How To Become A Foster Home
Foster Overview
Fostering is a huge responsibility. We always say anyone can love, feed and care for a dog, but it takes "special people" to foster. The job of fostering is to make the dog more adoptable and to make him or her a better dog on their way out than when they came in. It can be at times very difficult and yet extremely rewarding. Although foster homes are involved in the placement to some degree, the screening of applicants and matching of dogs is the responsibility Rescue Representative. Most reps have extensive experience in screening homes and do rescue because they love the breed. The rep will choose homes that are responsible and loving. Please be aware before you take in a foster dog, that the dog is NOT yours but belongs to the Rescue for placement. One of your important tasks is to evaluate the dog. It should typically take about 3-7 days to see the dog's true temperament so do not evaluate on the first day. However, do not wait too long to evaluate because the dog is then adapting to your lifestyle and not his/her true personality. You should then give feedback on the to your Rep based on your experience if needed. If the dog has issues that you feel you do not have the time for, resources or skills to deal with, it is recommended that you notify your Rep. immediately so the dog can be placed in a foster home that does.
Requirements
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It is preferred that foster families are familiar with Italian Greyhounds.
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It is preferred that foster families have a fenced yard. Non-fenced homes must be willing to leash walk the dog several times a day. Rescue dogs are to not be taken off their leads in an unfenced area.
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All "pet" dogs (not used for show purposes) must be spayed and or neutered.
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Ability to care for the dog for stays from a few weeks to months until the right home is found for the dog
Guidelines
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Do provide a warm loving environment for your foster dog during their stay.
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Do discourage and correct bad habits such as begging, crying in the crate, and other behavioral problems.
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All "pet" dogs (not used for show purposes) must be spayed and or neutered.
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Evaluate the dog's temperament. This can help find a better match for a permanent home.
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Work with the dog to make the dog more adoptable and more likely to stay in their new home with basic crate, leash, potty training and socialization.
Please note: If you don't have the skills, resources, or environment to work with a particular issue, notify your Rep immediately so that the dog can be moved to someone who can work on these issues or so that information can be provided to you to do the necessary training.
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Stick to the basics as far as care for the dog during their stay with you in reference to diet and grooming. This will make the dog's transition to a new home much easier for the dog AND for the adopter.
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Expose your foster dog to children, other animals, men, crowds, etc. to determine what type of environment your foster will do best in. Allowing the dog to just be comfortable in your home with your family or children will only make it harder for the dog to be placed. It also makes it harder for the dog to adjust to a new home.
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Take the foster to the Vet as requested by your Rep.
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Contact your Rep once a week or as requested with a progress report so that they can screen potential applicants for the placement based on your discussions.
Contact your Rep with any questions or concerns about ALL of your foster dogs medical care or decisions.
Expenses
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All Vet expenses must typically be approved through your Rep.
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Spay, neuters, heartworm checks, shots (excluding Bordetella) and dentals are typically covered. Some exclusions may apply. Contact your Rep. for the specific polices on Vet expenses or other expenses incurred.
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ID tag, sight hound collar and lead may or may not be provided by Rescue.
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Blankets, cages, toys, etc. can often be provided, but sometimes may not be.
IF YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN FOSTERING AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE:
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & SOUTHERN NEVADA - ROXANN BAILEY roxann@socaligrescue.com