Across the southern United States, overcrowded shelters face heartbreaking decisions every day. With limited space, resources, and adopters, countless dogs and cats are at risk of euthanasia simply because there is nowhere for them to go.
Through our Southern Paws to Midwest Homes program, Rescue Network partners with overcrowded shelters in the South to bring dogs and cats to the Midwest, where they have a greater opportunity to find loving families.
The Reservations are our first priority. Alongside that work, we rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters in Georgia and other southern states and bring them north to loving foster homes. Cats and kittens make the trip too.
From southern shelters to loving families.
Our Foster-to-Adopt program plays an important role in these lifesaving efforts.
Southern shelter partners
We partner with overcrowded shelters in the South to bring dogs and cats to the Midwest.
Foster to Adopt
Potential adopters can welcome an animal into their home on a trial basis before committing to adoption. How Foster to Adopt works →
Our foster network
Animals who are not placed through Foster-to-Adopt enter our network of dedicated foster homes, where they receive the care, love, and support they need until their forever families are found.
How they get here.
By plane or van
Our rescue partner in Georgia helps get them here safely, and some have flown north with Race for Life Rescue, a nonprofit that flies animals out of overcrowded shelters. Donors make these trips possible.
Vetting starts
Vetting begins when they arrive: exams, vaccines, testing, spay/neuter, and heartworm treatment for dogs who need it.
A home to wait in
Some go home through Foster to Adopt, with an approved adopter who has 5 days to decide if the animal is the right fit. The rest live in our foster homes until they are adopted.
By building strong relationships with southern shelter partners and utilizing our foster network, we are able to relieve pressure on overcrowded shelters while giving more animals the second chance they deserve.
Southern program questions.
What people ask us about our southern dogs.
Where do your southern dogs come from?
How do they get here?
What happens when they arrive?
Can I adopt a dog from a southern shelter?
Do cats come from the South too?
Help bring them home.
Adopt, foster or give. Every one makes room for the next animal.
Our other programs: Supporting People and Pets on Tribal Lands and Paws Against Parvo. See all three.