Interested in Fostering?
Thank you for your interest in fostering pets with The Rescue Crew. Foster homes allow us to save animals from a variety of situations by providing them with temporary care and shelter until they are adopted. By opening up your heart and home to foster a dog or cat in need, you’re not only helping to save their lives, you’re providing the individual attention and love these animals desperately need and deserve.
The Rewards of Fostering.
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Fostering pays big time! In loving kisses, warm cuddles and endless adventures. One look into the eyes of the rescue pet you’re fostering, knowing that you may very well be the only reason they are still on this earth, and your heart will be full of joy and pride. It’s an amazingly rewarding experience.
Fosters are an invaluable, wonderful group of people who endure all the highs and lows of pet ownership, only to let the animals they have loved so much and worked so hard for go, so they can help save another life in urgent need. Although fostering is a lot of work, it is a wonderful gift you can give to animals in need, and a very rewarding experience. It’s only because of individuals like yourself – those willing to help an animal in need, that we can continue in our shared goal to “Save a Life Today.” |
Want to learn more? View and download our comprehensive Foster Care Manual.
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Fostering a Pet with The Rescue Crew.
The Rescue Crew Foster Program strives to help the Twin Cities' and more broadly the state of Minnesota's most at-risk pets who need us most: large breed dogs, adult cats, underage kittens (bottle babies and older) and medical/special needs pets. It can be difficult to find foster caregivers willing and able to open their homes to these most critical pets filling our local shelters. Of course, we will help any pet in need when we can. Our only real requirement is that we have a commited and available foster caregiver that is willing to take the pet into their home and provide the care they need.
It Doesn't Happen Overnight.
It's important to understand that animals are as individual as people. It takes time for them to adjust to new surroundings, sights and sounds and to acclimate to their new environment. Are you able and willing to spend the time and effort necessary to help a pet adjust to your home and lifestyle? And, if needed, conduct slow and proper introductions to your resident pets, if any?
The dogs and cats coming into rescue aren't typically ready for adoption right away. Opening your home as a foster is a great way to help out! If you have pets and are able to provide additional space for a foster pet, we would love to have your help too! Your foster pet may need a little training, medical care or just some extra attention. We’ll provide everything else to help set you up for success as best we can.
Here’s how it works:
That's right!!! All those fuzzy grins, sloppy kisses, grateful tail wags and unlimited cuddles can be yours. The bonus? Your commitment today can help Save a Life Today of companion animals in need. It's a win-win, don't you think?!
Here’s how it works:
- You provide: A temporary place to crash.
- You receive: Food and supplies, veterinary care, and access to a dedicated support team.
- You provide: Care and love.
- You receive: Endless love from your foster pet and the satisfaction of helping to save a life of animals in need.
That's right!!! All those fuzzy grins, sloppy kisses, grateful tail wags and unlimited cuddles can be yours. The bonus? Your commitment today can help Save a Life Today of companion animals in need. It's a win-win, don't you think?!
Frequently Asked Questions.
Where do the animals come from?
The animals who are in need of foster care come to us from various different situations:
Shelters & Impounds. The Rescue Crew takes in animals from local shelters and humane societies. These shelters are located primarily within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, but we partner with shelters across the entire state and a select group of out of state shelters.
Tribal lands & communities. There are a number of reservations in Minnesota and neighboring states where opportunities for housing and needed veterinary care of companion animals is poor or non-existent. As is the case in the United States as a whole, the problem of pet overpopulation on these tribal lands can be even more extreme.
Owner surrenders & returns. Many animals are surrendered each year by their owners. Sometimes there are circumstances beyond one’s control. An owner may become ill and is no longer able to care for their pet. Or the owner passes away, and there is no family member willing and/or able to care for their pet.
Then, there are some pets that are victims, through no fault of their own, when their owners are unable or unwilling to meet the demands of pet ownership. The puppy is too active or got too big, the cat is clawing on furniture, the dog/cat is too old, etc.
The Rescue Crew also strives to make a lifetime commitment to every animal we rescue. This means that if, for any reason, an adopter can no longer keep their adopted pet, we request they contact us so we can make every effort to secure foster placement so the pet can come back to us or another rescue organization. If one of our adopted pets ends up at a shelter, we will pick the animal up and take them back into rescue. All of our adopted pets are microchipped, and our name stays on the chip as a Guardian for the life of the animal, so we will always be notified if one of our adopted pets sadly finds its way into a shelter or impound.
Rescue transfers. On occasion, we may be asked to assist with placement of an animal in the care of another rescue organization. When these organizations feel they do not have appropriate and proper placement for the pet, or they have no available foster homes, they may reach out to one of the other many rescue organizations, like The Rescue Crew, requesting assistance in placing the pet. Alternatively, there may be instances where we do the same and seek help from other rescue partners.
Shelters & Impounds. The Rescue Crew takes in animals from local shelters and humane societies. These shelters are located primarily within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, but we partner with shelters across the entire state and a select group of out of state shelters.
Tribal lands & communities. There are a number of reservations in Minnesota and neighboring states where opportunities for housing and needed veterinary care of companion animals is poor or non-existent. As is the case in the United States as a whole, the problem of pet overpopulation on these tribal lands can be even more extreme.
Owner surrenders & returns. Many animals are surrendered each year by their owners. Sometimes there are circumstances beyond one’s control. An owner may become ill and is no longer able to care for their pet. Or the owner passes away, and there is no family member willing and/or able to care for their pet.
Then, there are some pets that are victims, through no fault of their own, when their owners are unable or unwilling to meet the demands of pet ownership. The puppy is too active or got too big, the cat is clawing on furniture, the dog/cat is too old, etc.
The Rescue Crew also strives to make a lifetime commitment to every animal we rescue. This means that if, for any reason, an adopter can no longer keep their adopted pet, we request they contact us so we can make every effort to secure foster placement so the pet can come back to us or another rescue organization. If one of our adopted pets ends up at a shelter, we will pick the animal up and take them back into rescue. All of our adopted pets are microchipped, and our name stays on the chip as a Guardian for the life of the animal, so we will always be notified if one of our adopted pets sadly finds its way into a shelter or impound.
Rescue transfers. On occasion, we may be asked to assist with placement of an animal in the care of another rescue organization. When these organizations feel they do not have appropriate and proper placement for the pet, or they have no available foster homes, they may reach out to one of the other many rescue organizations, like The Rescue Crew, requesting assistance in placing the pet. Alternatively, there may be instances where we do the same and seek help from other rescue partners.
What do foster families need to provide?
Everything you may need to care for your foster pet can be provided by The Rescue Crew. What we ask of you includes:
- A healthy and safe environment for your foster pet.
- Transportation to and from all vet appointments needed and possible adoption events to help your foster's adoption options.
- Socialization and cuddle time to help teach your foster positive family and pet relationships.
- Lots of exercise and positive stimulation to help them develop into great family pets.
- Your active participation in helping your foster pet get adopted. This includes drafting of a pet biography for our website and providing adorable pictures of your foster pet.
How much time do I need to spend with my foster pet?
As much time as you can. With that said, the amount of time will vary depending on the energy level and needs of the pet you are fostering. It is ideal to spend around two hours a day exercising and playing with your foster pet to ensure that he or she receives adequate socialization and stimulation.
Please refer to the "Time Commitments & Responsibilities" chart below that can better help to set expectations.
Please refer to the "Time Commitments & Responsibilities" chart below that can better help to set expectations.
Can I foster if I have a full-time job?
Yes. Our foster application is designed as a survey to help our team members match you with an appropriate animal for your schedule and lifestyle. For example, If you have a full-time job, we may try to match you with an animal who may be comfortable alone during the day. You would then just need to provide ample attention and/or exercise before and after your work day.
How long will the animal need to be in foster care?
It varies. Ideally, foster animals stay in their assigned foster homes until they get adopted. We do not have a physical location or boarding facility to house animals, so all of the animals in our care rely on foster caregivers as their home between homes. In emergency situations, we may be able to provide short-term boarding.
Please refer to the "Time Commitments & Responsibilities" chart below that can better help to set expectations.
Please refer to the "Time Commitments & Responsibilities" chart below that can better help to set expectations.
Can I let my foster play with my personal pets?
There are a few guidelines that we ask foster families to adhere to regarding their personal pets. While foster animals playing with other pets is often fine, we advise that you consult with your veterinarian before fostering to ensure that all of your personal pets are healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines. Again, animals in shelters are very susceptible to illness and can carry or catch different diseases. If, for any reason, your personal pet becomes ill while you are fostering, we cannot provide medical care or cover the expenses for your resident pet.
If you are fostering cats, and your personal cat is allowed outdoors, they should not interact with your foster cat. Foster cats are typically more at risk of illness and we want to limit that risk by not exposing them to anything from the outdoors.
If you are fostering cats, and your personal cat is allowed outdoors, they should not interact with your foster cat. Foster cats are typically more at risk of illness and we want to limit that risk by not exposing them to anything from the outdoors.
What if my foster pet isn't working out?
You are not required to continue to foster the animal if you feel it’s not working out. However, we may not have an immediate alternate foster home for the animal. We don't have a physical location, so we rely on boarding partners. We will work on moving your foster animal as soon as possible, but ask for your understanding and patience. We typically will need at least two weeks to find appropriate and proper placement. Please let us know if you feel things are not working out.
Oftentimes, situations or behaviors you may be encountering with your foster animal can be addressed through training or other resources and tips we may be able to provide.
Oftentimes, situations or behaviors you may be encountering with your foster animal can be addressed through training or other resources and tips we may be able to provide.
What if I need to go out of town?
If you need to go out of town while you are fostering an animal, we can assist in finding another approved foster home able to care for the animal temporarily, or find a boarding facility to house the animal until you return.
Please provide as much notice as possible to ensure that we can find placement for the animal. If your trip is over a holiday, it can be very difficult to find temporary housing as boarding facilities fill up extremely quickly during these times.
Under no circumstances can you leave your foster animal with an unauthorized person or pet sitter. For liability reasons it is necessary that anyone caring for our pets has signed a release waiver for our foster program. If the individual you have in mind to care for your foster pet is willing to become an approved foster, we will be happy to do our best to accommodate that request, but they will need to complete a Foster Application with us and undergo the typical approval process.
Please provide as much notice as possible to ensure that we can find placement for the animal. If your trip is over a holiday, it can be very difficult to find temporary housing as boarding facilities fill up extremely quickly during these times.
Under no circumstances can you leave your foster animal with an unauthorized person or pet sitter. For liability reasons it is necessary that anyone caring for our pets has signed a release waiver for our foster program. If the individual you have in mind to care for your foster pet is willing to become an approved foster, we will be happy to do our best to accommodate that request, but they will need to complete a Foster Application with us and undergo the typical approval process.
What exactly do foster families do?
Fostering provides dogs and cats the time, love, care and socialization they need to find forever homes. Pls, it opens up space in shelters for another pet to be saved, which is especially important right now. Foster homes are crucial for saving the lives of animals in need.
Did you know that fostering a pet will help you too? That's right. Studies have shown that having a pet can help reduce stress and axiety. Whether you prefer cat snuggles or dog kisses, we have a furr friend who can make your days a little happier. We'll provide eerything you need to care for your foster pet.
Foster families provide food, water, shelter, exercise and, of course, lots of love. Depending on the individual animal’s needs, foster parents may also be asked to administer more specific duties such as giving medications and taking your foster pet to necessary vet appointments.
Did you know that fostering a pet will help you too? That's right. Studies have shown that having a pet can help reduce stress and axiety. Whether you prefer cat snuggles or dog kisses, we have a furr friend who can make your days a little happier. We'll provide eerything you need to care for your foster pet.
Foster families provide food, water, shelter, exercise and, of course, lots of love. Depending on the individual animal’s needs, foster parents may also be asked to administer more specific duties such as giving medications and taking your foster pet to necessary vet appointments.
How will fostering impact my resident pets?
You know your pet best. They may be your best assistant in helping socialize an animal or model good behaviors. You should talk with your vet about recommended quarantine periods for new foster pets, to keep your own pets safe!
What are the qualifications/requirements for becoming a foster?
You must be 18 years of age and live within no more than a 4-hour radius of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and be willing to take your foster pet to one of our many approved partner vet clinics. Other than that, If you have a heart for animals, you probably qualify! It may be easier if you’ve had pets before, but if not we can certainly help with finding an easier first foster for you.
You must be willing to complete an online orientation (approximately 20 minutes), which includes watching a training video, completing a short questionnaire and digitally signing our Foster Care Agreement and any accompaning forms necessary.
Finally, you'll need reliable transportation and access to a computer with the ability to check emails and schedule your foster animal for necessary veterinary appointments.
You must be willing to complete an online orientation (approximately 20 minutes), which includes watching a training video, completing a short questionnaire and digitally signing our Foster Care Agreement and any accompaning forms necessary.
Finally, you'll need reliable transportation and access to a computer with the ability to check emails and schedule your foster animal for necessary veterinary appointments.
Time Commitments and Responsibilities.
This chart is intended to help provide an idea of how long a pet may be in foster care.
Please understand that these examples are simply estimates to help set expectations. The daily time commitment and length of stay within the rescue will vary by each individual pet.
Please understand that these examples are simply estimates to help set expectations. The daily time commitment and length of stay within the rescue will vary by each individual pet.
Type of Foster Pet |
Duration of Care (length of time in rescue) |
Daily Commitment |
Sick/injured pets |
3 weeks - 3 months |
2 - 3 hours |
Neonatal kittens |
1 month - 3 months |
8 hours |
Adult dogs & cats |
2 weeks - 2 months |
1 - 2 hours |
Puppies & kittens |
2 weeks - 6 weeks |
3-6 hours |
Moms with litters |
2 weeks - 2 months |
3 hours |
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[email protected] | 612-299-2001
3500 Vicksburg Lane N., #220, Plymouth, MN 55447-1334
(mailing address only)
3500 Vicksburg Lane N., #220, Plymouth, MN 55447-1334
(mailing address only)
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