Foster List and Application Review

View the Foster List

Open Fosters from the main navigation. The list uses a responsive data table with search, sorting, pagination, status filtering, and tag filtering.

Each foster row can show:

• Name, avatar, and compact tag badges.
• Remaining capacity or inactive assignment state.
• Current fostered pet avatars.
• Linked adopter or volunteer roles.
• Status badge.
• Synced custom fields.
• Last updated date.

Use the status filter to review Pending, Active, Training, Inactive, Blocked, Suspended, or Denied fosters. The pending count appears with the status controls when pending applications exist.

Application Sources

Foster records can come from:

• Public foster application forms.
• Staff-created foster profiles.
• Converted adopter or volunteer records.
• Imported records from the data uploader.

Public applications arrive with Pending status until staff review them.

Find Pending Applications

1. Open Fosters.
2. Use the status filter and choose Pending.
3. Open an applicant's profile.

Pending profiles show an approval alert above the profile hero.

Review an Application

Use the compact profile to review:

• Contact and Home cards for basic applicant details.
• Custom Details for application answers.
• Documents for uploaded files or agreements.
• Team Notes for staff review comments.
• Activity Timeline for submission and status context.

Common review areas include service area, housing, landlord or household permission, capacity, species preferences, availability, animal experience, transportation, and willingness to follow your foster protocols.

Approve an Applicant

1. Open the pending foster profile.
2. Review the applicant's information.
3. Click Approve in the pending application alert.

Approval changes the foster to Active. If the foster confirmation email template is enabled with auto-send, PawPlacer queues the confirmation email.

Decline an Applicant

1. Open the pending foster profile.
2. Click Decline in the pending application alert.

Declining restricts the record so the applicant cannot receive assignments. PawPlacer does not send an automatic decline email, so contact the applicant separately if your process requires it.

Email Notifications

PawPlacer can send emails during the application workflow:

• Applicant acknowledgment and team notification when the application is submitted.
• Foster confirmation when an application is approved.

Configure these templates in Settings > Email Templates.

After Processing

For approved fosters:

• Schedule orientation or training if needed.
• Confirm capacity and preferences.
• Add tags for skills, region, or availability.
• Create the first foster assignment when ready.

For declined applicants:

• Add staff notes about the decision.
• Communicate the decision outside PawPlacer if needed.
• Keep the record for future reference and audit history.

Tips

• Process pending applications regularly.
• Use tags to make matching and capacity planning easier.
• Document review decisions in Team Notes or status notes.
• Keep custom form fields focused on information staff actually use.