Foster FAQ’S
Thinking of Fostering?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Where do the dogs come from?
The dogs in need of foster care come from animal shelters primarily in Idaho, Utah and California who have very limited resources for caring for the dogs, a situation which puts the dogs at risk.
- What do foster families need to provide?
Foster families need to provide:
- A healthy and safe environment for their foster dog.
- Food and supplies but Take Me Home Dog Rescue can help as needed.
- Transportation to vet appointments.
- Time for socialization and positive family and pet relationships.
- Training for the dog on basic manners and commands.
- Exercise and mental stimulation to help develop a great dog.
- Do I have to crate-train my foster dog?
No, but you will find it to be one of the best tools for introducing a foster dog into your household. It is one of the most efficient and effective ways to house train a puppy or retrain an adult dog. Putting the dog in a crate while you are gone, especially as you are getting to know the dog, will give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe place, away from harm, and not doing any damage to your belonging or themselves. For many dogs a crate is their “safe” place where they have a sense of security. Crating should never be used as punishment. Take Me Home Dog Rescue can provide information on crate training as well as providing an appropriately sized crate.
- How much time do I need to spend with a foster dog?
As much time as you can. With that said, the amount of time will vary depending on the energy level and needs of the dog you are fostering. It is ideal to spend around 2 hours a day exercising and playing with your foster dog to ensure that he or she receives adequate socialization and stimulation. Shelter dogs may be stressed and moving the dog from the shelter to the foster home is also stressful for the dog. Remember the dog doesn’t know yet that the foster home is a safe place. With patience and love that is what you will teach him or her.
- Can I foster dogs even if I have a full-time job?
Yes. The foster application is designed as a survey to help the foster coordinator match you with the best animal for your needs and your current schedule. The foster coordinator will match you with a dog who may be okay alone during the workday. This means you would need to provide ample exercise before or after work.
- Can I foster a dog even if I don’t have a fenced yard?
Yes. Even if you do have a fenced yard, we request that you supervise all outdoor activities with the foster dog. And we ask that you always keep him or her on leash when you’re on walks. Initially a foster dog may try to escape a fenced yard, trying to go back to where he or she knows, even if that is the shelter.
- If I have my own animals, can I foster dogs?
Family dogs must be have a meet-and-greet with the potential foster dog to see if it’s a suitable match. If you have a cat, we will try to test the potential foster dog with cats prior to introducing him or her to your cat.
While foster dogs playing with other pets is often fine, we advise that you consult with your veterinarian before fostering to ensure that all your personal pets are healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines. Dogs in shelters are very susceptible to illness and can carry or catch different diseases.
- Can I take my foster dog to an off-leash dog park for exercise and socialization?
No. You are not allowed to take any foster dog to an off-leash dog park. There are far too many unknowns for it to be a safe and healthy experience for a foster dog. It is also not allowed to take a foster dog on-leash to an off-leash dog park.
- How long will the need to be in foster care?
Ideally, foster dogs stay in their assigned foster homes until they get adopted. We do not have a facility to house animals so these dogs rely on foster homes as their home between homes. Take Me Home Dog Rescue will promote our foster dogs so they can go to their permanent homes as soon as possible.
- What if I go on vacation or have a business trip?
We ask that you contact the Foster Coordinator to give at least a 10-day notice so we can find another foster to care for the dog for a short duration or so we can arrange boarding for the foster dog at an appropriate facility.
- Can I adopt my foster dog?
Yes. If you want to adopt a foster dog, you will need to complete the adoption application and go thru the adoption process. If you do decide to adopt your foster dog, please notify the Foster Coordinator right away because once the dog is up for adoption we cannot hold the dog for anyone, including the foster parent.
- What if my foster dog gets sick?
Immediately contact the Foster Coordinator who will help you assess the situation, recommend steps to take, and if necessary will direct you to a veterinary clinic. If it is an emergency situation, immediately take the foster dog to a veterinary clinic and contact the Foster Coordinator. Take Me Home Dog Rescue will cover veterinary costs but you must immediately contact the Foster Coordinator.
- Am I responsible for finding my foster dog its forever home?
No, but we do need your help. Once a qualified applicant is identified, you will be asked to have the dog available to meet the potential adopter. Keeping the description of your foster dog current is critical for getting the interest of potential adopters. Many times a foster parent will find a perfect match through their own network of friends, family and colleagues. We greatly welcome these referrals. If you think you have found a perfect home for your foster dog, remember they still must go through the application process.
- What if my foster dog is not working out?
You are not required to continue to foster a dog if you feel it’s not working out. However, we may not have an immediate alternate foster home for the dog. We will work on moving your foster dog out as soon as possible, but ask for your understanding and patience. If your foster dog has specific issues that concern you, contact the Foster Coordinator for assistance as soon as possible so we may help with training or whatever else may be needed.