Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I know there are only exceptions in which it is allowed to keep a dog (such as a hunting dog I believe). Would it be permissible to keep a foster a puppy from the animal shelter? Our local animal shelter is having problems with overflow and needs people to take care of the baby animals for a few weeks until more cage spaces open up. In such a circumstance, where keeping the puppy would be for purposes of kindness/charity to the animals, would it be permissible to foster it? (outside the house of course) Or is this a circumstance where the angels would not visit my home?.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits. If the dog is kept for the reason mentioned–namely, temporary overflow at the animal shelter and no reasonable alternatives–and one is (1) able to properly take care of it; and (2) not keep it long-term as an indoor pet, then it would be permitted to keep the puppies temporarily. There is great virtue in taking care of animals, and your concern is praiseworthy. It is simply a case of doing the right thing, but in the right way. May Allah grant you all good.
Please see the following related SunniPath Answers (http://qa.sunnipath.com):
What is the ruling of keeping dogs in the Shariah?
Keeping a Dog: Impermissibility Explained