What does “fostering a dog” actually mean? Fostering a dog involves temporarily caring for a dog in your home until they find their FUR ever home. As a foster parent, you provide a safe and loving environment for the dog to prepare to transition to their new home. We cover all medical expenses and food and anything else you might need to support you and the dog through the process.

Why is fostering dogs important? Fostering plays a crucial role in saving lives. The more fosters we have, the more dogs we can intake and in turn help shelters create more space for incoming animals, reducing overcrowding. Fostering also allows dogs to decompress from the stress of shelter life and prepares them for adoption by improving their behavior, confidence, and socialization.

How does fostering benefit the dog? Fostering provides a dog with a calm, stable environment to relax and thrive. The individual attention helps to address their specific needs, such as medical care or training. It also helps by exposing the dog to new experiences like meeting people, walking on a leash, or living in a home.

Do I need special qualifications to foster a dog? No special qualifications are needed. All you need is a safe and loving home environment. Time to care for the dog including feeding, walking and socializing them. Plus, a willingness to communicate with us and keep us up to date on how the dog is doing, provide us with pictures to help market and potentially take them to meet potential adopters.

What if I get too attached to the foster dog? It’s natural to form a bond with your foster dog. While saying goodbye can be emotional, the joy of seeing them go to a loving home makes it worthwhile. If you decide you can’t give the dog up, no worries we can talk about adoption!

Can I foster if I already have pets? Yes! Many of our foster families have other pets. We will match you with the perfect foster dog that matches your household. We can do a meet and greet with you and your pets at your home or at our Foster Hub.

How long will I foster a dog? It varies depending on the dog’s needs and how quickly they find a home. It could be a few weeks or a few months. We are also always looking for temporary fosters, maybe you just want to foster on the weekend, or in the summer when you have more free time. Let’s discuss your availability and preferences and find a solution that works.

Will fostering cost me anything? NO! We provide you with food, supplies, and cover all medical expenses. We will even provide treats, toys, a crate, dog bed, everything you need to get started.

Can I choose the type of dog I foster? Yes, you can specify preferences, such as size, breed, age, or temperament. We will do our best to find the perfect dog for you.

What if fostering doesn’t work out or my situation changes? If fostering doesn’t work out for any reason, we will gladly take the dog back and find a new foster. We understand that sometimes things change, and you may need to make a change. We are here to support you and make sure you have a great foster experience.

Can I foster if I have a busy schedule? Yes! Many dogs thrive with a consistent routine, even if you’re busy. We love busy households, it’s real life and good for dogs to learn how to act in a busy household. It may not be for all dogs, but most dogs do well in an active household.