Fostering saves lives
We need more fosters in NY, NJ, PA, and CT to continue saving dogs in need.
Join our foster program today!
Fosters provide an essential lifeline to our rescue dogs. Badass does not have a shelter to hold dogs, so the number of lives we can save depends on the number of foster homes available. It takes patience, love, and diligence to help rescue dogs acclimate to city life. The work is hard but always rewarding!
While New York City is the hub for most of Badass’s foster and adoption activity, some dogs are not best suited for city life right away. In addition to our NYC fosters, we are in need of fosters within 4-5 hours driving of the city who can provide certain dogs with a home in an environment with fewer distractions—or in some cases, fewer stairs!
A few reasons why you should foster with Badass
Fosters help dogs find their forever homes
Foster care is the first time most rescue dogs get to live in a home, receive crucial training and medical attention before adoption. Our fosters’ insights on their foster dogs help us match each dog with the most suitable forever family.
We actively support you in your foster journey
Our rescue teams support veterinary, training, and adoption needs. Every foster receives an initial hands-on training, continued support from our experienced team members, and access to basic supplies.
We cover 100% of veterinary needs and care
We never turn away dogs due to their medical needs, no matter how severe. From heartworm treatment to major surgeries - not only does Badass ensure all dogs receive the right treatment from our amazing partner vets, we also cover 100% of the costs.
Join a community of dog lovers and fellow fosters
Our fosters are part of our community. Meet other volunteers and fosters, get advice and support, and rave about your foster dogs through our virtual platforms and in-person events.
Hear what our fosters have to say
Lindsay, foster since 2012
“My favorite part of fostering is seeing each dog’s personality open up, but the absolute best part is meeting their adopter—and seeing how much the adopter loves the dog’s unique quirks. That’s when you know it’s the perfect fit.”
“There are small moments that become a treasured memory: watching them hop out for the first time, teaching them to climb stairs, giving them a toy they love. When a dog is only in your life for a brief period, it forces you to really be present and every day feels momentous in their adoption journey.”
Connor & Odette, fosters since 2020
Riley, foster since 2020
“I knew I needed a dog in my life, but wasn't sure I was fully ready to adopt yet. One of my favorite things is running into other Badass dogs in Brooklyn. I've met so many familiar faces around the neighborhood.”
Things to expect from the program
Our foster dogs come from high-kill shelters with little info
This means we often don’t know much about the dog’s history or how they ended up there. Our fosters help ensure every dog receive necessary vet checkups, assess behavior and training needs, and provide structured care to get them adoption-ready.
Fosters need to come into NYC for adoption events
Expect to attend 1-2 adoption events each month. This is your foster dog’s chance to meet potential adopters and get cute photos & videos taken. Events are typically in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and fosters should help with transport and handling.
Many rescue dogs have never lived in a home before
So many things may be new to your foster dog, from walking on a leash to potty and crate training. Our fosters help dogs build up confidence, acclimate to life in a home, and learn crucial skills to become successful urban dogs.
Adoptions can be emotional, but they’re also the reward
If you’re not sure whether the sadness of letting go is worth it, the answer is YES. We let our hearts break so their hearts will never have to break again. Our advice? Welcome another foster dog into your heart and home!
If you’re a foster, we can help you along the way!
We work hard to make sure our foster families are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. If you’re one of our foster families, please sign in to our dedicated foster portal for tips and updates.
Follow us to learn about our dogs, upcoming events, and adoption stories.