One thing of which you need to be fully aware is that fostering is not the “fast track” to adoption. If you foster a dog with the intention of by-passing our standard adoption process, you will find that this is not permissible except in rare instances as deemed appropriate by group President.  Foster homes must go through the same process as our adopters and meet the same criteria.

What will I need to do as a foster parent? Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog including feeding, exercising, medicating (as necessary), socializing, brushing and grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament. And of course, providing love and security to a special orphan at a difficult time in his or her life when they have lost their former family and home.

How long does the dog stay in foster care? It varies. Large breed dogs stay in a foster home from a minimum of a few days to as much as several months, depending on the dog, his/her personality, his/her age, his/her health, and other factors. Generally, if the foster is under age 2 and healthy, they do not stay with the foster family for very long.

Do I need a fenced yard? No, but having a fenced yard helps when it is raining and the dog needs to go to the bathroom.    Our foster homes must comply with the same requirements as our adoptive homes. Fenced yards ensure that an orphan has the safest possible environment to relieve itself, or you will be required to walk the dog on a regular basis. The dog may be exercised there off leash if your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, but outside the yard the dog must be on leash at all times.

Do I have to be with the dog all day? No. Many of our foster family members are currently employed full or part-time, yet they still provide a quality environment for the dog. As with adopters, we require that you provide midday relief for a foster dog if you work full time away from home.

Our first concern is safety for you, your family, your own pets, and for the rescue dog. Therefore we require that any time the dog's caregiver is unable to directly supervise the foster dog, it must be leashed or confined in a secure area, preferably in a crate.

How much time does it take to be a foster parent? At minimum, two hours a day to as much time you can spend with the dog. In some cases, the more quality time you spend with your foster, the more quickly you can prepare it for placement in its forever home. Be prepared though for the first week or two to require more then the minimum time of two hours. Some dogs acclimate quickly to new environments but others are more stressed and traumatized and require more care.

What if I go on vacation? Or if I travel for my job? Unfortunately TRC does not have facilities to temporarily house foster dogs. As a result, foster caregivers often develop support systems to provide care in their absence or they stagger the times when they foster. Some schedule vacations between orphans or find pet sitters or family members to step in when they travel for business. The same provisions that you would make for your own dog would apply to a foster -- with the caveat that if you do plan on boarding your foster please be sure to discuss this with the group President or intake coordinator before hand and be sure they have all contact information for the kennel and the kennel has their contact information.

How much does it cost to foster a dog? Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: good quality dog food, and any toys you wish to provide. Although necessary veterinary expenses, including heartworm preventative, are paid by TRC , remember that we are a nonprofit organization so anything you donate to your orphan's care can be deducted from your taxes.

May I choose which dog I foster? Your TRC President or Intake Coordinator will work with you to select an appropriate dog. The foster application allows you to specify requirements, such as a foster must get along with your dogs, cats, or kids.
As a foster, once you take a dog into your home we expect that you will work through any problems that arise unless they are severe. Should such a situation arise, you must immediately contact your TRC Intake Coordinator. You must also be prepared to give your coordinator 48 hours to find new placement for your foster dog. Remember, we do not have a kennel so it is very unlikely that a coordinator can remove a dog from your home immediately.

Will I become attached to my foster dog? Yes, you undoubtedly will. Dogs bond quickly and they give so much back in return for your attention. But when you meet the new family that's ready to provide a permanent, loving home for the dog you helped rescue, you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new and better life.
Being a foster home is extremely rewarding, but you should keep in mind that some rescue dogs may not be housebroken, may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. In spite of these challenges, our foster homes have found that when given a chance, the dog will not only quickly improve, they flourish.
 
What if I want to adopt the dog I am fostering? If you decide to be a foster parent, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving dog prepare for its "forever home", and not with the goal to "try out" a dog you may later wish to adopt.  
We treat fosters and adopters equally. If you think you may wish to adopt your foster, we require a completed TRC Adoption Contract, and normal adoption fees apply.
 
I'd like to foster, what do I do next? Once your family has decided together to foster a dog, please fill out a foster application and then submit it. If you send us your evening/weekend phone number, a volunteer will call you back to start the application process with a phone screen. If you meet our preliminary requirements, someone will contact you to schedule a home visit. They will provide more detail about your responsibilities as a foster and answer any questions you may have. If you are approved, you're on your way to helping to prepare a dog for its forever home!

Please let us know if you can help us house an orphan Rottweiler or large breed dog until a permanent "forever home" can be found.