My mom and I were thinking about fostering puppies and dogs. But we have no idea where to begin. We love dogs and pets and im going to get a Mini Dacshund and im going to be watching my friends beagle. So has anyone done this before?? And where can I start? Website maybe?
Thanksx3
2007-08-13 03:40:45 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Oh and i live in upstate New york,
near albany
2007-08-13 03:46:19 · update #1
Contact a shelter you'd like to work with.
First, you must be evaluated by the shelter to make sure you have the correct, safe environment for fostering dogs. (For example, good, sturdy fencing is usually a must.)
If your environment is safe, you must also explain your living situation and time constraints. (Things like: Do you have any other pets? Do they get along easily with other animals? Are they up-to-date on shots? How much time can you devote to a foster dog?)
Usually a shelter will have a form with the majority of these types of questions on them. You fill out the form, turn it in, and then they'll begin the home evaluations and such I was referring to.
Find shelters in your area by using the search feature on http://www.petfinder.com
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2007-08-13 03:52:42 · answer #1 · answered by The Samurai Lullaby 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do a search on petfinder. com for rescue groups in your area. A good rescue group will have you fill out an application and then either talk to you over the phone or do a home visit. My group also has our fosters sign an agreement about whose property the dogs are (the rescue group's), what kind of supplies may be bought, and what supplies the group will not pay for; and what you should do when introducing the dog to potential adopters. Many times, the foster home helps to make the decision about whether a dog can go to a new home with new people or not; so you'll have to be comfortable in making those kinds of decisions.
Learning about dogs with behavior issues is important. Never punish a dog for "misbehaving" - instead, learn how to be positive and proactive to prevent behaviors that you don't want. Trying to use Dog Whisperer "techniques" like alpha rolling and choke chains will get you bitten, and then your foster dog will have to be euthanized - so take the time to educate yourself about reward-based training. Thank you for fostering - good luck!
2007-08-13 10:55:38 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to find a local rescue group in your area. I found one through a link on my local humane society's web page.
I've been fostering dogs for over a month and it is more rewarding than I could have imagined. It's tough to let some of the dogs go though... I've already adopted one of my fosters. Make sure you're ready for the emotional ups and downs of getting a foster and then having them leave right away when adopted. Also, many rescued dogs have medical issues. Most are as minor as worms or Kennel Cough, but it still requires extra attention from you. And be prepared for the occasional "messes" that these dogs will leave. Many aren't house trained or have been in shelters or on the streets for so long that they don't remember what it was like to be in a house. Regardless of this though, it's worth it. Rescued dogs seem to know that you have them because you care, and they will give you all of their love.
Good luck!
2007-08-13 10:57:19 · answer #3 · answered by HW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Petsmarts work with rescues that foster in their homes. Find out when their adoptions are in your area and go meet them and talk to them.
You will meet a lot of different people. We are having a pool party next week end before we have our huge county festival the following week. It can be work volunteering but it is worthwhile and when you are invloved with a rescue that isn't run with government funds and all volunteer you feel better about what you do for the animals.
2007-08-13 10:48:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to go find local shelters and rescues, talk to them. They will usually do a background check, come check out your house, and make you fill out some paperwork.
Understand that its hard work. Some of the dogs you will be fostering will be from abusive situations, and you will eventually have to send them off to new homes after you get attached.
I foster pets for our local shelter.
2007-08-13 10:49:16 · answer #5 · answered by Cebsme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I would pick my favorite breed and then contact the rescue organization connected to that breed and ask them if they need foster families. I know the pomposse.org was looking for foster families. Good luck.
2007-08-13 10:44:59 · answer #6 · answered by mairin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a shelter or rescue group and let them know u are interest in helping fostering animals or dogs. they will be more than happy to assist u.
aspca is a good one to try out.
2007-08-13 10:47:11 · answer #7 · answered by 2PHAT4U 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into a foster dog shelter, search it on the web, or go to your local shelter and ask how you can help.
2007-08-13 10:48:20 · answer #8 · answered by dogsroc11 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
petfinder.com
contact your local spca and rescue groups for more infomation.
they will probly do a home inspection and get your pet history and vet info
2007-08-13 10:45:57 · answer #9 · answered by nataliexoxo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start playing with them and give them toys and treats..i fostered puppies before its just like raising a puppy....just play with them and give them lots of love! nice thing your doin tho
2007-08-13 10:47:49 · answer #10 · answered by ♥|♥_|*|_♥ChArMeD♥_|*|_♥|♥ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋