Why Foster?

When the Richardson Animal Shelter receives animals who are not quite ready for adoption, we look to our volunteer foster homes to care for them. Foster parents provide temporary care for shelter animals in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need several months.  Once the animal is ready to be available for adoption, the foster family returns the animal to the Richardson Animal Shelter. 

The animals most frequently in need of foster homes are underage puppies and kittens. Occasionally, there may be sick, injured or behaviorally challenged animals needing special care.  

How to get started:

In order to become a foster you must be 18 years or older with a valid Drivers License.

Please click the Foster Guide Book link and read all about our foster program.

To apply online: Fill out the Online Application directly below. 

To apply via e-mail or in person: Fill out and sign the last two pages of the Foster Guide Book which contains the foster application. Once completed, email the foster application, along with a picture of your driver license to our foster coordinator at Haley.Beavers@cor.gov or deliver the application in person to the Richardson Animal Shelter.

 If you have more questions about fostering, go to this link for Frequently Asked Questions about fostering: Foster FAQs