Thinking About Fostering? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Fostering a rescue dog is an extremely rewarding experience. A foster home is not simply a place to keep a dog until it is adopted. Rather, a foster home plays an important role in a dog’s transition from the life they left behind to their new more promising future.
If you’ve ever considered opening your home to foster a dog, you might have questions about what’s involved. To help you get started, we’ve created this handy guide to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about fostering. Let’s dive in!
Do I need experience to foster?
No! All you need is a love for animals and a commitment to support our mission. We’ll provide all the resources and guidance you need to succeed.
What are the requirements for fostering a dog?
- Complete our Foster application: If approved, one of our foster coordinators will contact you with next steps. We ask fosters to commit to at least two dogs per year.
What do you expect from fosters?
Updates: Send weekly updates with high-quality pictures and accurate personality bios to the adoption coordinator.
Safe Environment: Provide love, exercise, enrichment, socialization, and basic potty/crate training.
Reliability: Do not commit to fostering unless you can follow through. Canceling last minute puts all volunteers in a pinch to find placement.
Adoption Events: Attend adoption events or coordinate with us to arrange transport for your foster pup.
What expenses are involved in fostering a dog?
None to the Foster: We cover veterinary care, monthly preventatives, collars, and food. Donations are always welcome and appreciated.Consider shopping from our Amazon Wishlist or making tax-deductible monetary donations. Amazon Wishlist or Donate
Can I choose the dog I want to foster?
You can specify gender preferences and list 3-4 preferences when we post litters in need of fostering. However, we cannot guarantee your top choice.
How long does a foster typically stay?
- The duration varies. Some dogs may need a few days or weeks, while others may require several months of care.
What support is available to dog foster parents?
- Our team of volunteers is here to answer your questions and provide guidance throughout the fostering process. Please be patient, as all of us are volunteers and will respond as quickly as possible.
Can I foster if I already have dog, cat or other pets?
Yes! Many fosters have other pets. Consider how your current pets will interact with a foster dog. Most of our rescues are puppies and may need guidance on coexisting with other animals like cats or farm animals.
Can I adopt my foster dog? What happens if I become attached?
We do not allow you to adopt your first foster pup.
While it’s natural to become attached, remember that fostering helps save lives. If you’re struggling, read our blog post, Fostering: It’s hard, but it’s worth it or reach out to your coordinator.
Where do I pick my foster pup up from?
Typical pick up locations usually include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Johnston, RI
- Smithfield, RI
- Warwick, RI
- Westport, MA
- Griswold, CT
** Not all pets are available for pick up at all locations. We try our best to make sure fosters are picking up from the location closest to their residence.
What happens if I can no longer care for the foster pet I committed to?
You are required to give us a minimum of three weeks’ notice so we can find an approved foster home to move them to. We are a foster based rescue and solely rely on volunteer foster families to open their homes. This is why we stress the importance of needing committed and reliable fosters.
How can I prepare my home for fostering a dog?
- 1. Puppy-proof your living space.
- 2. Establish a routine and schedule for feeding, exercise, and socialization.
- 3. Prepare for lots of cuddles!
What happens when my foster is adopted?
Yay! Your foster dog has an adopter! Once we have an approved adopter, we will notify you. The adopter will get your contact information and be instructed to notify you to set up and complete a meet and greet within 3 days.
We suggest you choose a public location and time that is convenient for you (think rumford pets, petco, Lowe’s or Home Depot)
You will be expected to bring:
1. The pups medical record folder (given to you at pickup)
2. few days supply of puppy food.
The puppy can only go home with the approved adopter at the meet & greet if you have received confirmation from the rescue that they are OK to take the dog home.