One black and two grey and white kittens perched upon a modern grey microfiber chair with an orange rug beneath it.

Fostering Survey

We asked foster families and here's what they said.

For shelters and rescue organizations around the country, the huge number of people stepping up to foster has been a silver lining to the COVID-19 outbreak. Best Friends surveyed 321 foster families and discovered just how much opportunity there is to build on this momentum and effect lasting change for animals in the shelter system through foster programs.

Indeed, we can ensure foster families stay engaged and excited about their role in providing temporary safe and loving homes to pets as together, we bring this country to no-kill.

How did they hear about foster care?

Most learned about the need for foster care from social media, a local shelter, or a rescue group.

bar graph showing information regarding foster homes

How many already have pets in the home?

It turns out, most people already have their own pets in addition to their fosters.

a row of dogs at 62% and a row of cats at 71%

What do people fostering animals request and expect from their local organizations?

6 bullet points of foster expectations

Additional facts and figures

While 58% say they are unlikely to adopt their current foster animal, 95% have already facilitated the adoption of their foster pet or are comfortable working directly with prospective adopters to do so.

41.3% of foster families are renters. Target age is between 26 and 45