Do you want a dog in your life, but you’re not quite ready for a long-term commitment? Fostering might be the right option for you.
As a doggy foster guardian, you care for a dog in your home for a set period of time or until a forever home is found. You help improve the life of the dog, and in return, you get to enjoy his or her company.
These programs are invaluable to dogs in shelters and rescues for a number of reasons:
- The dog gets experience in a home environment and socializing with humans, better preparing it for its forever home.
2. The dog will have more opportunity to exercise since the foster human may have a backyard and should provide regular walks, which may not be provided at the shelter.
3. Since you’ll get to know the dog, you can provide invaluable insight to potential adopters, helping ensure he or she gets a home that’s a better match.
4. Puppies who are too young to be adopted have a chance to grow up and be with their mother before being adopted.
5. Dogs recovering from illness or injuries can get the attention they need.
6. Dogs stressed by a shelter environment have an opportunity for more comfortable living quarters.
7. A space is opened up at the shelter or rescue, allowing the staff to save the life of one more dog.
If you’re considering adopting, fostering can be an opportunity to see how a dog can fit in your life before making a commitment. But it’s important to be aware that it’s still a serious responsibility to take on.
Here are a few questions to ask you before signing up:
- Are you ready to handle a dog with special needs, such as medical or behavioural issues? If not, talk to the shelter about your concerns, so they can match you with a suitable dog.
- What kind of behavioural issues are you not ready or equipped to handle? Be upfront with the organization.
- How many hours a day will you be with the dog? You don’t need to be available full-time, but it’s important to know so the group can match you with the right dog.
- Accidents happen. Are you ready to accept that the dog may damage or mess up your home?
- Can you provide regular walks for the dog?
- Can you ensure he/she has regular access to food and clean water?
- Will you regularly groom the dog or bring him/her to a professional groomer?
- Are you able to get the dog to the shelter’s vet quickly if needed?
- Does your homeowner’s insurance, city, or HOA have any restrictions related to pets in your home, including banned breeds?
Will you be able to give the dog up when the time comes? It can be very hard, since you will grow emotionally attached.
Ready to give it a go? Contact rescues and shelters in your area to find out about their programs and ask about their requirements. You will likely be asked for several references and may have to go through a number of interviews. A good organization will be thorough to ensure they’re entrusting their pups with someone who can keep them safe.
