Foster Dogs

If you are unclear on what kind of dog (breed, type, energy level, age) would fit into your family, but you aren't ready to give up on having a dog altogether, fostering for your local Humane Society might be the answer for you. Foster homes are a much needed resource, and always welcome. If you want to help save the lives of dogs, becoming a foster home is just one way to help.

About Foster Programs

• What does a foster home do?
  A foster is a temporary placement for dogs in a rescue or shelter. The foster home will be responsible for basic housetraining, socialization, health care, and temperament assessment of a placed dog.



• What about expenses?
  Any expenses you are expected to cover yourself depend on the program you are in. Some will cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and grooming; some will expect you cover the cost of food, collars, leashes, and toys. This will be part of the introductory information if you decide to join a foster home program.



• How long does a foster dog stay?
  This can vary greatly. An older dog in the golden years of his life may be with you until the end, but a puppy may only be in your home for a few weeks. In the case of rehabilitation programs, the dog or puppy may only be with you as long as it takes to be declared adoptable (county shelters with their own facilities may use rehabilitation programs more than volunteer-run rescue programs).



• What if the foster dog doesn't get along with others in the family?
  If this happens, you must notify the organization that placed the dog with you. They will help you overcome the situation, whether it requires additional training, or another placement. The program will take care not to place a dog with you that are not ready to handle.



• Do I get to choose the dog I foster?
  This is not very likely. The program will place a dog based on need, temperament, and your abilities.



• View a Foster Home Application from Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc. Most foster home applications are similar with only minour differences.



• Can I keep the dog I foster if I want to?
  Yes, you certainly can, in almost every situation. It happens quite often, and I suspect is one of the reasons that foster homes are in short supply.



• Are there other programs that similar to this?
  Yes. Service dogs are fostered out as puppies, to be trained, socialized and evaluated. As well there are foster programs for critically ill, and disabled dogs that need special care and a special kind of home to care for them.

Some Shelters and Rescues with Foster dog Programs:

• Circle Tail, Inc.
• Friends For Life Animal Rescue
• Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
• Clackamas County Dog Services
• Montgomery County Humane Society
• Idaho Great Dane Rescue
• And most, if not all, Greyhound Adoption Organizations.

Recommended Reading

• The Pet Surplus: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Can Do to Help Reduce It
• To the Rescue: Helping Homeless Purebred Dogs
• The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You
• My Rescued Golden: True Stories of Rescued Golden Retrievers and the People Who Love Them
• Rescue Rover! 101 Ways You Can Help Abandoned Dogs
• Greyhound Tales: True Stories of Rescue, Compassion and Love
• Found Dogs : Tales of Strays Who Landed on Their Feet
• Second Hand Dog : How To Turn Yours Into A first Rate Pet