Foster

Please read the information below about fostering a Much Love animal or email info@muchlove.org with any questions. Visit us at a mobile adoption to meet our wonderful animals.

Already know you want to foster? Fill out a foster application form and a volunteer will follow up with you within 24 hours.

Becoming a foster parent is rewarding and easy!  All it takes is filling out an application and, if approved, a volunteer will visit your home for a brief homecheck to get to you know better.  Our goal is to match a foster animal with you and your lifestyle that will be mutually beneficial — you know you are doing a wonderful service to an animal in need and the animal is introduced to what a true loving environment feels like.  By taking an animal into your home on a temporary basis, the animal is given an opportunity to adjust to a home environment, and we are given additional time to find a permanent home.

Please read the FAQ below and if you still have questions, email our Foster Committee at info@muchlove.org.

frequently asked questions

What does a foster parent do?

Foster parenting is a wonderful way to enjoy the love and attention of an animal without making a permanent commitment. Because we don’t have a permanent facility, Much Love’s foster program is one of the most crucial elements of our rescue organization. By taking an animal into your home, you are allowing it to become accustomed to a safe and loving home life. Although we can’t guarantee how long it will take to find the animal a home, the average is several weeks, however it could be as little as a few days or as much as a few months. If at any time you would like to discontinue fostering, you are always given the option to stop.

Do I get to choose which animal I want to foster?

Yes, whether you’re looking for a mellow kitty cat that sleeps all day or an active, ball-chasing dog that you can take on jogs, our goal is to place an animal with you that fits your needs and wants and is compatible with your lifestyle. We will help determine which of our pets fits that description.

I don’t think I could be a foster parent, I’d become too attached.

This is one of the most common phrases we hear each week at our adoption sites. We share the sentiment whole-heartedly. Because we take these needy animals from dire situations, nurse them back to health if they are sick, rehabilitate and train, and discover and love each of their individual personalities, we know how hard it is to separate from them when they go to new, permanent homes. But because of this strong bond, we also know how rewarding it is when watching their new owner shower them with kisses and love, and know that we had a hand in saving a life and creating a new family unit. Foster parenting is an integral part of the process, and we can only tell you that it is one of the most rewarding things around, and the reason we all work tirelessly to make it happen!

What if the animal I am fostering doesn’t work out for me?

If at any time the fit of the animal in your care is not working for you, we will be happy to take the animal back and try a different animal in its place. Just like people, animals all have different personalities, and our goal is to help find the right animal for your situation.

Do I have to pay for food or supplies for animals in my care?

Much Love provides all food and supplies while the pet is in your care, unless you would like to do so yourself. All supplies you purchase for fostering are often times tax-deductible (check with your tax advisor).

What about veterinary fees or emergency care?

Much Love gives all foster parents a list of veterinarians with whom we have associations with and pays for all veterinary fees for animals that are fostered by our kind foster parents.

If I have other animals in my home, can I still be a ‘foster parent’?

Absolutely, as long as your pets are comfortable with their new short or long-term visitors.

If I have children, does that rule us out as a foster family?

Absolutely not, although if you have toddlers in your family, we are careful in the choice of animal for your situation.

But how will the animal find a permanent home if it is living with me?

Much Love requires the animal to be available for weekend mobile adoptions where we show our animals to the public.  We ask our fosters to transport their dog or cat to at least mobile adoption each weekend.  If you can’t, we will work with you to have a volunteer transport.

How long will I be required to foster?

Because our animals have been shuffled from the street or shelters, to vet offices and then to different boarding situations, we prefer that foster parents try out the animal for as long as they are in our care. Although we can’t guarantee how long it will take to find the animal a home, the average is several weeks, however it could be as little as a few days or as much as a few months. If at any time you would like to discontinue fostering, you are always given the option to stop.

What if I have to go out of town on business or vacation?

This is the beauty of fostering! Not only are you getting the satisfaction of helping an animal in need, you don’t have to be tied down to it. If you need to go out of town for just a night or for a whole month, we will find another foster parent or a place for the animal to be boarded until you return. Much Love pays for all of the costs, if there are any, for boarding the animal while you’re away.

Is there a limit to the number of animals I can foster?

Our priority is that the animals receive the best care possible and are introduced to a loving environment where they can grow and become accustomed to new situations. Each situation is evaluated and then we determine how many animals it is practical to have in your care. We don’t want to overburden our foster families and also want to be sure our animals, and possibly your own, are all receiving the care and love they deserve. Los Angeles county limits the number of animals at a private residence to three.

Ready to start fostering?

Fill out our foster application form to help an animal in need, or e-mail our foster coordinator at foster@muchlove.org.