One of the biggest barriers we hear from people who want to foster is the workday.
The idea of leaving a foster dog home alone for 8+ hours - especially in those early transition days - can feel overwhelming, and for many, it’s what stops them from saying yes in the first place.
So we designed something different.
Our Hybrid Foster Program allows you to foster in a way that actually fits your life.
A NEW WAY TO FOSTER
designed for real life
How it Works
During the workweek, your foster dog comes to hang with us at WilsonHaus HQ (right here on Katherine Street) while you’re at work. Think of it like doggy daycare - but with purpose.
You drop them off in the morning on your way to work, and pick them up on your way home.
While they’re with us, we handle:
-
enrichment and structured play
-
walks and socialization
-
any appointments or care they need
-
ongoing support and guidance
Then in the evenings and on weekends, your foster dog is home with you - learning what it means to be in a home, building connection, and taking the next steps toward adoption.
01 APPLY
Fill out our application to become a FosterHaus
We will review your application and contact you with next steps.
Once approved, you can begin the WELCOME process which includes our orientation and introduction to the FosterHaus Facebook page.
02 WELCOME
Take our WilsonHaus Orientation
This is a short class we designed to ensure everyone has all of the information they need to set our foster dogs and foster parents up for success. The class/orientation covers all the basics and FAQs. We want to make sure you feel confident and have what you need.
03 FOSTER
Be a guardian to a dog in need
Welcome your foster pup into your home!
The first few days are about decompression. Giving them space, routine, and patience as they begin to understand their new layout. Some dogs will settle quickly, others may take time - and both are okay. Your role isn’t to “fix” them, it’s to be consistent, observant, and present as they start to show you who they really are.
You’re never doing it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
The beauty of the hybrid program is we get to check in often and are available as a resource always.
FAQs
What exactly is the Hybrid Foster Program?
Our Hybrid Foster Program is designed for people who want to foster but work during the day. Your foster dog stays with us at WilsonHaus during work hours, and goes home with you in the evenings and on weekends.
It's the perfect blend of us as an organization supporting and getting to know the dogs, and them enjoying a real home and family to love in the evenings and weekends.
What does a typical day look like?
You’ll drop your foster dog off at WilsonHaus in the morning on your way to work, and pick them up on your way home.
During the day, we handle enrichment, structure, socialization, and any needed care. Evenings and weekends are spent with you.
This program is designed for what most people's typical schedule entails. Of course, if there are days during the week you are home, you can absolutely skip daycare that day and let your pup hang out with you. We work with you to figure out what works best.
You do not need to utilize our daycare every weekday of the week if it's not needed, but it's a resource and option.
How close do I need to live?
Because this program involves the option for daily drop-off and pick-up M-F, we’re currently looking for people who live within a short drive of our facility on Katherine Street, simply to make it easiest for our fosters
If you received our door hanger - it means you are within 5 to 10 minutes of us.
If you learned about this program and live further away, but are willing to make the drive and want to be a foster- we, of course, would love to have you on board too!
How much time do I need to commit?
Evenings and weekends are yours with your foster dog. During the week, we handle daytime care. We ask that fosters are consistent and committed to being part of the dog’s routine and transition into home life.
What kinds of fosters are you looking for?
More than anything, we’re looking for people who understand that dogs aren’t robots.
They need time, patience, and consistency - and a chance to feel safe enough to become who they’re meant to be. That’s what fostering really is.
You don’t need to be perfect or experienced. You just need to be willing to show up, create a little structure, and give them space to grow - and grace for the moments they don’t get it “right.”
This is their first time doing life, too.
We’ll be right there with you - guiding you, supporting you, and making sure you’re never doing this alone.
Do I have to do this every single day?
We’ll work with you on a schedule that makes sense, but consistency is important for the dog’s success. The goal is to create stability and routine.
What do I need to provide?
We provide supplies, structure, guidance, and ongoing support. You provide a safe home environment, consistency, and care during your time with the dog.
What if the dog has behavioral challenges?
No dog is perfect - and that’s part of the journey.
Our role is to be good stewards for these dogs and help guide them in learning how to live in a human world. For most, that simply looks like building routine, structure, and consistency - the same things they’ll need to succeed in a forever home.
Dogs in our Hybrid Foster Program are what we consider “pretty standard” - they don’t require intensive behavioral work. Any dogs needing a higher level of training go through our board and train program first before being considered for fostering.
And you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own. We work with the dogs during the day and support you every step of the way, so you always feel confident and supported in your role.
What if I have other pets?
We’ll carefully match dogs based on your home environment, including other pets, to set everyone up for success.
What if I need to travel or can’t take the dog for a period of time?
We understand life happens - just communicate with us, and we’ll make a plan together.
Our goal is to build a trusted circle of local fosters who feel like family - showing up for these dogs, and for each other, to create a real safety net of care.
What happens if I get attached? Is there the option to adopt?
That’s part of it. Fostering can be emotional, but it’s also incredibly meaningful. You’re helping that dog get one step closer to their forever home - and you’re part of that story
And yes, if you fall in love and it's a good fit, you can apply to make it a forever commitment.
How long is a typical foster commitment?
It varies -every dog’s journey is different.
Some of our dogs have been adopted in as little as a week, while others may stay in foster care for several months or more.
Most fall somewhere in the 1–6 month range as we work to find the right forever home.
We are not a first-come, first-served rescue. Our commitment is always to the dog and what’s best for them. That means we take our time — being intentional and diligent to ensure each placement is the right fit for both the dog and the family.
Have an unanswered question?
If you’re still unsure or just want to learn more, we’d love to connect.
Feel free to email our coordinator to set up a call or schedule an appointment to tour our headquarters to learn more about how you can be a part of their story.
Coordinator: Sarah Stecker