• The main foster volunteer must be at least 25 years old.

• You must be able to follow rules and guidelines provided in the foster handbook and/or by Real Good Rescue 

• You must have reliable transportation for bringing your foster dog(s) to the vet for regular appointments and to our monthly adoption events.

How long you keep your foster dog depends on the needs of the dog and your availability. Our foster coordinator will match you with a dog that fits your lifestyle and capacity. That said, we generally ask fosters to commit to a minimum of four months. Some dogs find homes quickly, while others may take much longer — sometimes even years. Because we’re a foster-based organization without a physical facility, long-term commitment from our fosters is essential. It’s what allows us to continue saving lives and providing stability for the dogs in our care.

Yes. If you fall in love with your foster dog and want to make them part of your family, you’ll always have the first opportunity to adopt. We also welcome and encourage fosters to help find adopters for their dogs. If someone in your network — a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member — is interested in adopting your foster dog, just let our foster team know so we can guide them through the application process.

Absolutely. Many of our fosters have dogs or other pets at home. Depending on the needs of the dog you’re fostering, we may ask that they be kept separate from your resident pets at first — especially if the foster is unvaccinated, recovering from illness, or decompressing after shelter life. Our foster team will always provide guidance on introductions, safety, and how to create a smooth transition for everyone in your home.

No — fostering with Real Good Rescue doesn’t cost you anything unless you choose to contribute. We provide all the essentials your foster dog needs, including food, medical care, and basic supplies like a crate, leash, and collar. Many of our fosters generously choose to sponsor food or other items, but it’s never required. Our priority is making sure every dog has what they need to feel safe, healthy, and loved while in your care.

While we don’t have a staffed hotline, you’ll never be left without support. Real Good Rescue is a volunteer-based organization with a small but dedicated team. Every foster is provided with direct contact information for both the Foster & Adoption Coordinator and the Medical Director. In urgent situations, you can reach out by phone or text at any time, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible. For non-emergencies, communication is best handled during regular hours through email so we can ensure the right team members are looped in.

No. While Real Good Rescue is based in Los Angeles, we have fosters throughout Southern California. In some cases, we may also consider out-of-state fosters if there’s a trusted referral and the home has been fully vetted. Every foster—no matter where they live—goes through the same screening process to ensure the best possible match for both the dog and the person. Ultimately, our goal is always to do what’s best for the dog’s safety, wellbeing, and long-term success.

There are many ways to make a difference, even if you can’t foster right now. The most impactful way to help is through a financial contribution — your donations directly fund medical care, transport, and supplies for the dogs in our care. You can donate here. We also welcome volunteers, social media amplifiers, and community partners who want to spread the word or lend their skills to our mission. Every bit of support helps us save more dogs and give them the real good lives they deserve.