Becoming a foster allows you to experience first-hand how you can make an immediate and lasting impact on the life of an animal that needs your help. Fosters help MARL provide the best care possible for our cats and dogs until they are ready to be returned to the shelter or adopted. MARL continues to provide and pay for veterinary care, food and other needed supplies for foster animals. Fostering can last from a few days to several months depending on the needs of each individual animal.