Being a Foster Home is not a very glamerous job, but it is a very necessary one. By allowing the dog a short stay in your home as part of your family you are helping the rescue officers (typically the Foster Home Coordinator) in finding a good home for a needy Dalmatian that otherwise wouldn't have a chance at one. We use the foster home program as an opportunity to evaluate the dog's temperment in a home environment. We provide medical care, food, and support while you are fostering one of our dogs You are encouraged to take the dog everywhere and anywhere so you can to get it exposed to as many potential adopters, and as many different situations, as possible.
The general public has a misconception that just because a dog is in the program it means that the dog is "safe" or that someone else will either foster or adopt that dog (most of our available dogs need fosters). While we are a no-kill rescue we have very limited resources and when we don't have a foster home available it means that we can not help the dogs that are wanting to come in and more than likely - if they are not already in a shelter - they will be going to one and may be euthanized. PLEASE help us!
Here are some typical questions:
What's Involved?: The Foster Home's main job is to be responsible for the day-to-day care of the foster dog including, but not limited to:
Do I need a fenced-in yard? Yes. Also, the dog is not to be allowed to run loose outside the fence and must be kept on a leash at all times. Tags and collar need to be on the dog when they're not crated.
How long do they stay? We're averaging a little over a 4 weeks right now, but that should go down once we're better known.
Can I decide what kind of dog I want to foster? Sure! We don't want you to feel like you "have" to foster any dog that we have available. You can set your
How much does it cost? There are expenses, no doubt, but they are typically things like , toys, bowls, and any transporation costs. You may do other things such as advertising, putting up flyers, and anything else you can do to find the best home. These expenses will not be reimbursed by SWDR. Any medical expenses will either be covered by us or reimbursed to the foster home if for some reason you pay for it. Receipts required for any reimbursement.
What if I have problems with my foster dog? Please contact us ASAP before the problem becomes too difficult for you to handle on your own. Keep in mind that some Dalmatians are not housbroken, may be shy, or have had little socialization or obedience training. Don't worry, most dogs greatly improve with a little love and patience so be willing to give the dog a chance.
And if I have questions? Feel free to contact the Foster Home Coordinator at any time and they'll be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. If the FHC is not available contact any one of the coordinators and we will be happy to help.
"We can't foster unless I get HIM (DH) to sign a separate "Foster" contract with me. He would never let them go . . . I feel differently about it. If we can foster a dog, to save it from being put down, then find it a good forever home, then our part in the process is complete. We can then foster another one, thus saving it from too. I guess it's how you set your mind, in the beginning. You start out knowing this dog is not yours. You are just "babysitting" for a time, and helping the dog to get to where it belongs. It really is a wonderful feeling, when you know you have put a dog in a special new home. Then you get to do it again, and that feeling is just as wonderful then too."
Instructions: Thank you for your interest! Foster homes are what allows us to save as many Dalmatians as possible and are always needed. Please read carefully and if you're serious about opening your home and heart to a Dalmatian in need do the following:
1) Download the foster application.
Important: After we do an in-home evaluation and if you are approved as a foster home for SWDR we will bring a Foster Family Contract for you to look over and sign when we bring you your new foster dog.