From ARF Hamptons:

ARF's Foster Program

Life in a shelter, no matter how caring, can be stressful. ARF’s foster program gives cats and dogs a vital chance to decompress, build trust, and show their true personalities.

Some animals are shy or stressed in kennels. Others need extra human interaction or a quieter environment. That’s where fosters come in. A minimum two-week commitment gives animals enough time to adjust and lets ARF see how they behave in a home—essential for matching them with the right forever family.

Unlike some rescues that are fully foster-based, ARF has a physical shelter. This means fostering is reserved for animals who really need the extra support—those who might not show well in a kennel but will shine in a home setting.

Honcho’s Story

Take Honcho. He was adopted and returned, then shut down completely in the shelter. He’d hide in a corner, making it nearly impossible for potential adopters to see his gentle side.

But in foster, everything changed. His foster shared videos and photos as he relaxed around other dogs, played with her nephew, and settled in comfortably.

That peek at his true self was all it took for a new adopter to fall in love. Now he’s home with Hailey, another ARF success story — and you can see them both here.

How It Works

ARF provides food, supplies, and veterinary care so fosters don’t have extra expenses. Fosters just provide the love, structure, and patience these animals need.

It’s not only about helping ARF — it’s about helping each individual animal have the best chance at a happy, healthy new life.

Interested in Fostering?

Even if you can’t commit long-term, ARF is always looking for caring homes willing to help. And who knows? Sometimes those foster homes turn into forever homes.

Contact

🌐 ARF Hamptons

Lead-in Image

Honcho (l) and Hailey (r) - @thewoofpack_2019/ Instagram