In this video, I sat down with Rachel Fusaro (aka “you’re saving all the damn dogs”) because so many of you told me you want to learn how fostering actually works. Rachel has fostered 60–65+ dogs, and she broke down the real basics: where to start (local rescues, shelters, humane societies), what the application process looks like, and why you sometimes have to be persistent when you’re reaching out—because so many groups are volunteer-run and overwhelmed. We also talked about the stuff everyone worries about: cost, supplies, and vet care. Rachel explained that most rescues provide the big essentials like medical care, vaccines, flea/tick meds, and often crates, collars, and leashes (food is sometimes provided, sometimes not—but there are usually donation options). My biggest takeaway was her advice for brand-new fosters: be open in the beginning and take the dogs that are most needed, even if they’re not the “perfect” pick. And when your foster comes home, focus on structure and routine from day one—potty routines, positive reinforcement, and basic manners—because it helps them decompress and gives them the best chance of a successful forever adoption.