July 29, 2026 | Read time: 5 min

Thinking about fostering a dog or cat but not sure where to start? You’re not alone — when I first looked into fostering, I quickly realized there are dozens of amazing rescues out there, and it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out who to contact. That’s why I put this dog/cat foster directory together: a simple, organized list of rescues and organizations that welcome foster families.

Whether you live here in Arizona or anywhere else in the country, you’ll find options to match your lifestyle — from local shelters to national breed-specific rescues. Every link here goes directly to the rescue’s foster page, so you can jump straight into learning about their process and requirements.

Fostering is one of the most impactful ways you can help dogs/cats in need. By opening your home temporarily, you free up shelter space and give a pup the chance to experience love, stability, and healing while they wait for their forever family. If you’re ready to make a difference, this directory is the perfect place to begin your search.

Phoenix Area Rescues

Sadly, Arizona has many dogs and cats in need of rescue — but thankfully, it also has an incredible community of organizations working tirelessly to help them find safe, loving homes.

The rescues highlighted here are ones I’ve personally partnered with through fundraising events. But Arizona is home to many more amazing organizations doing incredible work. If you’d like to explore beyond this list, PACC911 maintains a directory of over 140 rescues across the state — a wonderful resource if you’re looking for additional groups to foster, support or adopt from.

Happy Tails Dachshund Rescue is dedicating to saving as many dachshunds as possible from euthanasia, abuse, or abandonment and adopting them into loving, forever homes.

One Love Arizona sparks brighter futures for people and pets through innovative, rehabilitative, and life-saving programs—supporting shelter dogs, owned pets, and the humans who care for them.

Mayday Pit Bull Rescue focuses on rescuing dogs from situations of extreme neglect, cruelty, abuse, hoarding and dogfighting. They don’t have a direct webpage for fostering, but you can sign up by emailing: info@maydaypitbullrescue.org

Arizona Husky Rescue is dedicated to helping the huskies in Arizona that need it the most. They intake from shelters within our state and provide medical care, rehabilitation, breed education and successful outcomes.

Fearless Kitty Rescue is dedicated to providing a safe place for cats in need until they can be adopted into a loving home.

HALO Animal Rescue is a safety net for thousands of homeless dogs & cats each year. They never euthanize an animal to make room for another. Every animal receives all the veterinary care they need to set them & their new families up for success.

Follow Your Heart is a foster based rescue whose focus is on saving dogs who are the most likely to be thrown away, abandoned and unloved.

Home Fur Good is no-kill animal rescue organization whose mission is to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable homeless cats and dogs in Maricopa County.

AZK9 is an organization serving Arizona’s underserved communities with the tri-fold approach of education, sterilization & rescue.

Almost There Rescue specializes in pregnant and nursing dogs and pups who need time and space to grow and become socialized.

Grateful Hearts Rescue is dedicated to helping Phoenix communities’ population of stray, hurt and abandoned cats and kittens find their loving furever home.

Heart of Infinity is a foster-based dog rescue that saves dogs from Maricopa County’s euthanasia list.

Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary helps overlooked senior dogs in Arizona find their forever homes.

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is a public animal shelter (not a rescue) committed to finding good outcomes to lost, surrendered, and stray dogs/cats.

Arizona-wide Directory

Phoenix Animal Care Coalition brings together over 140 animal welfare organizations throughout Arizona to create a potent animal rescue community that works together under a unified umbrella.

Chicago Rescues

PAWS Chicago is dedicated to building No Kill communities for dogs and cats, ending the overpopulation of homeless animals and transforming animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated.

Anti-Cruelty has been at the forefront of animal welfare since its founding in 1899. They are committed to an open door philosophy that provides care and compassion for any animal (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, livestock, etc.) in need.

National Rescues

If you’re looking to explore more rescue options beyond my highlighted list, here are some handy national directories—whether you’re searching by location or specific breed!

Short-Term Fostering & Dog Day Out Programs

Not ready for a long-term commitment? Many rescues offer short-term fostering or “dog day out” programs where you can take a pup on an adventure for a few hours—or welcome them into your home for a weekend.

This list highlights just a few rescues I’m familiar with that offer short-term fostering and “dog day out” programs—but there are many more out there. Click on the logos to be taken to their day short-term foster pages.

If you’d like to explore even more rescues, the PACC911 Directory has over 140 organizations across Arizona. Just keep in mind that not every group offers short-term fostering, so be sure to check with each rescue directly.