At the end of summer, many animal shelters tend to be especially crowded. In addition to the steady influx of cats and dogs throughout the year, there is a temporary drop in adoptions, as well as reduced availability of foster homes and a decline in volunteer participation during the holidays.

In the case of cats, spring and summer also coincide with the arrival of numerous unwanted litters. Dogs and cats that haven’t found a family continue to occupy spaces in September and the fall, while new cases keep coming in.

This doesn’t mean that abandonment is limited to the vacation season. It’s a widespread problem that happens all year round. In 2025, public and private shelters in Spain took in 285,720 cats and dogs.

Given this scenario, foster homes play an essential role. They temporarily provide a home environment for cats and dogs that need to recover, transition out of a shelter, or wait for adoption under better circumstances.

Fostering can significantly improve an animal’s life, but it also involves taking on care responsibilities, adapting some routines, and maintaining constant communication with the organization in charge. Before taking the plunge, it’s important to know how long the foster period might last, who covers the expenses, what support you’ll receive, and what will happen if any difficulties come up.

Responsible fostering begins before the cat or dog arrives at your home: it starts with information, compatibility, and clearly defined conditions.

In this guide, we explain how fostering works in Catalonia, what you should consider before committing, and which organizations you can contact in Barcelona.

What Is a Foster Home for Cats and Dogs?

A foster home is a private home that temporarily cares for a cat or dog through a formal agreement with a government agency, an animal shelter, or an animal welfare organization.

Law 7/2023 includes under this definition homes that temporarily care for abandoned, lost, stray, or confiscated animals, and stipulates that adequate conditions for their care and well-being must be maintained.

During this period:

• The foster family handles day-to-day care.
• The animal shelter continues to manage the case.
• Major decisions are coordinated with the shelter.
• Efforts to find a permanent solution remain ongoing.

This means that a foster placement should not depend solely on an informal agreement between individuals. There must be a designated organization, ongoing monitoring, and a document that outlines the responsibilities of both parties.

Foster Care vs. Adoption: The Differences

The main difference is the length of time and who’s responsible for the adoptee.

Aspect	Fostering	Adopting
Duration	Temporary.	Permanent.
Responsibility	The animal remains in the organization’s control.	The adoptive family takes on permanent custody of the animal.
Veterinary Care	This is coordinated with the animal shelter.	The family makes decisions and manages care.
The Animal’s Future	The organization continues to look for a family.	The transfer of ownership is finalized.

Fostering should also not be seen as a trial period that automatically grants the right to adopt. If the family ultimately wants to keep the pet, they must notify the organization and follow the procedure that it has established.

Which cats and dogs need a foster home?

Host homes can help in a wide variety of situations:

• Emergency rescues or lack of space at a shelter.
• Puppies, kittens, nursing mothers, and senior animals.
• Animals recovering from illness or requiring medication.
• Cases requiring medical isolation.
• Dogs or cats that do not adapt well to a group setting.
• Anxious animals that need a quieter space.
• Cases awaiting an adoptive family.

Living in a home also allows us to see another side of the animal that isn’t always apparent at a shelter: how it rests, how it interacts with others, whether it can be left alone, what situations make it feel insecure, and how it gets along with other people and animals.

This information helps us create a more accurate adoption profile and find a family that’s a good match for the animal’s needs.

How Fostering Works in Catalonia

In Catalonia, there is no single public registry for signing up as a foster home. Interested individuals should contact an animal shelter, an association, or an animal protection center directly and complete their assessment process.

Each organization manages its own applications through forms, interviews, internal lists, and direct contact with interested individuals. Luvna can help—a new initiative to connect foster homes with animal shelters.

Where to sign up in Barcelona

You can go to:

• An animal welfare organization.
• An animal protection association.
• A shelter.
• A municipal facility.
• A platform that connects people with animal protection organizations.

The legislation provides for registries for animal protection organizations, pet owners, and other stakeholders in the sector but does not establish a common public database for all individuals interested in fostering.

How to Become a Foster Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Although each animal shelter sets its own criteria, the process typically consists of five steps:

1. Contact and application. The person fills out a form or contacts the organization.
2. Home evaluation. The home, daily schedules, living arrangements, experience, and availability are reviewed.
3. Selection of a compatible match. It may be necessary to wait until a suitable cat or dog becomes available whose needs match the household’s capabilities.
4. Information and written agreement. The organization explains the animal’s condition, care requirements, expenses, and the estimated duration of the foster placement.
5. Handover and follow-up. The family provides updates on the animal’s progress, and the shelter supports the process until the foster placement ends.

What does an animal rescue organization consider before accepting a foster home?

The organization will evaluate the home’s characteristics, your schedule, the presence of other animals, your previous experience, and the type of foster care you can provide.

They may also ask about safety measures, the possibility of separating spaces, planned trips, your availability to administer medication, or your ability to attend veterinary checkups.

The goal is not to find just any available space, but a home that meets the specific needs of the particular dog or cat.

Luvna: A New Way to Connect Foster Homes and Animal Shelters

Currently, there is no common public network or centralized database that would make it possible to know how many animal shelters are active in Barcelona or throughout Catalonia.

Each organization keeps its own records, which can make it difficult for an animal rescue group to quickly find a suitable home or for someone interested in adopting to know which organization to contact.

Luvna was created with the goal of facilitating this connection and serving as a meeting place for animal shelters and people interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering.

Their proposal includes gathering information on:

• Location.
• Availability.
• Experience.
• Type of housing.
• Housing conditions.
• Forms of collaboration.

This information can make it easier to find compatible matches.

The platform is in its early stages and should be viewed as a tool for connecting and organizing. It doesn’t replace the vetting process, the fostering agreement, veterinary coordination, or the follow-up that each organization must carry out.

Before Becoming a Foster Home: What to Consider About Your Home and Availability

Motivation is important, but it needs to be balanced with a realistic assessment.

Before applying, answer these questions honestly:

• How many hours will the cat or dog spend alone?
• Does everyone in the household agree on taking in fosters?
• Are there any restrictions in the home?
• Do you live with other cats or dogs?
• Can you separate the animals during the settling-in period if necessary?
• Do you have any trips, moves, or job changes planned?
• Can you administer medication and take the pet to checkups?
• Could you extend the arrangement if the stay is longer than expected?

It’s also important to think about saying goodbye. It’s normal to form a bond, and seeing the cat or dog off to its forever home can be emotionally tough.

Being responsible also means recognizing which cases you can’t take on.

Saying no to a foster placement that isn’t compatible with your situation can prevent stress for the pet, the family, and the rescue organization.

To learn about the specific needs of each species, check out our guides on how to get your home ready for fostering. (Upcoming blog posts)

Foster Homes and Animal Shelters: Who Takes Care of What?

The fostering process works best when both parties clearly understand their roles.

Aspect	The Foster Home	The Shelter
Daily Care	Feeds, cares for, and watches over the animal.	Provides the necessary guidelines.
Safety	Prevents running away and carries out the agreed-upon measures.	Provides information about known risks.
Veterinary Care	Reports any changes and attends scheduled appointments.	Arranges appointments and clarifies how payment will be handled.
Followup	Provides information on health, behavior, and adaptation.	Assigns a designated contact person.
Adoption	Provides information about peaceful coexistence.	Selects the family and complete the process.
Stopping	Notifies if they can’t continue to foster.	Arranges an alternative based on availability.

The fostering home is responsible for the daily care, safety, and monitoring of the cat or dog, as well as for communicating with the organization. They shouldn’t change any treatments or a special diet, nor should they hand the fostered animal over to third parties on their own behalf.

The animal shelter should provide all available information, clear guidelines, a point of contact, veterinary coordination, follow-up, and a procedure for ending the foster placement or managing the future adoption.

What Should a Foster Care Agreement for Cats and Dogs Include?

The arrangement must be formally documented in writing, and should specify:

• The identities of both parties.
• The dog’s or cat’s information.
• The estimated length of the arrangement.
• The necessary care.
• The distribution of expenses.
• Veterinary care.
• Safety obligations.
• The procedure in case of loss.
• How to end the foster arrangement.
• How future adoption will be handled.

The end date may be approximate, but the commitment made must be clearly stated.

Who Covers the Costs of Fostering?

There is no single arrangement that applies to all organizations. Typically, the rescue organization coordinates and covers the costs of previously approved veterinary care, while food, supplies, and transportation depend on the agreement.

Before taking in the cat or dog, confirm in writing:

• What expenses the organization will cover.
• What supplies it will provide.
• What expenses the foster home will cover.
• Which veterinary clinic must be used.
• Who authorizes tests and treatments.
• How to proceed in an emergency.
• Who is responsible for transportation.

The foster caregiver should not take the animal to a different veterinary clinic on their own without following the agreed-upon protocol, unless there is a genuine emergency and it is not possible to reach the animal shelter.

Some organizations provide food, a carrier, a harness, a litter box, or medication. Others ask that the adoptive family cover part of the pet’s care costs as a way of supporting the organization.

How Long Can a Cat or Dog Stay in Foster Care?

A foster placement can last anywhere from a few days to several months. The duration depends on the reason for the placement, how the animal is doing, and the time needed to find a suitable family.

The most common types are:

• Emergency foster homes: These are used in response to rescues, evictions, cases of abuse, or a temporary lack of space.
• Medical foster homes: These allow animals to recover after surgery or during treatment.
• Adjustment foster homes: These help dogs or cats that need to regain their trust or get used to a home environment.
• Foster homes until adoption: Animals stay here until a permanent family is found.

Even if a stay is initially planned for just a few days, it could be extended if no alternative is found. Before agreeing to foster, ask if there’s a minimum commitment and consider whether you could continue for longer than expected.

What Happens if Your Circumstances Change During Foster Care?

If you want to adopt the cat or dog you’re fostering

It’s normal for a bond to form during the fostering period and for the family to start thinking about permanent adoption.

In that case:

• Let them know as soon as possible.
• Don’t assume you have priority.
• Follow the process established by the agency.
• Wait for the home study to be completed.
• Formally sign the contract and complete the transfer of ownership.

The decision should be based on your ability to care for the entire life of the cat or dog, not just on the emotional difficulty of saying goodbye.

If you can’t continue the foster care

Health issues, changes at work, moves, or serious compatibility issues may arise.

You must notify the animal shelter as soon as possible, explain the situation, and follow the agreed-upon procedure. Do not give the dog or cat to someone else or try to find it a new home on your own.

Shelters usually have limited space. Therefore, unless there is an urgent risk, they may not be able to arrange an immediate transfer.

10 Questions You Should Ask Before Agreeing to Be a Rescue Foster

These ten questions can help you make an informed decision:

1. What do we know about the animal’s health and behavior?
2. How long might the foster period last?
3. Can the animal get along with the people and other animals in my home?
4. Does it need to be kept separate at first?
5. Does it require medication, medical treatment, or special care?
6. Who is responsible for which expenses?
7. Which veterinary clinic will provide care for the animal?
8. Who will be my point of contact?
9. What will happen if I can no longer care for the animal?
10. How will the animal’s future adoption be handled?

If any of the answers are unclear, you should resolve them before taking in the pet.

Where to Sign Up as a Foster in Barcelona

In Barcelona, there are animal rescue organizations, associations, and shelters that work with foster homes. Needs may vary depending on the available cases, so it’s best to always check for up-to-date information from each organization.

Organizations with shelters for cats and dogs

• Protectora de Barcelona: works with dogs and cats and posts cases of animals in need of a foster home, especially when the animal requires special care or cannot be properly housed at the shelter.
• Brigada Animalista Barcelona: has a specific process for foster homes, including a preliminary questionnaire, an assessment, and a contract.
• CAACB: The Barcelona Companion Animal Shelter works with temporary foster homes for certain dogs and cats, such as senior animals, animals with chronic illnesses, mothers with litters, or puppies that need care.

Organizations with cat shelters

• Barcelona Gat i Gos: offers a specific form for people interested in temporarily fostering a cat.
• Espai de Gats: organizes cat adoption activities and has a temporary foster care program.
• El Jardinet dels Gats: offers a foster care program for cats and supports families throughout the process.
• Progat Catalunya: offers a specific foster care program for cats and explains the basic requirements for participation.

Organizations with dog shelters

• Galgos Catalunya: offers the opportunity to temporarily foster galgos and podencos while they wait for a forever home.

Available programs and cases are subject to change. Before volunteering as a foster home, always check the most up-to-date information and the requirements of each organization.

Other Ways to Help Dogs and Cats If You Can’t Foster Them

Not everyone is able to take in a dog or cat on a temporary basis. You can also help by:

• Spreading the word about cases.
• Transporting animals.
• Donating food or supplies.
• Volunteering.
• Sponsoring an animal.
• Providing financial support for medical treatment.
• Helping with searches.
• Participating in campaigns.

The most helpful contribution is one that you can keep up responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering

Do you have to register with any agency to become a foster in Catalonia?

No. You should contact an animal shelter, an animal welfare organization, or an animal protection center and complete their assessment process.

How do I sign up with Luvna as a foster home?

You can access it via the link in the bio of @luvna.app. Signing up is free, and creating your profile as a foster home will take less than two minutes.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to see the animals in need of foster homes in Spain and filter them by your area. Animal shelters will also be able to find your profile and message you via Luvna’s chat. From there, you’ll communicate directly to discuss the situation and agree on the terms.

How long does it last to foster a cat or dog?

It can last anywhere from a few days to several months. It depends on the reason, the dog or cat’s condition, and the time it takes to find a forever home.

Who pays for the costs?

It depends on the agreement. Typically, the organization coordinates authorized veterinary care, while food, supplies, and transportation may be shared between both parties.

Can I foster if I already have pets at home?

Yes, provided that the facility assesses compatibility and considers it possible to safely accommodate the animals. In some cases, it will be necessary to keep the animals separated at first.

What happens if I have to stop fostering the animal?

You must notify the animal shelter as soon as possible and follow the agreed-upon procedure. You must not give the dog or cat to someone else or find it a home on your own.

Do You Want to Foster a Cat or Dog?

Fostering can provide a cat or dog with the time and security it needs while it recovers or finds a forever home.

Before committing, consider what kind of pet would be a good fit for your household and confirm with the animal shelter the conditions, costs, follow-up, and veterinary care.

You can contact a Barcelona-based organization directly or learn about the Luvna project to find out about opportunities to get involved.

It’s not about fostering just any dog or cat, but about finding a temporary home that meets their needs and fits within your actual capabilities.

Balmesvet Veterinary Hospital in Barcelona

	Information
Address	Calle Balmes 205, 08006 Barcelona
Phone	931 173 173
Email	atencioclient@balmesvet.com
Appointments	8:30–20:00
Hospitalization	Available 24h

Can we help you? Call us or schedule an appointment. 24/7 emergency veterinary service in Barcelona.