FOSTERING
As a foster, you play a crucial role in providing a safe and loving environment for dogs while they are looking for their forever families. This guide outlines the essential responsibilities and expectations to ensure a successful fostering experience for both you and the dogs in your care. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
FOSTERING PROCESS
The first step in fostering is to fill out the foster application! We do thorough background checks on all fosters and volunteers to ensure our dogs are going into safe and loving homes. Once you are approved to foster, we will contact you to discuss what type of dogs and fostering will match your lifestyle. We work hard to pair foster families with a dog that will fit in into your household and put the dog in a position where they will feel safe, comfortable, and can thrive.
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We have a couple different options for fostering including:
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Main foster: you will be the temporary caretaker for the dog you are matched with. The time they will be with you can vary depending on how long it takes to find the right family for them. Sometimes it is a few days, weeks, or even months, but we are here for you throughout the process.
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Respite foster: This is for you if you do not feel like you can commit to long term fostering, but would still like to help out when you can! You would be available for main fosters when they need a break such as a weekend, a few days, a week, etc.
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Dog Walking: This is a great option if you want to spend time with dogs and have time to help out, but aren't able to care for them in your home. We would coordinate with main fosters when they need an extra hand while they are busy or at work, such as walking dogs, cleaning crates, feeding, etc. (please fill out volunteer application to be a dog walker)​
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Once you are matched with your foster dog and bring them home, it is important to remember they need some time to decompress and transition from living in a high kill shelter environment to a home. We ask that you do not bring them to public places such as dog parks, play dates, bars and restaurants for a few days or the first week while they get used to their new environment.
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We will provide dog food, toys, crates, and any other supplies you may need while caring for the dog and will work with you throughout the process to ensure you feel comfortable and supported. Once the dog has an approved adopter, we will help coordinate a meet-and-greet and they are able to take them home! Potential adopters get a 5 day foster-to-adopt (FTA) period where they get to decide if it is the right fit.
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FOSTER RESPONSIBILTIES
~Provide a safe environment for them to feel comfortable and give them lots of love and attention!
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~Provide food, shelter, exercise, and basic needs for the dog while in your care
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~Communicate and work with MUTT LIFE for any medical issues with your foster dog.
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~Provide Socialization, some basic training such as potty training, leash work, crate training, and address behavioral issues as needed. We will work with you on any behavioral issues and coordinate professional training should it be needed.
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~Come to MUTT LIFE dog friendly events such as public meet-and-greets to socialize your foster dog and meet potential adopters
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~Understand FTA period and be able to discuss needs and personality of your foster dog with approved adopters in order to match them with the right family
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~Do your best to provide photos and updates on social media of your foster dog so we can post your foster pup for potential adopters to see!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We are always in need of fosters! Consider opening up your home to a dog in need and being part of their journey home.
There is something for everyone like event planning, social media, transport help, etc.
Apply today to volunteer!
Every donation big or small is appreciated and makes a difference in the lives of dogs in need! We accept monetary donations as well as dog supplies and crates.