Broward.org Logo
--°

Main menu

All Categories

Site search

Type to search. Use arrow keys to review suggestions. Press Escape to close.

Most Searched Agencies

Airport

Agency

Library

Agency

Parks

Agency

Water Services

Agency

Animal Care

Agency

Records, Taxes & Treasury

Agency

Broward County Contact Info

Broward County Governmental Center
115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Contact Us
311Directions
Pet Banner

Broward Buddies

  1. Broward.org
  2. /Broward Buddies

About Broward Buddies

Swipe left or right to see more tabs.

Best Buddies Flyer
Best Buddies Flyer

What is Broward Buddies?​​

Broward Buddies is a fun activity that falls under our Foster program. Volunteers sign up to help improve the lives of our shelter animals and increase their likelihood of adoption by giving them opportunities to interact within the community at parks, restaurants, and other locations. The program also allows Broward County Animal Care to create awareness about our facility, volunteers to develop meaningful interactions with our dogs, and an opportunity for dogs to enjoy a few hours outside of the kennels. ​Join in on the fun! Set a date! Email BrowardBuddies@broward.org for more information.​

Schedule Outing (opens in new tab)

​Each Volunteer Should Follow These Rules: 

  • Please do not take your Broward Buddies dog to a dog park or walk them on a flexi-leash.
  • Do not leave your Broward Buddies dog unattended in your fenced yard.
  • In the event of an emergency, the fosters should call 911.
  • If a foster finds himself/herself in any dangerous situation while handling a shelter dog off-site such as:
    • ​Dog is sick or injured
    • A dog gets injured due to an altercation with a shelter dog
    • A person is bitten by a shelter dog, he or should immediately call the​ Foster Coordinator at: (954) 359-1313 ext. 7093 or (954) 299-7224.
  • If a foster finds someone who is interested in adopting the dog, give them a Broward Buddies business card with all the dog’s information and appropriate contact information.
  • If the foster wishes to keep dog overnight or over a weekend for a sleepover, it is at the discretion of the Foster Coordinator to approve it and make arrangements for return. Please contact the Foster Coordinator at (954) 359-1313 ext. 7093 or (954) 299-7224 for sleepover/weekend arrangements or longer.​​​
     


Off-Site Specific Protocols

  • Fosters who would like to request to take a dog off-site through the Broward Buddies Program should schedule an appointment using our Acuity Scheduler. If needed, contact the Foster Coordinator beforehand to request the scheduling link or to arrange a date and time.
  • Dogs participating in a Broward Buddies outing should be Green Dot dogs only and fully vetted, unless otherwise approved by the Foster Coordinator or Kennel Supervisors.
  • The Foster Coordinator will select the dog and provide the foster with any relevant behavioral or medical information.
  • Dogs should be walked using a short leash and kept close to the handler to maintain control and ensure safety.
  • Before leaving the shelter, the Foster Coordinator will ensure the dog is wearing a properly fitted martingale collar and, if appropriate, a harness. Both should fit snugly, allowing no more than two fingers between the collar or harness and the dog's body. A leash must be securely attached.
  • Each dog will also wear an Adopt Me vest or scarf.

Supplies and Important Contact Numbers

Each foster will receive the following supplies and a cell phone programmed with emergency contact numbers:

  • (954) 299-7224 — Foster Coordinator's cell phone
  • (954) 359-1313 Ext. 7093 — Foster Coordinator's office
  • (954) 359-1313 (Option 2) — Animal Control Officer
  • (954) 831-4000 or 311 — Broward County Call Center

Broward Buddies Messenger Bag with:

Broward Buddy participants will receive tools, resources, and support to excel in their roles and make an impact, including training materials, guides, and dedicated assistance.

  • Dog waste bags
  • A bottle of water
  • A bowl for water
  • A bowl for food
  • A bag of dry kibble
  • Bag of Treats
  • Individualized business cards
  • Dog Toy
  • Broward Buddies Program Flyers


Off-Site Dog Handling

  • Once a dog has been assigned to a foster, the foster is responsible for monitoring their surroundings and remaining aware of approaching people and other dogs.
  • Each foster handler is responsible for monitoring the dog's safety and comfort, including signs of anxiety, overheating, fatigue, and thirst.
  • Maintain awareness of other animals and people at all times.
  • Remain aware of traffic, including bicycles, pedestrians, and runners.
  • Practice traffic safety by using crosswalks, yielding the right-of-way to cyclists and pedestrians, and looking both ways before crossing any street.
  • Carefully manage all interactions between your foster dog, other dogs, and people.
  • Do not use headphones or cell phones while handling a foster dog. Remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
  • Dogs participating in the Broward Buddies Program should not interact with other dogs during their outing unless prior approval has been given by the Foster Coordinator. This helps prevent potentially dangerous interactions.
  • Fosters are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of dog waste.
  • Maintain control of your foster dog at all times. Dogs must never be taken off leash.
  • Email behavior observations to BrowardBuddies@Broward.org, along with the questionnaire that will be emailed the following day. Urgent behavioral concerns should be reported as soon as possible so the dog's shelter profile can be updated.
  • Report any medical concerns to the Foster Coordinator so the medical team can be notified promptly.

County Links

  • Public Records Request
  • Legal Notices
  • Contact Us
  • Report A Complaint
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Subscribe
Quick ActionsWatch Meetings311 (opens in new tab)
logo

© Copyright 2026, Broward County Government