Short-term & decompression
Fresh out of the shelter, an animal needs quiet, routine and patience while they show us who they are.
Foster
Fosters save lives.
You're not just giving an animal a safe place to stay — you're giving them a real chance. A future filled with love, security and trust, so they feel safe enough to show their true selves. Your insight into their personality, temperament and habits is what helps us find the right forever home, faster.
Every foster home creates space for another innocent animal. It's a win-win for everyone.
How fostering with Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal works
Foster a dog or cat in Orange County by opening your home while an animal waits for adoption. Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal is a foster-based no-kill rescue. Adults 18 and older can apply through the foster questionnaire on this page.
If you are learning about our work, start with our animal rescue in Orange County.
You can adopt a dog or cat when you are ready to offer a permanent home.
If fostering is not possible right now, our volunteer opportunities offer other ways to help.
You can support foster care by helping fund food and veterinary care.
Read about our no-kill promise and the care behind it.
Before you apply to foster
How do I apply to foster a dog or cat?
Start with the foster questionnaire on this page. Dog and cat questionnaires are available in English and Spanish.
How old do I need to be to foster?
Foster caregivers must be 18 or older and live in Southern California.
What does Healing Hearts Sanctuary SoCal provide for foster homes?
We provide food, supplies, all veterinary and medical care, and a foster coordinator available 24/7.
Can I foster without previous experience?
Yes. We match first-time fosters with easier animals and explain food, routine, decompression and support during orientation.
What we provide. What you provide.
We cover
- ✓ Food, supplies and a crate or carrier
- ✓ All veterinary and medical care
- ✓ A dedicated foster coordinator, 24/7
- ✓ Marketing, photos and adoption events
You bring
- ✓ A safe, calm space in your home
- ✓ Patience, routine and gentle socialization
- ✓ Notes on personality and habits
- ✓ Transport to vet visits and meet-and-greets
Foster questionnaire
This helps us understand your home environment and preferences so we can match you with the right animal.
Kinds of fostering
There's a foster role for almost every home.
Fostering is flexible. Tell us what you can offer and we'll match the animal to you — not the other way around.
- 1 Questionnaire Ten minutes about your home, schedule, experience and preferences. Dogs or cats, English or Spanish.
- 2 Orientation call We walk you through routines, decompression (the 3-3-3 rule) and who to call for what.
- 3 Placement day We deliver the animal with food, supplies, medical records and a written care plan.
- 4 Support & adoption Weekly check-ins, vet visits arranged by us, and you help choose the adopter.
Foster requirements
- 18 or older, living in Southern California
- Landlord permission if renting
- Resident pets vaccinated and spayed/neutered
- A separate room or space for decompression
- Ability to transport to vet appointments (or coordinate with our drivers)
We take care of
- All veterinary and medical costs
- Food, litter, crate, bedding and toys
- Marketing, photos and adoption questionnaires
- A coordinator you can reach 24/7
- Respite if you need a weekend away
Types of foster homes we need
Kitten & puppy season
Spring through fall, litters need bottle feeders and socializers. Short commitments, huge impact.
Medical recovery
Post-surgery rest, heartworm treatment, ringworm — we train you and cover every cost.
Hospice & senior fosters
Some animals need a soft place for their final chapter. It's the most tender work we do.
Sleepovers & field trips
Can't commit to weeks? A weekend out of foster gives us photos, notes and a happy animal.
Familias de acogida
Ofrecemos formularios y apoyo en español. Pregúntenos.