A little time. A big difference.

Short-term fostering gives shelter animals a break from kennel life, even if just for a day. No long commitment required. 

Just a willing heart, and a little free time.

Only have a weekend to
give? That's enough.

1-2

Days for Tails Around Town outings

2-3

Days for a Paw-Jama Party weekend stay

0

Prior fostering experience required

Two ways to give back on your schedule

Weekend Stay

Paw-Jama Party

Give a dog a break from the shelter for the weekend.

A weekend away from the shelter gives a dog a real break from the noise and stress of kennel life. It also gives us valuable information — whether they're housetrained, crate trained, and how they behave in a home setting — that makes them easier to adopt.

You pick up Friday or Saturday and return Sunday or Monday. We handle all the prep and provide everything you need.

We provide all medication and show you exactly how to administer treatments. Outside of their diagnosis, these cats are healthy and happy.

Fri-Mon pickup/return

Supplies Provided

Dogs only

Day Outing

Tails Around Town

Take a shelter dog out for a few hours of freedom.

Take a dog through the drive-thru, out on a trail walk, or just for a ride with the windows down. Dogs need mental stimulation and a change of scenery just as much as people do — even a few hours out of the shelter makes a real difference.

Check out in the morning, return by close. No overnight stay required.

Same-day return

A few hours minimum

Dogs only

Simple from start to finish

Get matched

We match you with a dog based on your home setup & availability.

Sign up or check the list

Complete the foster questionnaire or check our current short-term opportunity list.

Pick up your foster

Come to either shelter location. We'll walk you through everything before you leave.

Return & repeat!

Drop off when your time is up. Many short-term fosters come back again and again.

Short-term fostering is perfect if you...

Want to help animals but aren't ready for a multi-week commitment

Have a flexible weekend and a safe, indoor space for a dog

Are curious about fostering and want to try it before committing long-term

Love dogs but your schedule doesn't allow for a permanent pet right now

Want to give your kids a hands-on way to connect with animal welfare

Already foster long-term and want to take on additional animals during gaps

Ready to give it a try?

Sign up through our foster questionnaire and we'll be in touch when a short-term opportunity is available.

Questions? Email foster@pvastx.org or text 956-278-0702

Support the Foster Program

Our foster program runs on community support. Your donation helps us grow the program, care for animals in foster homes, and save more lives across the RGV.