FOSTERING
The Woof Gang is 100% volunteer-staffed, and we need fosters. We keep our rescued dogs in dedicated foster homes, not in kennels, so they learn real-world socialization and manners.
So what is fostering?
All of the dogs we save need a place to stay until we find them forever homes. A foster home is that place. We provide fosters with everything needed to take care of a dog; food, crate, leash, bed, toys - plus we cover all necessary vetting. All you have to do is provide a safe, temporary home, and some compassion for an animal that may be scared or confused - or may just want a warm lap and some snugs. We also ask fosters to bring dogs to local adoption events or meet-and-greets with potential adopters. We will always do our best to match up foster homes with appropriate dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to foster?
We require fosters to complete an application and must be approved by our foster coordinator. All animals in the home must be fixed and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you rent you must have landlord approval. We do not require a fenced-in yard.
What costs will I incur as a foster?
The rescue provides food, a collar, treats, toys and miscellaneous supplies as needed. The rescue also will provide crates that can be borrowed if needed. You will only need to transport the dog to our scheduled events.
How long is the commitment to foster?
Fostering is a commitment from intake to adoption. This can range from a couple days to a few months depending on the dog, medical needs, etc. The average time in foster homes is only a couple weeks.
What if my foster does not get along with my dogs?
A slow introduction is always recommended on neutral grounds first. tWe have several resources as well as many experienced fosters that can help provide assistance if issues arise. We ask that you be willing to try training prior to asking for the dog to be moved to another foster home.
What if I am going out of town and I still have my foster?
Just give a few days noticed. The dog cannot be boarded privately or watched by anyone that is not registered as a foster or volunteer.
What if I want to adopt my foster?
Fosters are always given the first right of refusal to adopt. When we receive an application for a dog, we notify the foster family and they have 24 hours to decide to adopt so that we can proceed with an outside applicant without delay, or finalize with the foster. The normal adoption process is to be followed if a friend or family member is interested in adopting your foster.
What role does a foster play in the adoption process?
Once an application is received it is processed by our adoption coordinator. Once approved, we'll work out a time and place for a meet and greet.
Do I get to decide who and when I foster?
We take in dogs weekly and we would ask if you are able to foster. Fosters will provide guidelines for any age, breed, or size restrictions they may have. The rescue will furnish all information known and allow the foster to determine the best fit for them.
Don't you want to keep them all?
This is probably one of the most asked questions and one of the biggest reasons we hear for not fostering. Sometimes it can be hard to give up your foster, but this allows you to continue to save more lives. Volunteers continuously say the feeling you get when you find the perfect match for your foster and see them with their new family is indescribable and replaces any and all doubts in your mind.