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Facts About Fostering

As a foster parent, you have the opportunity to help many dogs. You give them a place to stay and be loved until they are healthy enough to be adopted. Fostering isn't always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Below are some frequently asked questions about fostering.

 

Who Can Foster?

Anyone who applies. Some of our foster parents are folks who have adopted from us already. Other foster parents are individuals who have a space in their heart to care for a needy dog. Most of our foster parents work full time. Most foster parents realize that LONG term they could not keep a third or fourth pet, but in their current house they have space and time to help out. If you already have two dogs, you probably know that two is much more fun that one. So imagine how much fun 3 or 4 dogs would be! Coming home from work at the end of the day is a noisy and loving experience. A bad day a work can be transformed into a good one when 16 padded feet are stumbling all over themselves to be the first to give you a kiss.

What amount of time commitment is required?

If you already have a dog, you can pretty much do exactly what you are used to - provide food, water, shelter, and love. For first time foster parents, we try to start you off with a dog who has been in our program for a while. You will foster that dog until he is adopted. Once you have fostered your first dog, and you've enjoyed the fostering experience, we'll bring you another dog.

For repeat foster parents, you pick up your foster from the vet after her medical work (spay/neuter, vaccinations, heartworm test or treatment) has been completed. About 60% of our dogs come in heartworm positive. We will let you know what follow-up medical care (i.e. dental, stitches removed, booster vaccines) will be needed. Your dog may need a bath when you get her home. The first day is usually the hardest. The dog will most likely not be housetrained, so expect accidents and be prepared to work on housetraining.

If your dog's medical care is not complete, we will schedule the necessary appointments to have all issues addressed before she can be adopted. You should not take the dog to your own vet unless it is an emergency. We have specific vets we work with which makes it affordable to continue our rescue work. Completing the medical work on a dog can take anywhere from a week to many months. If we tell you your new foster dog is heartworm positive, expect to foster her for several weeks before she can be adopted.

What financial commitment is required?

We cover all the vet costs. You cover food, treats and toys as well as some transportation costs when you bring your dog to the vet or to one of our events. All in all, it doesn't add up to much money out of your pocket, but the return on your investment - well that is truly priceless when you get your foster placed in their forever home.

What kind of training is provided - for people and dogs?

Our foster network is here to help you and you pup in every possible way. We love our dogs and we love talking about our dogs. You can call, email, text, facebook, chat, telegram... any of our foster parents for advice, encouragement, support, etc. If your foster would need some more structured behavioral training, we can arrange that too. We want healthy happy dogs and people.