Fostering a dog in need can be a beautiful experience that makes an enormous impact on your heart and makes the world a better place for animals. If you're thinking about fostering a dog or puppy, don't make the decision lightly. Although temporary, it should still be taken as a serious commitment that directly affects an animals life and wellbeing. The fact that you're taking the time to read this article and do your research is a great sign that you are on the right track to being an amazing foster parent! Continue reading to dive deeper into what being a foster parent to a shelter dog really entails and what steps you should take to prepare yourself, your family and your pets.
So, what exactly does it mean to foster and why should you do it?
Fostering a dog is when a person or family commits to opening up their hearts and home to a dog in need until they've been adopted and find forever families of their own- and the whole experience is free! Usually, these dogs come from the shelter and don't have a home or a family who cares for them. The shelter is incredibly stressful for the dogs that are unfortunate enough to end up there and often, they are euthanized if they stay too long without any adoption interest. This is especially true in states like California, Texas, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama. Dog rescues, like Let's Rescue Dogs, are made to protect vulnerable dogs who are risk of euthanasia in our local shelters and we match them with a foster home where the dog can decompress and learn what it's like to be part of a family again.
There are many things to consider before you begin your fostering journey including your lifestyle, your own pets temperament, your physical home, how much free time you have and your experience level with different kinds of dogs. For example, a single woman who lives in a studio apartment and works 5-7 hours a day outside of the home shouldn't consider fostering a ten month old, 60 pound vocal husky who requires frequent exercise and mental enrichment throughout the day. Instead, a better option would be a 15 pound, 7 year old chihuahua mix who's a bit more mellow and suitable for apartment living. The husky would do perfectly in a home with an active couple who rarely work long hours and enjoy frequent hiking with their dogs.
Once you have a clear idea of what age, size and activity level is best suited for your family and lifestyle, it's time to start looking for a reputable rescue to foster with! Choosing an organization to foster for can be tricky and it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure that the whole experience is enjoyable for both you and the dog. The dog you foster legally belongs to the rescue organization and they are responsible for providing all veterinary care, food, supplies and all of the dog's basic needs. Always confirm that the rescue you're considering will provide this at no cost to you. Reputable rescue organizations like Let's Rescue Dogs will always provide basic supplies like a crate, bed, food, flea/tick prevention and even items like treats and toys! Ask your rescue what supplies they will be providing you.
Once you've picked a rescue that seems like a good fit, it's time for the rescue to get to know you! Often the first step is to submit a foster application on the rescue's website. This application will likely have various questions about the number of people and pets in your home, if there are any children or cats present or if you've ever handled a dog before. This application is an essential tool the rescue will use to help match you with a dog in need that best suits what you're looking for and what you can reasonably handle. All dogs have different personalities, likes, dislikes and preferences- just like we do!
When the time comes for you to pick up your foster dog along with his/her supplies, it's best to not have any specific expectations on how the dog will act or behave. Remember, this dog is likely very nervous because they're in an environment they've never been before with people they've never met. If they're coming directly from the shelter they're likely feeling very traumatized by their experience as well.
The 3 3 3 Rule
Please remember "The 3 3 3 Rule" during this time. The 3 3 3 Rule refers to the first three days, the first three weeks and the first three months that a dog enters your home and their mental state during each of these three phases. The first three days, your foster dog will be observing you to understand if you're friendly or unfriendly. The dog will be cautious at this time and likely will not have fully come out of his or her shell. It's normal for the dog to tremble, hide away or not have an appetite. it's best not to force interaction at this time.
The first three weeks are notoriously the hardest time frame for a foster parent. As he or she gets more comfortable, they may test boundaries and they are learning your routine and what is okay and not okay, but don't give up! In this phase you may start to notice some behavioral issues. Talk with your rescue to better assist you with any issues the foster dog may be experiencing during this time. Training is a common need and your rescue will be able to help!
The first three months, if your foster stays this long with you, things start to really settle down and the dog has likely fully integrated into your family. He or she will understand what is expected of them and they should have learned your routines. When the dog gets adopted, the process of the 3 3 3 rule will start again with their new family.
Whats expected of you, as the foster?
Fosters are the heart and soul of any rescue. Without a committed foster home, rescues can't save the dogs who need help as over 75% of California nonprofit dog rescues have no brick and mortar facility or sanctuary to put the dogs they save. The biggest expectation your rescue will have of you is to keep your foster dog safe and don't give up on them while they are still in your care. Your foster and your rescue need you to be committed to their wellbeing throughout the process. To be the best foster parent you can be would be to socialize your foster to new people including children, take them on outings and even teaching them some basic commands for a few minutes each day. Be transparent about any new behavioral or medical issues you notice right away and if a vet appointment is needed, always consult with your rescue before making any appointment for your foster to be seen by a vet. Remember, the foster legally belongs to the rescue and they will have to approve any medical treatment the dog may need and it is also their responsibility to pay.
Conclusion
Fostering is a selfless and often an unforgettable journey that teaches us the beauty of patience, love and letting go. Watching the nervous, broken dog you brought into your home come to life again and seeing them be adopted into the home they should have always had is a heartwarming experience known to bring the family and loved ones closer together. If you live in Southern California and are ready to save a life with Lets Rescue Dogs please fill out a foster application located on our website!
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