A 90-minute orientation is all it take to get started.
Fostering is free and open to anyone 18 or older, with ACC providing all the supplies and medical care you’ll need. All you provide is a safe space, your time, and the TLC that helps a Boroughbred in need.
Fostering plays a vital role in a shelter animal’s journey to their forever home. It gives pets the chance to decompress, recover from illness, and build the social skills that prepare them for adoption. Take the first step by signing up for one of our upcoming Foster Orientations. If an orientation is full, don’t worry! We host new orientations every month.
We’re seeking compassionate fosters to open their hearts and homes for a minimum of 2 week (the longer the better!) Anyone over 18 can foster, and we provide all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.
Ready to be a hero for these pups? Please fill out our emergency foster application form (above), and our foster team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
You’re in luck! You can easily become a guinea pig or rabbit foster by taking an on-demand virtual orientation! This orientation goes over everything you need to provide a temporary home to these fun small pets.
After you finish, please email accfosters@nycacc.org for a short quiz and to start the process of fostering!
Just about anyone! You must be at least 18 years old to participate in our Foster Program. Additionally, if you lease or rent, you must get permission from your landlord prior to signing up to foster a dog.
All ACC foster parents need to live in NYC or in proximity to NYC. Foster need to be able to self-transport to and from the shelter for vet appointments.
We work with each animal individually to find the best placement and set them up for success. The greatest need is usually for large breed dogs, adult cats, and seasonally for underage kittens (under 8 weeks old).
We will provide basic supplies for your foster pet including food, toys, cat litter, harnesses & leashes etc. We will also send you home with any medication your foster pet is on. We are available for behavior and medical support, as well as helping you find adopters for your foster pet.
We are not able to transport animals to and from foster homes unless there is an emergency, so we do require that our foster parents be able to pick up pets from one of our three full-service care centers (Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island) and be able to bring the pet back if a medical emergency arises.
We generally ask for a minimum of three or four weeks, and the maximum is open-ended. For shorter commitments, we have BoroughBreaks which allow you to take a dog out just for the day, or Straycations that help us get animals out of the shelter and into a home for a few days!
Yes you can! We do require that you separate your resident pet from your foster for the first 2 weeks. We are happy to provide advice on safe and slow introductions once the separation period is over.
Just about anyone! You must be at least 18 years old to participate in our Foster Program. Additionally, if you lease or rent, you must get permission from your landlord prior to signing up to foster a dog.
All ACC foster parents need to live in NYC or in proximity to NYC. Foster need to be able to self-transport to and from the shelter for vet appointments.
We work with each animal individually to find the best placement and set them up for success. The greatest need is usually for large breed dogs, adult cats, and seasonally for underage kittens (under 8 weeks old).
We will provide basic supplies for your foster pet including food, toys, cat litter, harnesses & leashes etc. We will also send you home with any medication your foster pet is on. We are available for behavior and medical support, as well as helping you find adopters for your foster pet.
We are not able to transport animals to and from foster homes unless there is an emergency, so we do require that our foster parents be able to pick up pets from one of our three full-service care centers (Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island) and be able to bring the pet back if a medical emergency arises.
We generally ask for a minimum of three or four weeks, and the maximum is open-ended. For shorter commitments, we have BoroughBreaks which allow you to take a dog out just for the day, or Straycations that help us get animals out of the shelter and into a home for a few days!
Yes you can! We do require that you separate your resident pet from your foster for the first 2 weeks. We are happy to provide advice on safe and slow introductions once the separation period is over.
Make your weekend a shelter pet’s getaway and take a dog on a Straycation!
A Straycation is a short-term foster where a shelter dog gets to leave the kennel and enjoy time in a real home. Think of it as a mini vacation from the shelter, with all the comforts that come with it: a couch, a walk around the block, or simply a quiet nap by your side. It is an easy way for anyone to make a big difference in a dog’s life.
By giving dogs a break from the shelter, we help them recharge, shine, and get one step closer to finding their forever homes.
Why It Helps Dogs:
🐶 Stress relief: Even a short break from the shelter lowers stress and helps dogs relax.
🌟 Better behavior: Dogs show their true personalities outside the shelter, making adoptions easier.
📸 Great exposure: Fosters share photos and stories that attract potential adopters.
💕 Emotional boost: A few days of love builds confidence and well-being.
🏡 Flexible for fosters: No long-term commitment needed, just 3 days makes a difference.
If the orientation is full, don’t worry! We host new orientations every month.
Yes, you will need to complete a Virtual Large Dog Foster Orientation before being able to schedule a Straycation.
If you have already taken the Dog Foster Orientation, please reach out to the foster team at accfosters@nycacc.org.
3 days is the shortest amount of time - and it doesn't have to be a weekend.
Yes, all basic supplies will be provided.
No. ACC dogs are not allowed to go to dog parks or interact with other dogs on or off leash.
Yes. However, you must be able to keep completely separate for the duration of the Straycation.
Yes, if you're okay with the pup sleeping there!
We advise you keep things pretty low key, so the pups have a chance to decompress outside of the shelter.
Yes! If you wish to turn your Straycation into a longer stay, please reach out to the foster team at accfosters@nycacc.org.
Animal Care Centers of NYC’s (ACC) ‘BoroughBreak’ program pairs members of the community with shelter dogs for field trips! Outings can last from one hour to all day and can include a hike, a trip to the beach, a fun car ride, or even a long nap at home. Whether you already have a dog or aren’t ready to have one, it’s a great way to get your pet fix in.
The BoroughBreak program was created in order to help reduce kennel stress and provide dogs with enrichment and increased visibility. Outings give the shelter valuable insight into how the dogs behave outside a shelter environment. It’s also a great excuse to spend a day doing something new or exploring New York City.
New appointments slots are made available every week.
Check out this Instagram Reel of Isabel Klee taking Cody out for a BoroughBreak!
Discover your next furry friend right in your own neighborhood with ACC’s Foster Pet Map! This interactive tool highlights the city map with approximate locations of foster pets, making it easy to find a potential new family member close to home. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup, a cuddly kitten, or a serene senior, there’s a foster pet nearby waiting for a forever home.