Ready to open your home to a mama dog or pup? Start by filling out our Foster Inquiry Form. Every foster must complete this form — it’s where we learn all about you! Once we receive it, our team will review your info and reach out about next steps. Please be as specific and honest as possible in your answers — the more we know, the better we can match you to the right dog.

We’ll review your inquiry and follow up with any questions. Sometimes we’ll schedule a quick phone call or home check (virtual or in-person). Once approved, we’ll work together to match you with a dog that fits your preferences and experience. We review applications in the order they come in. As a small but mighty team, we appreciate your patience while we get back to you!

If a particular dog caught your eye, definitely mention it in your inquiry! We’ll do our best to accommodate if it’s a good fit for everyone. That said, it’s rare that we can place the exact dog you request. We ask that you stay open and flexible — let us know the types of dogs you’re comfortable fostering (size, age, energy level) and if you have any special experience (like bottle feeding or birthing support). Being flexible helps us place dogs faster and often leads to magical foster experiences you didn’t expect.

Our typical response time is 3–5 business days for viable inquiries. If there’s a high volume of inquiries, it may take a bit longer — we appreciate your patience. If you don’t hear from us within that window, it likely means we don’t have a current match, but we’ll keep your info on file and reach out when the right fit comes along.

No, not at all! We welcome new fosters with open arms — no experience required. We’ll provide all the guidance you need to feel confident and supported. If you do have experience, that’s a bonus — but what really matters is that you’re ready to open your heart and home. Fostering is easier than you might think, and if you’re curious about learning how to care for specialty cases (like bottle babies or medical fosters), our team is here to help you grow. We’re passionate about educating the community — and we hope you’ll pass that knowledge along to yours!

We supply all essentials: food, crate, leash, collar, toys, pee pads, and any necessary meds. You won’t need to buy a thing — though if you want to treat your foster to something special, go for it at your own expense!

In your foster inquiry, we’ll ask about the type of dog you’re willing to foster and any specific experience you might have. Once you’re approved, we’ll absolutely take your preferences into account — size, age, temperament, energy level — so we can match you with a dog that fits your life. From there, we’ll share the dogs who are ready and waiting, and you can choose the one you’d like to foster. If you want to make the biggest impact, we encourage you to stay open to fostering any dog. The heart of fostering is helping a dog on their journey to adoption — and we especially appreciate fosters who are willing to go beyond picking what’s “cute.” That’s where the magic really happens.

Yes, absolutely! We provide foster resources that cover everything you’ll need — from preparing your home to handling common situations that might come up along the way. You’ll also have ongoing, one-on-one support from our team. That includes help with behavior questions, health concerns, or anything adoption-related. And don’t worry — we’re always just a message or call away if something comes up. Our goal is to set you (and your foster dog) up for success at every step of the journey.

We ask that you provide a safe, loving, temporary home. You’ll help with basic training, take your foster dog to vet appointments as needed, and share regular updates on behavior, health, photos/videos, and adoption readiness. We also ask that you stay in close communication with our team to help ensure the best outcome for your foster dog. Everything is outlined in our Expectations and Guidelines to help you feel confident and prepared throughout your journey.

Yes — foster-to-adopt is an option at Mutternity Project! This allows you to foster with the intention of adopting if it’s the right fit. Additional fees may apply. If you’re interested, let us know and we’ll guide you through the process.

We don’t call that a “foster fail” — we call it a Happily Ever Foster! If you fall in love with your foster dog and want to adopt, just tell us. We’ll walk you through making it official.

Nothing! Fostering is a cost-free volunteer experience. We provide all the supplies and cover medical care — you provide the love and a safe place for a dog in need.

Please check with us before buying anything. We provide all essentials, and if something extra is truly needed, we’ll approve it. Unapproved purchases aren’t reimbursed. Approved items may be reimbursed with a receipt.

For pre-approved purchases, we can reimburse you by PayPal or check.

Provide a safe, loving, temporary home. Support basic training. Take your foster dog to vet appointments as needed. Share regular updates on behavior, health, photos/videos, and adoption readiness. Stay in close communication with us. It’s all outlined in our Expectations and Guidelines so you feel ready to rock your foster journey.

Usually no — dogs need to stay close in case of medical needs or adoption plans. In some cases, a brief trip may be approved, but you must contact us first so we can review the travel safety, length of trip, and resources. Taking your foster out of town without approval may result in the dog returning to our care and could impact your ability to foster again.

Usually no — dogs need to stay close in case of medical needs or adoption plans. In some cases, a brief trip may be approved, but you must contact us first so we can review the travel safety, length of trip, and resources. Taking your foster out of town without approval may result in the dog returning to our care and could impact your ability to foster again.

Yes — with approval. We’ll need your sitter’s contact info and must be able to reach them. In some cases, your sitter may need to fill out a foster inquiry. Leaving your foster with someone else without approval could result in the dog being brought back into our care and may affect your ability to foster in the future.

Yes — with approval. We’ll need your sitter’s contact info and must be able to reach them. In some cases, your sitter may need to fill out a foster inquiry. Leaving your foster with someone else without approval could result in the dog being brought back into our care and may affect your ability to foster in the future.

We do our best to match you with a foster dog who will do well with your pets. Issues are rare, but if they arise, we’ll help with training tips and resources. If things can’t be resolved, we’ll move the foster to a different home and help you find a better fit.

Life happens, and we understand! If you can’t continue, please contact us ASAP — ideally with at least one week’s notice so we can arrange other care. If that’s not possible, we’ll work with you to make a plan.

We get it — it’s easy to bond deeply with your foster dog, and we truly appreciate how much you care. Our goal is always to keep dogs in stable homes for as long as possible, because frequent moves — even between loving homes — can cause unnecessary stress. That’s why when we place a dog with a new foster during your time away, we aim for a longer-term placement rather than moving the dog back and forth. That said, if things change with the new foster and we need to move the dog again, there may be a chance for you to foster that same pup in the future. Thanks so much for understanding that we always prioritize what’s best for the dog’s well-being.

It depends on the dog! The typical foster duration is anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, though it can sometimes be longer depending on the dog’s needs. We’ll always be upfront about the expected timeline before you commit. Here’s a general guide: Pregnant dogs: Minimum 4–6 weeks (depending on how far along she is). If you’d like to support her full journey — birth, whelping, and adoption — plan for about 3 months. Nursing moms: Minimum 3 weeks. For the full journey through adoption, expect about 6–8 weeks. Bottle babies: Minimum 3 weeks. All other cases: Minimum 2 weeks, unless otherwise specified.

If you think your foster dog is having a medical emergency, contact us immediately by phone. If you don’t reach us right away, leave a voicemail and send a text (photos or videos help a lot!) so we can assess and respond quickly. We treat all emergencies seriously — but please contact us first so we can guide you. If you can’t reach us after trying, and it’s one of these life-threatening situations, take your foster dog directly to the nearest emergency vet and notify us as soon as you can: Stopped breathing Severe bleeding that won’t stop Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes Major trauma (like being hit by a car)

Contact your foster coordinator right away. Please be as specific as possible when describing the issue — and if you can, send photos or videos. These go a long way in helping us assess the situation quickly and accurately.

No. All medical care must go through our approved vet partners. If you think your foster dog needs to see a vet, contact us first for approval. If you take your foster to your personal vet — or any vet not pre-approved by us — you’ll be responsible for the cost.

No. All medical decisions need approval from our rescue team. This ensures your foster dog gets proper, consistent care. We work directly with the vets to coordinate everything and keep medical records up to date. Any unauthorized decisions could mean you’re responsible for the cost.

Our direct primary vet partner is: Green Dog Dental 210 Main St, Venice, CA 90291 If you think your foster needs to be seen, contact us first for approval. Green Dog Dental doesn’t accept walk-ins or appointments that aren’t scheduled by us.

Yes — all pre-approved medical care through our vet partners is fully covered by Mutternity. If care isn’t pre-approved or doesn’t go through our approved partners, you’ll be responsible for the cost.

If you take your foster to a personal vet, or make any medical decisions without our approval, you’ll be responsible for the cost. Our medical protocols are in place to keep care safe, consistent, and coordinated — thank you for following them!