BECOMING A FOSTER PET PARENT

SAFE Rescue Team can always use more foster homes. Foster homes are the single most important part of our rescue and are literally the difference between life and death for many of our dogs.

If you have always wanted a dog, but were not sure you could commit to a dog for the long term, fostering is a great way to enjoy a dog with only a short-term commitment. We have dogs in need of foster homes from puppies to seniors, small to big, and everything in between.

We pay all approved medical expenses for our foster dogs. We ask only that our foster homes care for the dog and help us make the dog a well-adjusted family pet, as well as help us decide which adopter is the right one for their dog.

Foster homes get first “dibs” on the dog if they fall in love. We value our foster homes highly and work with them regularly to ensure the dog is doing well.

FOSTERING FAQs

May I try to secure an adopter for my fostered dog?

Certainly, and all efforts to aid in finding a permanent home for the dogs are warmly welcomed. However, all potential adopters must go through the adoption review process to obtain approval by the organization.

Please give us heads up if you believe you have a good candidate for your foster dog. We value our fosters‚ opinion as they usually know their foster dog best. Any input by the foster parent regarding its new home will be greatly considered in the outcome of the adoption.

What am I supplied with while fostering?

We will supply all food, flea meds, leashes, collars, tags, and any vet needs throughout the fostering process. If you are fostering puppies, you will also be supplied with crates/pens and puppy pads.

If you notice that you are low on any supplies, please give us heads up before the next event so we can be sure you are well stocked until the next event. In case of medical emergencies, we ask that you contact us and take the dog to a sanctioned hospital.

What, if any, are the training requirements for dogs I care for?

Every dog is unique and will have unique needs. Some will be housebroken, but some will not. It may take a day or two for your fostered dog to get comfortable with you and its new environment, so please be patient and consistent.

You will be assigned a “foster mentor” and they will always available to answer your questions if you need any guidance. We will support you throughout this process by giving you efficient and effective tips as well as supplying you with any special gear or tools to make your fostering period successful.

I already have a dog. Can I still be a foster?

Yes! We love it when our fosters are able to make new friends. Part of the fostering experience is to help shelter and stray dogs adjust to life in a stable home. When a dog is adopted we need to know how they react to dogs, cats, kids and everyday noises like the TV or vacuum.

What happens if I am fostering a dog and would like to adopt?

We understand that this is a likely scenario and would like to support our foster parents if they choose to adopt provided that they qualify to adopt (standard application process) and that there are no pending applications for the dog.

The standard adoption fee applies. We would love to discount our dogs to our volunteers but unfortunately our vet bills don’t feel the same way. If you think you would like to adopt your foster dog, please notify us immediately and you will be expected to finalize your adoption.

What happens if I am fostering a dog and it is not a good fit?

We work very hard to support our Fosters throughout the entire process. If for some reason your foster dog is simply not working out in your home, please provide us with a 48 hour notice to ensure another appropriate place is found.

What is the fostering time commitment?

We ask for a minimum of two weeks to help the dog settle into a routine. We prefer the dog stay in the same foster home until adopted, as the goal is to give our rescued friends the love and stability they need until they find their forever people, but understand that is not always possible.