new adopters?

Yes, as a foster parent you can be as involved or as un-involved as you feel comfortable with when meeting potential adopters. We have experienced volunteers that can assist you with this process.

What is the time committment?

We like our foster homes to commit to their current foster dog or cat until an adoption. After that, it’s up to you if you want to take on another dog or cat right away, or just take a little break. Whatever you have the capacity to give is appreciated by the animals you help.

What if it doesn't work out with the foster in my home, or what if my pets do not get along with the new addition?

Rest assured, if you are encountering any problems with your foster animal we have support available. Depending on the situation, we have experienced volunteers or a trainer available to help with common and minor hiccups along the way. If we need to move your foster dog or cat to a different location, for any reason, we will do so as soon as possible. We want fostering to be a positive experience for everyone involved, so you don’t have to keep a foster animal in your home if it isn’t working out.