Fostering a Dog for the First Time? Here are 7 Ways to Prepare Your Home

If you’re fostering a dog for the first time, you might feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as you welcome them into your home. From the dog’s perspective, they’re likely feeling a bit nervous but hopeful, searching for love, safety, and a fresh start. With a bit of preparation, you can make their transition smooth, helping them feel comfortable, secure, and ready to thrive in their new home.

Offering a pet in need a temporary home is an incredibly rewarding experience, but you need to be prepared. No matter if you’re in a townhouse in Portland, OR, a high-rise apartment in Chicago, IL, or a suburban home in Atlanta, GA, setting up your space properly is key. The good news? We’ve gathered expert tips to help you prepare—so you can welcome your foster pup with confidence and give them the best possible start.

Understanding your role as a foster dog parent

As a foster pet parent, your role is to provide a safe and loving home for a dog until they find their forever family. This could last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the dog’s needs. Your responsibilities may include socializing the dog, monitoring their health, and helping them adjust to home life.

1. Preparing before the arrival of your foster dog

Preparing in advance helps create a smooth transition for a foster dog, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable in their new environment.

Remove any hazardous items

Arron Jones-Williams, CEO of Rescue Treats, shares some essential tips for preparing your home before bringing in a foster dog. “Start by removing  all hazards and blocking off/dog proofing all no-go zones. Have all the supplies you need ready, such as food, toys, waste bags, a bed, and most importantly, treats (we might be biased). An additional pro tip is to keep a journal that tracks their eating habits, behavior, potty breaks, vet information, and progress to help assist potential adopters or for yourself if you foster-fail.”

Prepare for unpredictable behavior

Lizz Whitacre, founder and CEO of Pawlytics based in Lincoln, NE, highlights the unpredictability of a foster dog’s background and behavior.

“When fostering a dog, preparation is key, especially since you may not know their background or behavior. Do a ‘dog’s-eye view’ check of your home, securing anything that could be chewed or hazardous. Inspect your fence for gaps or weak points where a nervous pup might escape. Toxic plants and chemicals should be out of reach, and a secure kennel provides a safe decompression space. Start with the kennel in a quiet area but adjust if the dog shows signs of separation anxiety. Thoughtful preparation creates a safe, comforting environment for your foster.”

Stay flexible with housebreaking and adjustment

Maddie, founder of Paws for Thought and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, servicing Manhattan, NY offers practical advice. “When bringing home a foster dog, prepare for the fact they might not be housebroken and will likely be confused about what rules apply in their new human’s home. Roll up any carpets you don’t want stained and if they’re young, block them off from any expensive furniture.”

She continues, “A movable wire pen is a great option for providing a ‘safe space’ with a bed, toys, and water.  This is super helpful for doing slow introductions with other animals in the home and giving them a quiet place to retreat to if they get nervous. The most important recommendation is to give your foster at least 3 days to decompress before introducing them to friends or extended family.

2. Provide your foster dog with their own space

If you’re fostering a dog for the first time, it’s essential to give them their own space to allow them to feel secure and settled in. A designated area allows them to decompress, reduces stress, and ensures they have a quiet retreat when needed.

Decompression and stress

Carrie Galvan of Precious K9s in Battlefield, MO emphasizes that having a downtime for a foster is a must. “Fosters may need a couple of days to weeks to decompress and settle in. It can not only help with potty training, but also teach them how to be patient while you have family time with your resident dogs. Having crates in rooms around the house can be handy when you need to lower stress and chaos levels in your home.”

Establish a place they can call their own

Luisa Chocron, executive director of Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary in Scottsdale, AZ explains how providing a dedicated space for your foster dog helps create a secure environment. “This could be a spare room or a cozy corner with a bed, water, and a few toys. Keep household introductions slow and positive, especially with resident pets. Patience and routine are key to helping your foster feel secure.”

Why a safe zone matters for your foster dog

Dr. Adam Bennett, DVM of Spring Creek Mobile Veterinary Services, based in Madison County, NC and owner and writer of The Imperfect Dog, brings it back to the importance of preparing a dedicated space for your foster dog.

“Other than dog proofing your house, the most important thing you can do to prepare for a foster dog is have a ‘safe zone’ where you can put the foster to decompress. They are coming from a stressful situation – from a loud and chaotic animal control, being surrendered by their owners, or off of a cramped rescue transport. A good ‘safe zone’ is a quiet, dark place where a kennel can be tucked and the animal can be left alone to rest. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of the house and out of the pathway of other pets and children.” 

3. Integrate your foster dog into a daily routine

To help your foster dog feel more at ease, it’s important to integrate them into a daily routine with consistency and care. As Marking Our Territory explains, “The question every foster dog asks is, ‘where do I belong?’ The best thing you can do is have a confident and loving answer for every part of the day. At breakfast, you belong in the kitchen. When it’s time to go for a walk, you should go to the back door. When it’s time to rest, here is your blanket and bed. Make those answers collaborative if your foster shows preferences which help them feel more comfortable. By establishing habits based on empathy and cooperation, your foster will quickly learn that the ultimate answer to the question of where they belong is, ‘with you.’”

4. Pet-proof your furniture

When fostering a dog for the first time, consider how your furniture fits into a pet-friendly home. Choosing durable, easy-to-clean pieces and taking steps to protect your furniture can help prevent damage and create a more comfortable space for both you and your foster dog.

Keep your beloved decor and furniture secure

Sierra Stevens, marketing and communications manager of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA in Charlottesville, VA, offers helpful tips for preparing your home for a foster dog, especially when it comes to furniture. 

“Preparing your home for a foster dog starts with creating a safe, comfortable space, like a spare bedroom, where they can decompress,” explains Stevens. “It is best to remove any fragile decor and make sure furniture is secure. When it’s time to introduce your foster to resident pets, take it slow, keep interactions supervised, and feed them separately to avoid any tension. Make sure resident pets are up to date on their vaccines, and that pet socialization stays within your household. ”

Consider pet-friendly options for your foster and home

Carleen Jenkins of Pets & People in Oklahoma City, OK provides valuable insights for those fostering a dog for the first time, especially when it comes to pet-friendly furniture options. “It is very hard to know what their past life was like. Furniture like couches, chairs and loveseats might be a new experience to a foster dog. Please consider prioritizing durability, easy to clean, and resistant to wear and tear. Accidents are going to happen so handle them with care and consider covering the couches,chairs and loveseats until your foster dog and you get to know each other. If you ever have issues or concerns when it comes to fostering a dog, please call your shelter.”

Nikki of No Dogs Left Behind Rescue in New York, NY shares, “Bringing a foster dog into your home is exciting and rewarding, and a little preparation can make the transition smoother for both of you. If you have carpets, consider washable rugs or interlocking tiles to keep them clean. Washable or disposable puppy pads are helpful for accidents. In the pen area, provide a comfy bed with soft blankets. Stock up on essentials like food and water bowls, toys, and treats. Enrichment toys are also a great addition.” 

She also provides insight on the adjustment timeline for foster dogs. “The 3-3-3 Rule for foster pups outlines their adjustment timeline: in the first three days, they may be overwhelmed, nervous, and sleep a lot. By three weeks, they begin settling in, trust you more, and show their true personality, though training may be needed. After three months, the dog is fully adjusted, confident, and relaxed, feeling like part of the family.”

Incorporate functional furniture into the space

A great option to consider is having functional furniture that can create space for your foster dog when needed, while still providing versatility for your own use. Transformer Table‘s extendable tables and benches are perfect for creating flexible spaces that can adapt to the needs of your new furry friend. Additionally, setting up a cozy corner with a comfortable bed and some toys can help your foster dog feel at home quickly.

5. If introductions are allowed, keep it slow and steady

For those who have resident pets and are fostering a dog for the first time, it’s important to check with the rescue organization for any specific guidelines or restrictions before any introductions occur. Some may recommend waiting or have specific procedures to follow for a smooth and safe transition.

When fostering a dog, it’s essential to find a balance between compassion and preparing them for their future. Souha Ezzedeen of Way of Life Dog Training in Toronto, ON, highlights the importance of maintaining this balance. 

“It’s critical that foster parents adopt a caring but detached and professional mindset with their foster dog, reflecting the fact that their fosters will be moving on and need to be prepared for that transition. This means not integrating the foster dog into the family while giving them the structure and boundaries, as espoused by the Way of Life Method, that will build their stability and set them up for success when they find their forever home.” 

In the case where you are able to introduce your foster dog to your resident pets, foster manager Samantha Stronge of Joybound People & Pets in Walnut Creek, CA, shares her expertise. “Safe spaces for your foster can be simple as a crate with the door propped open and a comfy bed inside. Baby gates or exercise pens are helpful if you don’t have an extra room. The space should include food, water, bedding, and enrichment, with a separate area for elimination. 

“Remember that not every dog or puppy will be house-trained and accidents happen,” Stronge states. “Keep the space free of chewable items like shoes and phone chargers, and provide appropriate toys. If your foster program allows interaction with resident animals, introduce them slowly in a neutral space, and always monitor their interactions. Safety is the number one priority.”

6. Be prepared for their personality to shine through

As your foster dog settles in and begins to feel more at ease in their new home, their true personality will start to emerge. Joanne Hutchinson, co-founder of PAWS New England, sheds light on an essential truth for foster families. 

“One of the most important things for foster families to know is that the dog they bring home on day one won’t be the same dog in 2-3 weeks. As they settle in, their personality will emerge, sometimes with unexpected behaviors like counter-surfing or changes in interactions with other pets. Crating is essential. It prepares the dog for their future home, provides a safe space, and helps with training. For scared fosters, patience is key. Let them adjust at their own pace without pressure. Given time, they’ll come around, often when you least expect it. Don’t ‘ask’ them to do anything at first.”

Terah Gisolo, founder and executive director of Real Good Dog Rescue in Los Angeles, CA adds as a reminder to have patience and let your foster dog adjust.

“Preparing your home for a foster dog means creating a safe space, like a quiet corner or spare bedroom with a crate for training and use as a den,” says Gisolo. “Allow time for decompression, giving the dog patience to adjust to the new environment, people, animals, and routine. When introducing them to resident pets, take it slow and supervise for positive interactions. Every dog is different and needs a setup tailored to them. Real Good Rescue provides supplies and support and prefers fosters to stay in one home until adoption to avoid disrupting their routine and progress.”

7. Enrich your foster dog’s life with play and comfort

Creating a welcoming space for your foster dog involves more than just a bed and a quiet corner. Providing them with their own belongings and enrichment activities is key to helping them feel secure and comfortable. This includes toys, chew items, and mental stimulation to help them settle in. Jenny Mendoza, vice president of marketing at DOGTV, offers advice enriching the life of a foster dog. 

“Welcoming a foster dog is a heartwarming endeavor. Before your furry little pup arrives, consider creating a safe haven by decluttering and securing any fragile décor. Designate a quiet space, perhaps a spare room, equipped with a cozy bed and access to DOGTV, which can provide calming visuals and sounds to ease their transition. Slow and careful introductions to other pets in your home are key, and a peaceful retreat can be invaluable for a foster dog who needs to decompress.”

Setting your foster dog up for success

Fostering a dog for the first time is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that requires thoughtful preparation. By creating a room or space for your dog that is comfortable and structured, you provide them with the foundation they need to feel secure as they adjust to their new environment. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to offer a welcoming and loving environment for your foster dog.