Become a Foster. Save a Life.
You provide the love. We provide the supplies, medical care, and support.
At The Maine Dog Rescue (MDR), our foster families make everything we do possible. As a 100% foster-based nonprofit, we rely on loving homes throughout Maine, from York to Bangor, to help dogs get their second chance.
Whether you can foster for a few days, a couple of weeks, or until adoption, you're making a difference.
When you foster one dog, you help us save another.
Why Foster?
Our dogs come from overcrowded shelters in Florida and Puerto Rico, as well as local Maine families who can no longer care for them.
Fostering provides a safe, loving environment where dogs can decompress, build confidence, learn routines, and prepare for their forever homes.
And yes, saying goodbye can be bittersweet! But seeing your foster dog happy with their new family makes it all worthwhile.
What Does MDR Provide?
We cover the essentials so you can focus on caring for your foster dog:
Food, crates, leashes, collars, and necessary supplies
Veterinary care and approved medical expenses
Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives
Guidance and support throughout fostering
Coordination of the adoption process
Fostering shouldn't be a financial burden.
What Do We Ask of Fosters?
You don't need rescue experience, just patience, compassion, and a safe home!
We ask that fosters:
Provide daily care, exercise, and supervision.
Help establish routines and basic manners.
Share photos, updates, and information about their foster dog.
Communicate with our team about health or behavioral concerns.
Help coordinate meet-and-greets with approved adopters.
Follow MDR's safety and foster care guidelines.
How Long Will I Foster?
Most dogs spend approximately 2–3 weeks in foster care, although every dog's journey is different.
Some dogs arrive already pre-adopted and only need a temporary home during their Maine health hold:
Under 6 months: 5 days
6 months and older: 48 hours
Others may need a few weeks or longer to find their forever family.
We welcome short-term, long-term, vacation coverage, and emergency fosters!
Transportation & Pickup Locations
We coordinate transportation based on where your foster dog is coming from.
Puerto Rico Arrivals
Dogs fly into Boston, where our team picks them up and travels north toward Augusta. Foster families can meet us at designated locations along I-95.
Flight dates and arrival times are subject to change, so flexibility is important.
Florida Arrivals
Florida transports typically arrive on Sundays at Cabela's in Scarborough. Additional meeting locations may be arranged along I-95 or I-295 toward Auburn and Augusta.
Local Maine Owner Surrenders
Dogs may be delivered directly to your home or picked up at a designated meeting location in Augusta.
Our team will communicate pickup details and arrangements in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I foster if I work full-time or have pets?
Absolutely! Many of our fosters work full-time and have pets of their own. We match dogs based on your household, schedule, and experience. Resident pets should be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and on appropriate preventatives unless medically exempt.
Do I need a fenced yard?
Not always! Some dogs require a physical fence, while others do well with leash walks and appropriate supervision.
What if I need to travel?
No worries! Give us as much notice as possible, and we'll work to arrange temporary care while you're away.
What if my foster needs veterinary care?
Our dogs receive veterinary care before placement. If additional care is needed, contact Mariah so we can coordinate an appointment. MDR covers approved veterinary expenses.
For a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate veterinary assistance and notify our team as soon as safely possible.
What if my foster isn't a good fit?
We understand that not every placement works out. Communicate with us as soon as possible, and we'll help find a solution or arrange another placement when necessary.
Am I responsible for finding an adopter?
No! Our adoption team handles applications, screening, and approvals. We simply ask fosters to share updates and help coordinate meet-and-greets with approved families.
What if I get attached?
You probably will! And that's okay. Fostering is about loving a dog until their forever family can take over. Every happy ending makes room for another rescue.
Can I foster if I've never done it before?
Of course! First-time fosters are welcome, and our team is here to support you.
How Do I Become a Foster?
Our approval process is simple:
Apply: Complete our online foster application.
References: We'll complete a veterinary reference check and obtain landlord permission if applicable.
Virtual Home Visit: Meet with our team to discuss expectations and answer questions.
Get Matched: We'll help identify a foster dog that fits your home and availability.
Welcome Your Foster: Give a deserving dog a safe place to land!
Ready to Save a Life?
You don't have to foster forever. You just have to foster long enough to change a life.
Every foster home allows us to rescue another dog in need. We'd love to have you on our team!
Mariah Maheux
President & Foster Coordinator
Email: adopt@mainedogrescue.org
Phone: 207-458-1193
Become a Foster. Be Their Second Chance.