Denver Animal Shelter foster volunteer orientation — May 2026
Become a foster volunteer at Denver Animal Shelter. Attend the May 9 orientation plus a 30-minute foster training to start providing temporary homes for animals.
Why we picked this
If you have a spare room and can handle temporary pet hair, fostering a shelter animal is one of the more meaningful recurring commitments in this list — and you set your own pace.
Foster volunteers take animals home between kennel stays — typically dogs or cats who need a quieter environment to recover, decompress, or be assessed for adoption. The commitment is flexible: you foster at least once every six months and agree to keep the animal safe and updated. Denver Animal Shelter handles vet care and supplies the basics.
The May 9 orientation (10 AM–noon) is the entry point, followed by a 30-minute foster-specific add-on covering what to expect, how to handle common challenges, and how to return animals when they’re ready. You’ll also need to pass a background check and a virtual home inspection. Apply through the link above about two weeks before orientation — spots are limited.
Fostering directly relieves pressure on kennel capacity, which affects every animal in the building. A dog in a foster home is less stressed, better assessed for adoption fit, and more likely to land in the right permanent home. You’re not just helping one animal; you’re making room for the next one.