What happens to the pets of people who live alone when their guardians need surgery, hospitalization, or recovery and rehabilitation? What if a pet’s owner doesn’t come home due to a serious accident? Or what if someone is arrested and unable to post bail—who makes sure their dog or cat is taken care of? What if a person loses their housing and can’t find a place to take both them and their pet? Many people consider their pets an integral part of their family and don’t want to give them away—they want to get through the current crisis and reunite with their pet. That’s where Puppa’s Pals steps in.
Puppa’s Pals, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the Duluth area, is dedicated to helping both people and pets in crises. The organization’s mission is to prevent people in crises from having to surrender their pets. Pet guardians can reach out to Puppa’s Pals through phone, text, Facebook, or its website. Most communication is virtual, but some in-person visits occur. Pets are placed with foster families who provide care in their own homes while the guardian recovers. Puppa’s Pals operates without a physical location, but its network of foster families ensures pets find a safe, welcoming home during their time of need.
A Unique Approach to Fostering
Unlike traditional pet fostering, which often involves caring for pets until they find their forever homes, Puppa’s Pals focuses on temporary care. The pets already have owners, but their guardians are facing crises that temporarily prevent them from providing care.
Due to the personal nature of many crises, the pet owner and foster parent remain anonymous to each other, and photos of fostered pets are not allowed to be shared on social media. If an owner requests a photo of their pet while in foster care, an intermediary will provide one.
A Growing Need: The Waitlist
The need for foster families is constant, and for Puppa’s Pals, it’s a challenge that never seems to subside. “One of the biggest things we want people to understand is that we are always looking for more foster families,” said Kayla Zinter, the organization’s board president. “We often have a waitlist for pets in need of homes, and it’s crucial that we can place them as quickly as possible. The more support we get, the faster we can make that happen.”
Becoming a Foster Family
Becoming a foster parent for Puppa’s Pals is both a rewarding and manageable process. The organization prides itself on being flexible and accessible, allowing a wide range of individuals to participate.
“We ask for a commitment to safety and care,” Zinter said. “Treat the animals as you would your own pets—part of your family. That’s the primary requirement. We don’t need people to be experts in animal care; we’re here to support them every step of the way.”
The fostering process includes a thorough but straightforward screening procedure. It involves submitting an application, having a phone interview, and conducting a home visit. Puppa’s Pals has made the process easier by offering virtual home checks.
Fostering Pets of All Kinds
Most of the animals fostered through Puppa’s Pals are dogs, but the organization also cares for cats. At the time of this report, the nonprofit had eight dogs and two cats in foster homes. The primary focus for all fosters is ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
“When we do home checks, we’re looking for safety concerns,” Zinter explained. “Things like gaps in a fenced yard or places where chemicals are stored in areas pets can access. We want to make sure that wherever the pet stays, it’s safe and secure.”
Meet Some Puppa’s Pals Fosters
“I get to meet new animal friends,” said Rebecca Bischoff, who has been fostering dogs with Puppa’s Pals for about two years. “Every dog I’ve fostered has been a different breed and personality. It’s fun to learn about different breeds and behaviors.”
Bischoff shares her home with her partner, Matt Morgan, who agrees, saying, “I like meeting and getting to know the personalities of each dog.”
“Giving the dogs back is difficult because I form bonds with them very quickly,” Morgan said.
Bischoff concurred, “Saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts about fostering. I get to know and love the pet I’m caring for. I remind myself about how happy the owner will be to be reunited with their pet again.”
Ashley Lovold has fostered seven cats for Puppa’s Pals in the past two years. “What I like the most is knowing that when they leave my house, they’re returning to their person,” Lovold said. “Sometimes it can be challenging to get a new foster cat to get along with my cats. Puppa’s Pals has always been there to help with supplies, veterinary care, and behavioral support.”
Supporting Foster Families
Puppa’s Pals provides all the food, toys, and medical treatment foster families might need. The organization also answers questions about pet behaviors and offers suggestions for managing unwanted behaviors. Zinter emphasized that Puppa’s Pals provides continuous help and guidance for foster families. The team is always available to answer questions, provide resources, and offer emotional support through what can sometimes be a difficult transition.
“People don’t need to have prior experience,” Zinter said. “We offer resources and guidance to help them succeed. And if they ever feel like they need help, we’re always just a phone call away.”
Building Community
While the organization’s primary goal is to provide loving homes for animals, it also emphasizes the importance of community.
“Some of the people we’ve helped in the past have come back to volunteer,” Zinter said. “Whether it’s helping spread the word about our mission, gathering donations, or helping at events, there are plenty of ways to give back. And that’s something we love to see—people who were once helped by us, now helping others.”
Puppa’s Pals also offers a variety of ways to get involved, from setting up donation drives to staffing booths at events and fairs. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of the animals and the people who care for them.
A Look to the Future
Puppa’s Pals was started when public defenders had clients phoning from jail more worried about who was going to care for their pets, than themselves. Puppa was the name of one of these pets. The nonprofit received its 501(c)(3) status in 2022, which has provided greater opportunities for fundraising and organizational growth. And while the team is small, their dedication is mighty.
“We’re always looking to grow and expand,” Zinter said. “The more families we can reach, the more animals we can help. Ultimately, we want to see a full-circle moment where the people we’ve helped eventually come back and offer their support, either as volunteers or foster families.”
If you’re interested in becoming a foster family or volunteering with Puppa’s Pals, visit their website to learn more: puppaspals.org.