Safe home
Provide appropriate shelter, supervision, routine, exercise, affection, and separation when introductions require it.
Become a Leash Holder
Get involved with a mission built on compassion instead of judgment.
Become a Leash Holder
Your role is temporary — but your impact can last a lifetime.
Unlike traditional rescue fostering, the dogs in our program already have families who love them and want them back. Second Leash foster volunteers - Leash Holders, provide a safe, loving temporary home while a dog’s owner works through a diffcult time. Our Leash Holders serve to bridge the gap between crises and reunion.
Placements vary in length and needs. We work to make thoughtful matches and explain what is known before a foster accepts a dog. Whether you can foster for a few weeks or several months, your help matters.
Typical foster expectations
Communication
Share timely updates and notify Second Leash about concerns, changes, incidents, or veterinary needs.
Temporary commitment
Honor the agreed care period when possible and give as much notice as possible if circumstances change.
Approved care
Follow feeding, medication, safety, and veterinary authorization instructions.
Respect ownership
Do not transfer, rehome, breed, sell, or permanently keep a foster dog.
Support reunification
Help prepare the dog for a safe, calm transition back to their owner.
Basic eligibility
- At least 18 years old
- Permission from all adults in the household
- Landlord approval when renting
- Safe housing appropriate for the matched dog
- Honest information about current pets and household members
- Willingness to follow Second Leash policies and communicate
Additional requirements may apply based on the dog or placement.
Before applying
Fostering may involve adjustment periods, accidents, barking, separation stress, transportation, medication, or slow introductions. You will receive the information available to us, but no organization can predict every behavior in a new environment.
Foster interest
Stability. Safety. Compassion. Hope.
Open your home. Protect a bond. Change a future. Whether you can help for a few weeks or several months, your home could
be the reason a family stays together instead of being torn apart forever.