Foster-to-Adopt at OC Animal Care

What Is Foster-to-Adopt?

OC Animal Care’s Foster-to-Adopt Pilot Program offers a new way to fall in love with a dog. You can take select dogs home for two weeks before deciding if the relationship is meant to be .

This program gives potential adopters the opportunity to see if a dog is the right fit for their family – without the pressure of an immediate, lifelong commitment.

Why Choose Foster-to-Adopt?

There are many foster to adopt program benefits :

No rush decisions – Spend two weeks getting to know your dog
See their true personality – Dogs often behave differently in a home than in a shelter
Support along the way – The OC Animal Care Foster Team is available by phone or email to guide you
Essential supplies provided – Food, leash, ID tag, and basic starter kit included
Veterinary care covered – Standard medical care during the foster period

“During the Foster-to-Adopt period, your dog will have a chance to get to know you and show off their unique personality while giving you the opportunity to learn if they are a good fit.”

Which Dogs Are Eligible?

Eligible dogs are selected by the Shelter Team and include a variety of ages, sizes, and breeds . New dogs are consistently added.

All dogs in the program have been:

Fully vetted
Vaccinated
Spayed or neutered
Treated with dewormer and flea preventative

How to Choose a Foster-to-Adopt Dog

You can find eligible dogs in two ways:

Visit in person – Shelter viewing hours are daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. . Look for the “Foster-to-Adopt” kennel tag .
View online – Check the Dog Adoption page 24/7 and look for the “Foster-to-Adopt Me” banner on select dog profiles .

A meet-and-greet visit with the dog is required and can often be accommodated the same day .

What to Expect During the Two-Week Trial

Supplies provided:

Transitional amount of dry food
ID tag
Basic leash
Starter kit with essentials

Support:

Standard veterinary care during the foster period
Dedicated Foster Team available by phone or email

Paperwork:
You will fill out a foster agreement and adoption forms. The adoption form is not processed until you are ready to move forward .

Ready to Adopt?

When you decide to adopt your foster dog, simply email the Foster Team. A member of the Adoption Team will call you to finalize the adoption over the phone. At that time, you will pay any applicable adoption fees and dog licensing fees .

What If It Is Not the Right Fit?

Email the team. They will schedule a time for you to return the dog to the shelter. You will be asked to share feedback about your time together, and they will help you choose another candidate who may be a better fit .

Do not feel bad about returning the dog. As the program notes:

“You gave them a much-needed break from the shelter. You spoiled them for two weeks, and the information you share about the dog’s personality will help us find them their perfect match.”

How to Get More Information

Phone: 714-935-6848
Email: OCACPrograms@occr.ocgov.com
Visit: OC Animal Care, 1630 Victory Rd., Tustin, CA 92782
Viewing Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: https://ocpetinfo.com/adopt/foster-adopt

Why This Program Matters

For families who are unsure about adoption, how to foster a dog through this program is the perfect solution. You get a two week dog trial with no pressure. The dog gets a break from the shelter. And if it is a match, you have found your new best friend.

If you have been asking “Should I adopt a dog?” – this program lets you find the answer by fostering to adopt first.

https://ocpetinfo.com/adopt/foster-adopt

https://ocpetinfo.com/sites/ocac/files/2025-10/OCAC%20F2A%20Flyer.pdf

https://ocpetinfo.com/adopt/foster-adopt#docaccess-a6b8235e21949e63ba978652706d6f7f