Fostering with Dogs: Will My Pet’s Breed Stop Me from Fostering? At Oak Fostering, we know that for many families, a dog is much more than just a pet, they are a member of the family. We also know that dogs can be a massive asset to a foster child, providing unconditional love and a unique sense of security.

However, a common worry for prospective carers is whether their dog’s breed will be a “red flag” during the home study.

Here is everything you need to know about the pet assessment process and how your four-legged friend fits into your fostering journey.

The Short Answer: Can You Foster with a Dog?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. Having a dog is rarely a barrier to fostering. In fact, many agencies (including ours!) see well-behaved pets as a positive influence that can help a child settle into a new environment.

However, there are two main areas we look at: Legal Restrictions and Temperament.

1. Banned Breeds and the Law

The only “hard no” comes from the Dangerous Dogs Act. In the UK, it is illegal to own certain breeds, and as a fostering agency, we cannot approve any household that includes a dog listed under this act.

As of 2026, the banned breeds include:

  • American XL Bully (unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption and follow all legal requirements, such as muzzling in public).
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

If you have a dog that falls into these categories without the proper legal exemptions, or if you have a dog that has a history of aggression or biting, you will not be able to foster.

2. “Higher Risk” Breeds and Extra Assessments

You might have heard that breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, or Dobermans are “banned” from fostering. This is a myth.

While these breeds are not banned, most agencies will carry out a more detailed Specialist Pet Assessment. We aren’t looking to judge the breed itself; we are looking at your specific dog’s personality. We consider:

  • Temperament: How does the dog react to strangers or loud noises?
  • Training: Does the dog follow basic commands?
  • History: Has the dog ever lived with children before?

What Happens During a Pet Assessment?

During your fostering assessment (the “Form F” process), a social worker will visit your home to meet your pet. It’s a very relaxed process where we look at:

  • Hygiene: Is the home kept clean, and is pet waste managed safely in the garden?
  • Boundaries: Does the dog have its own space to sleep and eat away from where a child might play?
  • Vet Records: We’ll check that your dog is healthy, vaccinated, and regularly flea-treated.