Volunteer Foster Parents

Are you searching for a new love in your life? Hungry for the pitter patter of little feet around the house? If so, we have the answer for you. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is seeking dedicated, energetic and patient foster parents to care for underage and underweight puppies and kittens. Puppies and kittens under eight weeks of age and weighing under two pounds are not candidates for adoption. They are highly susceptible to disease and a host of health problems, and need special care and supervision. The League doesn't have the resources, the manpower, or the proper environment to care for these animals. We need foster parents to provide them with a warm, friendly place to live until they can be considered for adoption.

Foster Parent Responsibilities

Foster parents will care for puppies and kittens in their own homes on a temporary basis. Parents will feed, socialize, medicate, groom and train foster animals according to the guidelines set forth by the League. The time commitment may range from a few days to a few weeks, from a few hours a day to round-the-clock care, depending upon the age and situation of each fosterling. The League will provide you with everything you and your young charges require. You need only provide the tender loving care and attention these fosterlings crave. Fostering a young animal is hard work. It requires a great deal of time, energy, and affection. It can be difficult, frustrating, and sometimes heartbreaking. But you have the chance to make a monumental difference in the lives of these young animals and in your community--you can give these animals a chance at a happy life! We need your help to make this program a success.

Foster Parent Requirements

You must be a current League volunteer to participate in the Foster Program. If you are a volunteer, you may print a foster program application here, request one by calling (703) 931-9241, or pick one up at the League. If you are not currently a volunteer, you may request an application by e-mailing volunteer@awla.org, by calling the above-listed number, or pick one up at the League. Be sure to note on the application that you are interested in the foster program. You may submit your foster program application in conjunction with your volunteer application. You may return these applications by mail, email, fax or hand delivery. Click here for the fax number and address of the League. Once we receive your application, we will contact you to schedule an orientation. Please note that additional training and a home visit are required before a volunteer may start fostering.

Please contact the Foster Program Coordinator at foster@awla.org if you have any questions.