Dog Fostering 101

In this episode of Dog Fostering 101 , Jackie Adams talks with Dr. Lisa Gunter , an assistant professor at Virginia Tech and leading canine welfare researcher, and Grace Phillips , a researcher and former shelter worker. They dive into the groundbreaking data behind how fostering—even for just a single night—profoundly impacts a shelter dog's well-being. The conversation explores the results o...

In this episode of Dog Fostering 101 , host Jackie Adams dives into the "Why" behind the common rules and restrictions found in the fostering world. From why you shouldn't visit dog parks to the necessity of keeping foster dogs on-leash, this episode explains how these policies aren't meant to be "fun-killers," but are designed to protect the dog, the foster family, and...

Cara Achterberg is a best-selling author, co-founder of the nonprofit Who Will Let the Dogs Out , and a pivotal voice in the animal welfare community. Cara shares her unexpected journey from fostering her first dog for "selfish" family reasons to visiting over 150 shelters across the country to document the national crisis. This episode dives deep into why fostering is the most impactful...

It is the most common question for any prospective or new volunteer: "What do I do if I fall in love with my foster dog?" In this episode, host Jackie Adams explains that falling in love isn't a mistake—it’s a biological certainty and a sign that you’ve successfully created a safe space for a dog to heal. We explore the science of the human-canine bond, provide a five-question framew...

In this Foster Fast Track episode , we demystify one of the most famous guidelines in the rescue world: the 3-3-3 Rule . While often shared as a social media graphic, we dive into the history of this community-created roadmap and explain why it should be treated as a guide, not a deadline. From the initial "Decompression Phase" to the deep bond of the "Settling-In Phase," learn...

In this Foster Fast Track episode , we pull back the curtain on the first few days of bringing a foster dog home. Often, we imagine "magic moments" and instant cuddles, but the reality is frequently more about observation and adjustment. Learn how to set up a "landing zone" in your home, why a predictable routine is your best tool, and how to spot the "quiet wins" tha...

In this Foster Fast Track episode , we tackle one of the most important decisions a new volunteer makes: choosing the right dog. It’s easy to fall in love with a sweet face in a photo, but a successful foster experience depends on matching a dog's needs with your actual lifestyle, schedule, and home environment. We’ll discuss how to look past "skin-deep" preferences, what questions to ask shelter...

Welcome to the debut episode of Dog Fostering 101 ! If you’ve ever wondered what exactly dog fostering entails—or if you’re worried you don’t have enough experience to start—this episode is for you. We strip away the intimidation and focus on the core mission: providing a safe, temporary space for a dog to decompress while they wait for their forever home. Whether you have one night or several mon...

Welcome you to Dog Fostering 101: Everything I Wish I Knew When I Began Fostering — the podcast I wish I had when I first said “yes” to bringing a shelter dog home. If you’re new to fostering, thinking about fostering, or already in the thick of it with a dog who’s unsure, overwhelmed, or completely shut down… you’re in the right place. Every week, you’ll hear simple, practical, compassionate guid...