What does fostering a dog involve?

Becoming a foster parent is one of the most helpful things you can do for a homeless companion animal.
You agree to take a homeless dog into your home and give him or her love, care and
attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the dog is
adopted.

Why do adoption groups need foster homes?
There are many reasons a dog might need foster care. Some of the most common include:
    
-A rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes
  to care for dogs until suitable homes are found.  
 
-A puppy is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until he
  or she is old enough to go to a forever home.  

-A dog is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place
  to recuperate.  

-A dog is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.  

-A dog has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people
  and needs to be socialized.  

-The shelter is running out of room for adoptable dogs.
 
Why should I foster a dog?
                Fostering a dog is one of the
        most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By 
        taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:
        -Freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another dog.  
        -Giving your foster dog the time he needs to be ready for adoption.  
        -Helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the dog so he can end up in 
         the best home possible.
  -     -Socializing the dog to a home environment and possibly getting him used to 
         being around other pets and different types of people