• Fosters provide dogs with a safe, home-based environment while freeing up space for other dogs in need

• You play a direct role in helping dogs recover, socialize, and prepare for their permanent home

• Fostering offers flexibility — you can help for a period that suits your lifestyle

• You gain experience with dog care, training, and behavior, and see the real impact of your support

Fostering means providing a safe, home environment for a dog while they wait for their forever family. This includes:

• Meeting their basic care, medical, and behavioral needs

• Keeping them safe at home and in your yard

• Providing daily exercise appropriate for the dog

• Ensuring they wear a collar with an ID tag at all times

• Using a leash in public — no off-lead walks

• Transporting them to vet appointments and adoption meet-and-greets

• Following CDPA guidelines for training and behavior support

• Sharing regular updates, photos, and feedback to help promote your foster dog for adoption

By fulfilling these responsibilities, you help your foster dog stay safe, healthy, and ready to thrive in their permanent home.

We welcome fosters from all over Ireland, not just Dublin. Different dogs have different needs — some thrive in a busy city environment, while others do best in a quieter home — so your location may be ideal for the right dog.

To foster, you should:

• Be over 18 years old

• Provide a safe, secure, and stable home environment

• Have access to transport, ideally to reach one of our veterinary partners

• Be willing to follow CDPA guidelines and invest time in your foster dog’s care and training

• Understand that rescued dogs may need patience and extra support as they settle

We only place dogs in foster homes after discussing the dog’s specific needs in detail with potential fosters, ensuring the best match for both the dog and the home.

Yes! Many of our fosters work full-time. As long as your foster dog receives regular exercise, meals, and attention, we can match dogs to a variety of lifestyles.

Yes. We will match you with a dog suited to apartment living. Please check your rental agreement for any pet policies or breed restrictions before fostering. A copy of your rental agreement or written confirmation from your landlord may be requested before a Foster Dog can join you.

Yes, provided your dog is vaccinated and spayed/neutered. We carefully match foster dogs to ensure compatibility, and we will support introductions. If there is any doubt that your resident dog may not accept another dog, we require a meeting beforehand to assess compatibility and ensure a safe, positive experience for both dogs.

Yes. Many foster dogs live successfully with other pets. We provide guidance on introductions to ensure a safe environment for all animals.

Absolutely. Fostering can be a wonderful experience for families. We’ll work with you to ensure introductions are safe and age-appropriate, helping your family and the foster dog adjust comfortably.

Foster placements vary depending on the dog’s needs. It can be a few weeks, several months, or longer for end-of-life support or extended socialization. CDPA only places dogs in suitable homes after discussing their specific needs with potential fosters.

In most cases we ask that approximately ten days into fostering, you complete a Foster Dog Review, sharing insights into the dog’s temperament and behavior to help us find a permanent home.

Yes, if you fall in love with your foster dog, you can apply through the standard adoption process. This includes completing an adoption questionnaire and paying the adoption fee. Please note that sometimes a foster environment may not be the perfect permanent home, and that is no reflection on the foster caregiver.

We provide the essentials to help you care for your foster dog:

• Crate for safety and training

• Food, treats, bowls

• Leash, collar, and toys

• A starter supply of poop bags

Bedding is not provided, as many dogs shred it and we unfortunately cannot replace it continuously. You are welcome to provide additional toys or enrichment items to help your foster dog feel comfortable and engaged.

If any medication or special diet is required, CDPA will supply it. Our team is always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide support throughout the foster period.

The CDPA Dog Team is with you throughout the entire foster placement. Support includes:

• Guidance on training, behavior, and socialization, including access to professionals on our team

• Ongoing contact via WhatsApp for quick communication

• Emergency support, covered during your foster induction

Special needs dogs may require additional behavioral or medical support. This can include:

• Vet visits and medication: Administering prescribed medication, attending vet appointments, or monitoring recovery after surgery or illness.

• Behavioral support and training: Helping with socialization, leash work, confidence building, or other behavioral guidance recommended by our team.

• Extra attention and care: Some dogs may need more supervision, reassurance, or structured routines to feel safe and comfortable.

• Close communication with CDPA: You will have full support from our Dog Team, including advice from our behavior and training professionals, and guidance on managing any challenges that arise.

Fostering special needs dogs is crucial — many of these dogs are overlooked in pounds and rely entirely on foster homes. Your care can make a lasting difference in their lives.

We match dogs to fosters based on need and suitability. While we aim to provide a good match, availability may vary. You will be fully informed about a dog’s needs before committing to foster.

Once you commit to fostering a dog, your home will be their primary placement for the duration of the foster period. While emergency foster arrangements can be made in unusual circumstances, availability is very limited. This is why it’s vital to make a realistic and informed decision before agreeing to foster.

If you plan to travel while fostering, contact the CDPA Dog Team as early as possible. For long-term or extended absences, we require at least four weeks’ notice so we have time to arrange a suitable holiday placement.

Arranging temporary care involves:

• Finding a foster home that can safely accommodate the dog

• Ideally scheduling a meeting between your foster dog and the temporary foster home before placement

• Organizing transport to the new foster home

Because our Dog Foster Homes are spread across Ireland, a suitable holiday placement may not be nearby. Planning well in advance helps ensure your foster dog remains safe, comfortable, and cared for while you’re away.

CDPA works with a network of veterinary clinics across Ireland.

If you live outside our usual network or have a preferred vet, contact us. We’ll review the request and, where possible, make arrangements for your foster dog to receive care at your chosen clinic.