Fostering
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Opening your heart and home to a foster dog is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. You get to play a huge role in preparing a dog for a second chance at a happy life. We do not have a shelter so foster families are essential to our work in dog rescue.
Fostering FAQ’s
What if I get too attached? People often show an interest in fostering but say they can’t because they will become too attached and want to keep it. We can empathize, because every dog that comes into our care is one we love dearly. But the alternative is much worse, as the dog you would love “too much” will instead never get to know what love feels like. Every person that fosters sets the dog up for the best possible outcome and opens up space for another dog to be rescued.
I’m concerned how my children will be react when they have to say goodbye.
The day you say goodbye doesn’t have to be sad. You can consider it a celebration and you played a huge role in helping your dog move on to an amazing life. Fostering is a great way to teach your children what it means to do something truly selfless. It is a journey the whole family can take pride in.
What are a fosters responsibilities?
You provide a loving and safe environment to a dog in your care. You provide daily exercise, positive socialization, basic training, and love. Sometimes you may have to transport your foster dog to a vet appointment, adoption event, or help coordinate meetings with potential adopters. In addition to these things we rely on our fosters to send us photos and updates on how the dog is settling in.
How long is the foster commitment?
It can vary from a weekend to a few weeks. It entirely depends on your schedule and when the right family comes along to adopt.
Does it cost me anything to foster?
We cover all the costs and provide you with the supplies you will need. This includes food, leash, collar, bedding and toys. In the event your foster dog needs to see a vet we will make those arrangements. All veterinary care must be handled through the vet of our choice as we have specific ones that work with us.
I don’t have a fenced yard. Can I still foster?
YES! Walks and trips to the park are a great way to give your foster dog mental and physical stimulation it needs.
What if my foster dog and current pets don’t get along?
Contact us immediately if any issues arise. We have an experienced trainer on our team that can offer support and help you work through any issues that could arise when a new animal comes into the home. Sometimes there is an adjustment period. If a serious issue presents itself contact us, we will move the dog to another foster as soon as we are able to.
How does a potential adopter meet the foster pet?
When applications for your foster dog are received we will send it to you. You will know the dog best and be in the best position to determine if it is a potential match. If you are comfortable, you will arrange a meeting with the potential adopter (this can be at a park, at your home, or at their home – whatever suits you best). Ultimately you will choose who gets to adopt your foster dog.
What if I want to adopt my foster dog?
This happens and we call it a “foster fail”. If this happens you will need to contact us immediately. We approve all our foster families just the same as we do our adopters. Many fosters end up adopting their foster dog and this is why we always have a need for more foster families.