Tips For Successful Dog Fostering

  Posted on November 11, 2012  by Joy of Living  No comments

Providing a foster home for a homeless dog can be a very rewarding experience, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you accept the responsibility.  In the Winter 2012 edition of The Bark there are some tips to help make the foster experience a positive one.  Check them out below:

• Clarify what expenses you are responsible for.  Most shelters do not expect fosters to incur expense.
• What are your obligations to promote adoption of your foster pet?  Some shelters may request you attend adoption events with your foster.  Others may simply request you provide updates on behavior and current pictures of your foster pet to be added to adoption sites.
• Did the shelter provide you with contact information?  The shelter or rescue you’re working with for your foster dog should provide you with phone numbers and/or email addresses in the event of an emergency.
• When the shelter has a dog for you to foster, there is some basic information you need before you pick up the dog:
  • Has the dog had all required vaccinations?
  • Has the dog been spayed or neutered?
  • Is the dog coming directly from the shelter or has he been in quarantine?
  • Has the dog been given a temperament test to rule out aggression issues?

Once the dog comes into your home, it’s important to establish a routine for meal and potty times and remain consistent with it.  Keeping things consistent will help your foster settle in easier and quicker.

Depending on the background of your foster, it may take a week or longer for them to settle in, it’s important that all family members work together to keep things as stress free as possible.

Spending time with your foster dog every day, and staying consistent with routine will put the dog at ease and help him present his best self to find a permanent home.