Foster dog checklist: what you need
By the Toodle team · Updated · Prices checked daily
Fostering gives a dog a break from the shelter and helps them find a home. Here's what to get ready, followed by crates, beds, leashes, bowls and toys in stock at the shops we work with.
Getting ready for a foster dog
Ask the rescue what they provide
Many rescues supply food, a crate and vet care. Ask what's covered and what you'll need to buy.
Set up a quiet space
A crate or gated room with a bed and water gives your foster a calm spot to decompress.
Leash, collar and ID
A well-fitted collar with an ID tag and a harness help keep a new dog safe; nervous dogs can slip out of collars.
Bowls and the same food
Keep them on the food they've been eating to avoid tummy trouble, and switch slowly if you need to.
Toys and chews
A few chew and puzzle toys help a new dog settle and give them something to do.
Go slow
Give your foster a few quiet days before visitors or new places, and introduce other pets slowly and on leash.
Want the full lesson?
Comprehensive Guide to Dog Fostering is a free online course from Alison. The course is free; a certificate is optional and paid, and Toodle may earn a commission if you buy one.
At a glance
We found 25 options in stock from 10 stores, from $1.99 to $89.99.
- Lowest-priced in Crates and gates: ANCONA Dog Playpen, $29.99 at KingCamp
- Lowest-priced in Beds: Aspen Pet Classic Stripe Pillow Dog Bed, $29.99 at Petmate
- Lowest-priced in Leashes, collars and harnesses: Free Country Dog Walk Essentials Set, $11.00 at Free Country
- Lowest-priced in Bowls: JW Skid Stop Slow Feed Bowl, $7.99 at Petmate
- Lowest-priced in Toys and chews: Petmate Booda Multi-Colored Rope Bone, $1.99 at Petmate
How we picked
- Crates, playpens and gates, beds, leashes, collars and harnesses, bowls, and chew and puzzle toys
- In stock with a current price
- Grouped by what they're for
Listed from the lowest price. Prices and stock come from each store and are checked through the day. We haven't tested these products ourselves; the facts come from each maker's listing. Stores may pay Toodle a commission; that never changes what's listed or the order. How Toodle makes money
Check with your rescue first: many provide some of these.
Crates and gates
1. KingCamp
ANCONA Dog Playpen
A foldable playpen with a steel frame, mesh windows, front and back doors and a zip-open top, for the backyard, a campsite or a hotel room.
- Sizes Small to Large
- 3 colors
- Free shipping over $99 at KingCamp
$29.99 at KingCamp · Green · SmallPrice checked 13 hours ago
Buy at KingCamp
2. Aspen Pet
Petmate All Purpose Kennels- Pet Porter
Fashion Pet Porters in sizes 19", 23", 24" and 26" offer built-in compartment covers for added storage of treats or other pet needs.
- 4 sizes
- 4 colors
$39.99 at Petmate · Scuba Blue/black / 19"Price checked 22 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
3. Petmate
Petmate Fashion All Purpose Vari Kennel
Petmate Fashion Vari Kennels are available in 19" and 24" sizes and feature a multi-purpose handle designed for both carrying and securing the kennel in a vehicle.
- 2 sizes
- 2 colors
$39.99 at Petmate · Pearl Hushed Violet / 19"Price checked 22 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
4. K9 Sport Sack
K9 Kennel Pop-Up Dog Tent
A travel kennel that pops open and folds down in seconds and packs into a backpack or suitcase, for the beach, campsites and hotel rooms.
- Sizes Small to Large
- 2 colors
- Size guide on the product page
$54.95 at K9 Sport Sack · Blue · SmallPrice checked 12 hours ago
Buy at K9 Sport Sack
5. Aspen Pet
Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Dog House
Welcome, a dog home sweet home with the Aspen Pet Petbarn 3.
- Sizes Small to Large
$89.99 at Petmate · Sand/coffee Grounds Brown / XsmallPrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
Beds
6. Aspen Pet
Aspen Pet Classic Stripe Pillow Dog Bed
The Classic Stripe Pillow Bed's sleep surface is covered in supple, long-pile micro-terry plush fabric that is great for keeping your pet warm and cozy on cold winter nights.
$29.99 at PetmatePrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
7. Only Natural Pet
Only Natural Pet Recycled Fiber Mat Dog Bed
An indoor dog resting mat made with recycled fibers, offered in three colors.
- 3 colors
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$34.99 at Only Natural Pet · GreyPrice checked 10 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
8. Snoozzy
SnooZZy Rustic Luxury Ultra Cuddler Pet Bed
Designed to be home decor friendly, the Ultra Cuddler is wrapped in dark brown faux leather with the sleep surface made up of a neutral cream colored, long-pile sculpted plush material…
$34.99 at PetmatePrice checked 22 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
9. Best Choice Products
Elevated Dog Cot with Canopy
A raised mesh cot on a steel frame with a removable sun canopy, for the yard, patio or campsite.
- 3 sizes
- Ships free from Best Choice Products
$35.00 at Best Choice Products · Red · 30 inPrice checked 11 hours ago
Buy at Best Choice Products
10. Majestic Pet
Majestic Pet Super Value Dog Bed
An affordable pillow-style dog bed with a removable cover, in medium and large.
- Sizes M to L
- 46 colors
- Size guide on the product page
$39.99 at Majestic Pet · Gray Aruba / MPrice checked 6 hours ago
Buy at Majestic Pet
Leashes, collars and harnesses
11. Free Country
Free Country Dog Walk Essentials Set
A walk set with an adjustable reflective collar, reflective leash, collapsible bowl and poop bag holder.
$11.00 at Free CountryPrice checked 4 hours ago
Buy at Free Country
12. Walkee Paws
LockSafe Harness
An over-the-head dog harness with locking side buckles and a slit that lets Walkee Paws legging straps pass through.
- Sizes Small to Large
- Free shipping over $75 at Walkee Paws
$12.50 at Walkee Paws · SmallPrice checked 21 hours ago
Buy at Walkee Paws
13. GreaterGood
Signature Comfort Reflective Dog Collar
A purple padded nylon collar with reflective accents.
- Size guide on the product page
$12.95 at GreaterGoodPrice checked 12 hours ago
Buy at GreaterGood
14. Lupine
Dapper Dog Leash
A nylon leash from Lupine, known for its lifetime guarantee, even against chewing.
- 2 sizes
$13.99 at Doodle Doo Bakery · 1/2 in · 6 ftPrice checked 12 hours ago
Buy at Doodle Doo Bakery
15. GreaterGood
Signature Comfort Reflective Leash
A 6 ft purple nylon leash with reflective accents and a padded neoprene handle.
$15.95 at GreaterGoodPrice checked 12 hours ago
Buy at GreaterGood
Bowls
16. JW Pet
JW Skid Stop Slow Feed Bowl
Slow your fast-eating dog down with the JW Skid Stop Slow Feed Bowl.
- Sizes Medium to Large
$7.99 at Petmate · Assorted Colors / MediumPrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
17. Messy Mutts
Messy Mutts 1.75 Cup Interactive Slow Feeder for Cats & Dogs
A 1.75-cup slow-feeding bowl with raised ridges and a non-slip base, for cats or dogs.
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$8.39 at Only Natural Pet · BluePrice checked 11 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
18. Petmate
Petmate Replendish Pet Feeder With Microban
The Petmate Replendish Feeder with Microban simplifies life by providing a continuous flow of top-load food so busy pet parents have fewer refills to make.
- Sizes Small to Medium
- 2 colors
$24.99 at Petmate · Pearl Silver Gray / XsmallPrice checked 22 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
19. Petmate
Petmate Replendish Pet Waterer With Microban
Provide your pets with clean, filtered water 24/7 with the Petmate Replendish Pet Waterer with Microban.
- Sizes Small to Large
- 2 colors
$24.99 at Petmate · Pearl Silver Gray / XsmallPrice checked 22 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
20. RuffWear
Ruffwear Quencher Bowl for Dogs
A foldable fabric bowl for serving dog food or water while traveling.
- 3 colors
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$24.99 at Only Natural Pet · Coastal Mountains / MediumPrice checked 11 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
Toys and chews
21. Petmate
Petmate Booda Multi-Colored Rope Bone
Multi-colored Booda 2-Knot Rope Bones can be used for interactive play or as solo dog chews.
$1.99 at PetmatePrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
22. Jolly Pets
Jolly Pets Jolly Tug Insect Dog Toy
A ladybug tug toy that squeaks when both ends are pulled.
$6.99 at GreaterGoodPrice checked 12 hours ago
Buy at GreaterGood
23. JW Pet
JW Butterfly Puppy Teether Chew Toy
The super-tough rubber and fun shape of this toy provide a bouncy, erratic bounce path when thrown that engages your puppy's instinct to chase.
$6.99 at PetmatePrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
24. JW Pet
JW Prickl-ee Pear Puppy Teether Chew Toy
This chew toy for puppies satisfies their chewing instincts.
$7.99 at PetmatePrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
25. Chuckit!
Chuckit! Tumble Teez Dog Treat Puzzle Toy
Tumble Teez – Treat-Stuffable Puzzle Toy for Dogs Playtime just got smarter.
- Sizes Small to Large
- 3 styles
$9.99 at Petmate · Small / GreenPrice checked 23 hours ago
Buy at Petmate
Compare them side by side
The first few days
Many foster dogs are tired, nervous or overexcited at first. A calm routine with regular meals, walks and rest helps them show who they really are.
Keep notes for the rescue
Jot down what you learn: how they do with other dogs, cats and kids, their favorite treats, and any worries. It helps the rescue find the right home.
Questions
- What do I need to foster a dog?
- Usually a crate or gated area, a bed, a leash, collar and ID tag, bowls, toys, and the food the dog has been eating. Ask your rescue what they provide.
- Does the rescue pay for foster supplies?
- Many rescues cover food, vet care and some supplies. Policies vary, so ask before you buy.
- How do I help a foster dog settle in?
- Give them a quiet space, a steady routine and a few calm days before visitors or outings.