I LOVE that fostering is becoming more and more popular in Toronto. If you love dogs and have a stable home life, but know that you’ll be starting that big job with crazy hours in a few months… or that you’re going away to school and you can’t make the 10+ year commitment at this point in life, why not contact your local shelter to see if you would be a good candidate for fostering?
I have a major soft spot for shelter dogs/foreign street dogs given my background and am pumped that it’s catching on! Lots of people think that foster dogs are likely to be a bit of a headache but it’s SO NOT TRUE. When you foster a dog the shelter/adoption agency wants you to be totally comfortable with the dog that you bring into your house. If you ask the right questions you can find the perfect match to ensure you have a great experience.
Here is a check list of questions to ask:
Questions about the dog:
1. How did he come to be with the shelter or rescue group and how long has he been there?
2. Why does he need a foster home now?
3. Does he have any medical concerns or need medication?
4. Has he been neutered (or spayed, if the dog is female)? If not, when will he be?
5. Is he up to date on his vaccinations and has he been tested for diseases such as heartworm?
6. Since conditions such as kennel cough and upper respiratory infections cannot be tested for, how long should I keep him separated from my own pets?
7. Does he have any behavioral issues or concerns? How are they dealt with?
8. Do you know how he is with kids, cats, dogs and/or strangers? Can my children or pets meet him before I commit to fostering him?
9. Do you know how he does when left alone? Is he crate trained?
10. Is he housetrained?
Questions about the fostering process:
1. How long will I be expected to foster this dog? If it’s until a suitable home is found, how long do you expect that to take?
2. What happens if I can no longer care for the dog?
3. Who pays for medical bills if they arise? Does that include treatments for my pets if they catch something from my foster dog?
4. What should I do if there’s a medical emergency?
5. Who is responsible for communicating with potential adopters, screening them and introducing the dog to them?
6. Will I be required to bring him to adoption events and, if so, where/when?
7. Will you provide food, litter, supplies (such as a leash or a litter box), medications, etc., or will I be expected to?
8. If I have a problem, whom can I contact? If I leave a message, how quickly will that person get back to me?
9. Could my foster dog be deemed unadoptable and, if so, what happens then?
10. Can I adopt him if I choose? Do I get first choice?
Fostering can change your life! I speak from experience when I say that rescuing dogs and teaching them how to be comfortable around new people, new dogs, off leash and on, and watch them come out of their shell is one of the most satisfying experiences you’ll ever have. Many many years ago, before I ever became a dog walker or provided dog daycare/dog boarding services, I was on a completely different path in life (academia). It was my encounter with two street dogs in Honduras (Central America) and our struggle to rescue and rehabilitate them in Canada that started me on my fateful path… so you never know where life will take you when you fall in love with all things D-O-G : )
Fostering a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience and can even change your life. Before you commit to fostering, make sure that you ask all the right questions so that both you and your furry friend are comfortable with the situation. With proper preparation and by matching yourself up with the perfect pup for your lifestyle, fostering a loving companion animal could lead to one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. So why not take this opportunity to open up your heart and home? You may just find yourself on an incredible journey!
Ally & The Pack xoxo