Here's How It Works:

If you’re interested in fostering, great! Review the list of organizations below and complete the foster application for the group that seems like the best fit. Once your application is approved, you can work with the organization to find a dog from the kennel that works for you (you can come in with the rescue group for a meet and greet to do this.) Ownership of the dog would transfer to the rescue group, along with any related expenses going forward and the responsibility for finding the dog a home while it stays with you. 

Most of these groups are run entirely by volunteers and operate solely through foster homes rather than a physical shelter.  You must follow the foster organization’s specific requirements for vetting, training, etc, while working with them. If you have any questions about the process, please message us or email citydogs@clevelandohio.gov!

These organizations are based in northeast Ohio and are seeking new fosters so they can help more of our dogs:

Mutts in a Rut Rescue is a volunteer-based organization can always use more fosters in the Cleveland area. Application: https://www.muttsinarutrescue.com/volunteer 

Muttley Crue Rescue CLE is a foster-based organization with particular interest in pitties/bully breeds. Most in need of fosters who can keep an open mind and are prepared to give dogs time to settle in and adjust. Application: https://muttleycruerescue.com/volunteerfosterdonate.html  

Berea Animal Rescue Fund: welcomes fosters for any types of dogs but specifically scared or dogs that need extra training! Anyone interested should email rsantodomingo@bereaanimalrescue.com 

 Maggie's Mission: a foster home based rescue mostly in the Akron/Medina area, but we welcome Cleveland fosters if they’re willing to drive down to use our vet in Medina. Application: 

https://www.maggiesmissionrescue.org/foster 

Lake Erie Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.: Specializes in lab and lab-mixes only. Application: 

https://www.lelrr.org/foster.html

 A New Leash on Life: focuses on rescuing dogs from local shelters. Most in need of long-term committed fosters. Application: https://www.anewleashonliferescue.com/forms/ 

Mercy's Door Pet Rescue Inc.: specializes in pulling pittie-type dogs, willing to work with those with complicated medical needs to literally help save lives! Application: https://mercysdoorpetrescue.org/foster.html  

Multiple Breed Rescue: open to pulling most types of dogs for fosters. Meet and greets generally are held at their boarding/training facility in Grafton, OH. Application: https://www.mbrohio.com/foster-information  .

The Rescue Inn: accepts new fosters and works with foster-to-adopt situations.  Fosters are matched with dogs compatible with their family including current animals. TRI vets are focused on the west side of Cleveland, though they’ll work with fosters who are farther away if they can travel to appointments. Application: potential fosters should email therescueinn@gmail.com and request a Foster FAQ information packet.  

Forget Me Not Animal Rescue: welcomes new fosters to be able to pull dogs from the Cleveland Kennel. Based in Strongsville, OH but can work with fosters in the NEO area. Application: https://forgetmenotanimalrescue.weebly.com/foster...  

Toby's Critter Cove: open to pulling all types of dogs for approved fosters, including those with particular medical or behavioral needs. Application: https://tobyscrittercoverescue.org/foster-application/ 

The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs: only takes in senior dogs, which can be a uniquely rewarding experience to foster. Fosters should understand that senior dogs often take longer to get adopted than younger dogs, so turnaround times may not be quick. Fosters should be prepared for more age-related medical needs. Fosters must be able to get to Tremont Animal Clinic on the west side of Cleveland for vetting. Application: http://www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/id3.htm  

R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue: welcomes fosters for Rottweilers primarily, as well as mastiffs and shepherds. Apply to foster at www.realrottweilerrescue.com 

Parma Animal Shelter: welcomes foster for non-pit dogs due to Parma city ordinances. Open to pulling medical needs dogs as well as any age. Email dogadoptions@parmashelter.org