FOSTER PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

WHAT EXACTLY DO FOSTER FAMILIES DO?

They provide love, love, and more love. Off course, food, water, shelter and exercise too. Depending on the foster dog’s needs, foster families may also be asked to administer medication, drive to vet appointments and adoption events, help train the dog to respond to basic cues or help improve social skills. In other words, foster families love and treat foster dogs as if they were their own.

Fur-Get Me Not will pay the costs associated with fostering a dog so that the foster family doesn’t have to. You will receive supplies such as food, crates, toys and veterinary costs (Veterinary Services require our approval). We will ask you to join our Facebook group where you receive support from foster coordinators and other fosters. Share your experiences, the ups and downs, and ask for advice from others that understand.
 

HOW WILL FOSTERING A DOG AFFECT MY OWN PETS?

No one knows your pets like you do, but they may actually be your best assistants. If your foster dog is shy, your pets may be able to model good behaviors and help your foster dog to socialize.

But, at first, your pets may get a little upset at the foster dog’s arrival. That’s why, for everyone’s safety, you should isolate your foster dog from your pets until they get used to one another. It’s also a good idea to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

You will be provided with a foster manual and information of best practices when bringing your foster dog home.

 

WHY DO PEOPLE VOLUNTEER TO FOSTER?

Fostering is a wonderful way to help save an dog’s life, and it’s also a very rewarding experience. Here are a few other reasons why people foster:

  • For those who can’t adopt a pet right now, it’s a great way to enjoy a pet without making a lifetime commitment to the dog.

  • Fostering is a great “test drive” to see how a permanent pet would fit into your lifestyle.

  • Most importantly you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have saved a life.

 

DO I QUALIFY TO FOSTER A DOG?

If you love dogs, you probably qualify.

In some instances, a dog needs a particular kind of foster home. The foster pet might require a well-fenced yard or his/her own area away from other pets, or he/she may have special needs that require giving medication. But don’t worry: we will make every effort to match you with a foster dog who’s the right fit for you.

 

HOW MUCH TIME IS INVOLVED IN FOSTERING A PET?

That depends on who you foster. Newborn orphaned puppies, for example, require feeding every few hours and a shy pet might need extra socialization time. We will discuss your time availability with the rescue group or shelter to determine what type of pet you’ll be best suited to foster.

 

HOW LONG WILL THE FOSTER DOG BE WITH ME?

It’s really hard to say. Your foster dog might get adopted right away or it could take a bit of time before he or she finds the right home.

 

IS IT MY JOB TO FIND A PERMANENT HOME FOR MY FOSTER DOG?

We only ask that you provide us with up to date pictures and information on your foster dog. Since you’ve been taking care of the foster pet in your home, you are an invaluable resource for potential adopters because you can give them firsthand insight into your foster dog’s personality, likes and dislikes, and fun quirks.

 

If you are local to us we will ask you to bring your foster dog to adoption events. If you are unable to we only ask you arrange a time in which a volunteer can pick up the dog, bring to the event and then return him/her to you. We certainly appreciate any efforts that you make to help your foster dog find a home.

 

AND WHEN IT’S TIME TO SAY GOOD-BYE?

Be brave and keep this in mind: You brought this homeless dog into your heart and home, helping him/her to overcome whatever obstacles they faced, and now all of that love and care will benefit another family. Remember, you helped to save a life by fostering this pet, and you can save more by continuing to foster. Share your experiences with others, and just know that it’s okay to cry. We know that some animals make a bigger impact on our lives, than others.

 

ISN’T FOSTERING EMOTIONALLY HARD ON THE DOGS?

Living in a loving home with a warm bed and enjoying toys, quality care and friendship is not hard for a dog. Your foster pet will be sad to say goodbye, but then he’s off to an even brighter future and new adventures.

 

Foster homes are a lifesaving bridge for homeless pets, giving them an opportunity to experience life in a house and to learn that people can be kind, food is available, and there is a warm, secure place to sleep. When your foster pet goes to his/her permanent home, chances are he/she will adjust more easily than if they hadn’t spent time in a foster home. There’s no shortage of dog’s who need this preparation time before finding their own family.

 

I AM READY, WHERE DO I BEGIN?

Read this excellent, but short, article on fostering pets. The, fill out our foster application under Forms/Applications. Remember to join our new foster Facebook group for additional information and support.