Dog Foster Parent

About the Role

Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue is always looking for compassionate people willing to open their homes to dogs in need. We rescue dogs from overcrowded Southern California shelters and support approximately 80 active Ace rescue dogs living in foster homes throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Every foster home allows us to save another life.

Fostering involves providing a temporary, safe, and loving home while the dog waits for adoption or another approved placement. Fosters help with daily care, exercise, feeding, basic routines, transportation when needed, and updates that help us learn more about each dog. Placements may range from a few weeks to long-term fostering.

Types of Dogs Needing Foster Homes

• Senior miniature and small-breed mixes under 15 pounds
• Calm adult companion dogs
• Playful, energetic family dogs
• Puppies and younger dogs needing structure
• Large breeds weighing 60–100 pounds
• Giant breeds, including our 150-pound Mastiff mix, Zen
• Dog-friendly dogs
• Cat-friendly dogs
• Dogs who must be the only pet
• Shy or fearful dogs needing patience
• Dogs requiring experienced, dog-savvy handlers
• Bonded pairs who need to stay together

Special Foster Needs

We especially need:

• Long-term foster homes
• Large- and giant-breed fosters
• Adult-only homes
• Only-dog homes
• Homes without cats
• Cat-friendly homes
• Experienced handlers for dogs with reactivity or behavioral needs
• Active fosters for energetic dogs
• Quiet homes for seniors or shy dogs
• Reliable fosters who can help during urgent shelter pulls

Responsibilities

• Provide a temporary, safe, and loving home for a rescue dog
• Assist with daily care, exercise, feeding, and basic routines
• Transport the dog to/from vet appointments as needed
• Attend adoption events and supply pickups at Petco in West Hollywood every other Saturday
• Provide updates to help us learn more about each dog
• Commit to the foster dates listed or at least 4 weeks for long-term fostering

Requirements

• Must be 21 or older
• Must have full approval from landlord, roommates, family, etc.
• Must be able to transport the dog to/from vet appointments as needed
• Must be able to commit to foster dates or at least 4 weeks for long-term fostering

What to Include in Your Response

• Full name
• Phone number
• City
• Household members
• Current pets
• Dog experience
• Home type
• Preferred dog size or personality
• How long you may be available to foster
• Types of dogs you are comfortable fostering
• Any dogs or behaviors that would not be appropriate for your household

Support Provided

Ace of Hearts provides approved veterinary care, rescue guidance, and ongoing support. Food and supplies are also provided or coordinated depending on the placement.

We have dogs needing placement throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, the South Bay, Oceanside, and the greater San Diego area.