Are you thinking about fostering a dog?
What does it take to provide a good foster home? Many animal shelters and rescues utilize these wonderful families and homes to help take care of the dogs they get into their facilities. If you are wanting to give back to our furry friends and are thinking of taking on a foster dog (or cat!) here are some guidelines to help you decide if it will be a good fit for you:
Requirements: These may vary based on the types of dogs needing to be fostered. Some facilities will only foster out healthy dogs. Others need the space, so they will send dogs with medical or behavioral needs to a family to get those issues resolved before they adopt it out. Puppies too young for adoption are also sent to foster families for socialization, but the foster parents need the time to devote to raising those puppies. Adequate time and dog experience are a definite plus all around the board, but aspects of the living area also come into play. Home inspections do occur to make sure it is the right home for the type of dog you will foster. Fenced-in yards are always important, but the size of the yard will help the rescue place the right fit for you too (think large, energetic dog needs larger yard). They will also look at where the dog will eat and sleep, and what activities you can provide for the dog’s exercise.
If you already have a dog: Don’t let a permanent resident in your home deter you from fostering another. Most of the time, the rescue will bring the potential foster to the home to see if they get along. Personality and behavioral traits will help the rescue determine which foster dog would be right for your home.
What’s the commitment like? Learn up front what the rescue will require of you financially. Housing requirements and financial commitments may vary depending on the shelter or rescue. Some may provide medical costs but you have to provide the food, for example. The length of commitment for a foster home varies on the actual foster dog: medical needs and age may determine how long a dog will need to be in your home before it is put up for adoption. Some rescue groups offer “permanent foster” care for special-needs and senior dogs so they can have a chance at a normal life to live out their final years.
What are the potential challenges? For most cases, the incoming dog is evaluated by the rescue or shelter before placement – but that doesn’t always mean it will be a the perfect match. Most rescues will try to find another foster home for the dog if it doesn’t fit yours. There are always risks, and the first 48 hours are usually the hardest as the dog adjusts to a new home. Establishing a routine is essential to successfully integrate the foster dog into your house. Other challenges are just emotional – first time fosterers are nervous they won’t be able to let their foster go if they find a permanent home. Just remember that as that foster finds a home, you are opening a chance for many more dogs to find one as well if you foster them.
If your dog needs help adjusting to the new lifestyle of welcoming a foster dog into “their” home, or you decide to adopt your foster yourself and want some help smoothing things over, give us a call! Dog Training In Your Home can help with any behavior problems you may be having.
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