Become A Foster!
At Sloan & Finn Animal Rescue, our foster program is at the heart of everything we do. As a foster-based rescue, we rely on compassionate individuals to open their homes and provide temporary care, love, and stability for dogs in need until they find their forever families.
Explore this page to learn more about fostering, our requirements, what to expect, and everything you need to know to get started. You can also check out our FAQ section at the bottom of the page for answers to common questions.
Ready to make a difference? Every foster home means another life saved.
Click the links below to apply today and take the first step toward becoming a foster. You don’t have to adopt to save a life, you just have to open your home.
WHY FOSTER WITH US?
COMMUNITY
A Village of Support
You're never alone. Our foster network and expert team are available 24/7 to guide you through every tail wag and hurdle.
FINANCIALS
Zero-Cost Fostering
We cover 100% of medical bills, food, and basic supplies. Your only investment is the time and love you give to your foster dog.
IMPACT
Direct Life-Saving
Fostering allows us to take dogs out of high-kill shelters. One open home literally means one more life saved from the brink.
Fostering is one of the most impactful (and rewarding) ways to help, without the lifelong commitment of adoption.
We’ve got you covered. You provide the love, we handle the rest.
All vet care is covered
Food, supplies, crates, and support provided
Ongoing guidance from our team
We match you with a dog that fits your home & lifestyle
Whether you can foster for a week or a few months, every single day matters.
Foster Requirements
To ensure the best experience for both our fosters and our dogs, we ask that applicants meet the following:
Must be 21+ years old
Live near the Charlotte or Lake Norman area
Have a stable living environment
(landlord approval required if renting)
Have reliable transportation for vet appointments and meet-and-greets
Be able to provide a safe, structured, and loving home
Be willing to follow guidance on care, training, and introductions
Commit to fostering until adoption
(with flexibility for life’s circumstances)
What Kind Of Dogs
Are In Need?
Senior Souls
Older dogs often struggle in high-stress shelters. They simply need a quiet corner and a soft bed to spend their golden years while waiting for a family.
Medical Recovery
Dogs recovering from surgery or illness thrive in the comfort of a home. Fostering provides the focused care and peaceful environment they need to heal properly and regain their strength.
Growing Puppies
Shelters are no place for developing immune systems. Puppies need socialization and basic training in a home setting to start life on the right paw.
Shut Down Dogs
Fearful or shy dogs often shut down in loud shelters. A patient foster home helps them find their confidence and show their true, loving personalities.
Common Fostering Myths
THE COMMITMENT
Myth: "I don't have enough time for a dog."
Fact: Fostering can be as short as a weekend! We have many dogs who just need a temporary break from the shelter while we look for a long-term home.
THE HEARTSTRINGS
Myth: "I’ll get too attached to let them go."
Fact: Saying goodbye is hard, but seeing your foster dog wag their tail in their new 'forever' home is the ultimate reward. It means you saved a life!
THE
COST
Myth: "Fostering is too expensive."
Fact: Sloan & Finn covers all medical expenses and provides basic supplies. Your only job is to provide the love and a roof over their head.
"I foster because animal welfare is incredibly important to me. What started in college quickly became a true passion. Watching a dog go from having nothing to being loved by a family is an unmatched feeling. I believe everyone should foster at least once, it’s an experience that stays with you forever."
— Haley M.
Why Fostering Matters
Fostering gives a dog a safe place to land while they wait for their forever family.
Your home provides the love, stability, and support they need to heal and grow, and helps us save another dog in need.
How It Works
STEP 01
Apply to Foster
Fill out our simple application so we can learn more about your home and lifestyle.
STEP 02
Get Matched
We work with you to find a dog that fits perfectly into your current household dynamics.
STEP 03
Foster & Save
Welcome your foster dog home! We provide the support and supplies; you provide the love.