Fostering doesn’t cost you a dime, just your love and some time.

Apply to Foster

Pugs and Hugs is a 100% foster-based rescue. Every dog in our care lives in a foster home that allows them to adjust to daily life, build trust and reveal their unique personalities. Foster homes are crucial to providing the socialization and personal attention each dog needs and deserves for a smooth transition to their forever family.

Fostering is a way to help a dog who really needs a helping hand. It can be stressful; it requires dedication, hard work, serious time commitments and most of all understanding that everything won't always be smooth sailing, but that you are making a difference in a dog's chance at a better life.

Potential foster providers go through a process similar potential adopters. This includes completing an application, review process, and home visit.

  • Read the information provided about fostering

  • If you meet the minimum requirements, complete the Foster Application

  • A volunteer will review your application and contact you to discuss the foster process

Are You Ready to Foster?

Fostering FAQs

    • Must be 18 years of age or older

    • Able to transport the foster dog to scheduled veterinary appointments

    • Complete an in-person home visit

    • All resident pets must be spayed or neutered and current on vaccinations

    Because foster dogs often have unknown vaccination histories, resident pets must be current on Rabies, Bordetella, and the Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) combination vaccine.

    • Willing to provide regular updates, including notes and photos, to support adoption efforts

    • Provide a safe, clean, and caring home environment

    • Ensure appropriate food, fresh water, exercise, and socialization

    • Monitor for medical concerns and administer medications as directed

    • Support basic training, including house training and leash manners

    • Work on correcting common behaviors such as jumping or chewing

    • Transport the foster dog to veterinary appointments and adoption events, as needed

  • Foster placements typically last a minimum of 2–4 weeks. The length of stay depends on the individual dog’s needs.

    Some dogs may require additional time in foster care due to medical treatment, recovery, or behavioral support before becoming available for adoption.

  • We do our best to honor foster preferences. However, we cannot always predict which dogs will enter rescue or when they will become available. Because of this, we may not always have a dog that perfectly matches your preferences at the time you are ready to foster.

    We prioritize securing an appropriate foster placement before bringing a dog into our care. Thoughtful matching is essential to a dog’s success. Just as we carefully match dogs with adopters, we consider your lifestyle, schedule, and experience to pair you with a dog whose needs align with your abilities.

    Our goal is to set both the dog and the foster up for success. Whenever possible, dogs remain in one foster home until adoption to minimize stress and unnecessary transitions.

    That said, some dogs enter rescue with unknown histories. If a placement truly is not working, we will coordinate a transfer. However, our experience shows that careful, intentional matching leads to the best outcomes for everyone involved.

  • Pugs & Hugs Rescue covers all veterinary expenses for foster dogs while they remain in our care. This includes medical treatment, prescription food, and medications.

    If needed, the rescue can also provide essential supplies such as a harness, leash, crate, and bed.

  • Every foster experience is different. It can be incredibly rewarding — and at times challenging, frustrating, confusing, or even heartbreaking.

    Your experience will depend on your lifestyle, past experience with dogs, and personality. It will also depend on the individual dog. Each one is unique. One may settle in quickly with few accidents, while another may be shy, unsure, or need help with house training.

    Most dogs show signs of stress when entering a new environment. Accidents, pacing, restlessness, or skittish behavior are common during the first few days. Patience and consistency are essential.

    New foster dogs often require extra reassurance, structure, and attention while they decompress. In many cases, stress levels begin to decrease within three days to a week as they adjust and start to feel safe.