Fostering FAQ's

THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY OF FOSTERING

Fostering is a rollercoaster of emotions that leaves an indelible mark on your heart. When your foster dog first arrives, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sadness seeing the fear, confusion, or heartbreak in their eyes. You wonder what they’ve been through and if they know that better days are ahead.

Then comes the joy—the moment they start to trust you, wag their tail for the first time, or curl up beside you like they’ve finally found a safe place. You get to teach them what love is, and in return, they teach you the purest form of gratitude.

As time passes, you grow attached. They become a part of your routine, your family, your heart. And then, the bittersweet moment arrives—a meet-and-greet with potential adopters. You’re thrilled for their future but can’t help the tears that well up as you imagine saying goodbye. Will they be scared in their new home? Will they miss you?

These emotions are natural and proof of the love you’ve poured into their journey. But when you see the updates—the pictures of them smiling in their forever home or the messages from their adopters about how much they’re loved—you feel an overwhelming pride. You realize that fostering is not about losing a piece of your heart; it’s about giving it to a dog who needed it most.

Every wagging tail, every second chance, and every happy ending is possible because of fosters like you. You are the bridge between heartbreak and hope, and that is something to be incredibly proud of.

MEMORY KEEPING FOR YOUR FOSTERS

Fostering isn’t just about saving lives—it’s creating lifelong memories. Here are some fun, creative ways to cherish the dogs you’ve helped:

DIY Paw Print Keepsakes: Use clay kits to create lasting paw prints from your foster dogs.
Photo Albums: Create a scrapbook or digital album with pictures of each foster, from their first day to adoption.
Paw of Fame: Dedicate a wall, shelf, or frame to display photos, adoption certificates, or small mementos from your fosters.
Foster Journal: Write short stories, quirks, or milestones for each dog. It’s a heartfelt way to look back on your journey.
Foster Family Tree: Use a large canvas or poster to add photos of each foster, like branches growing with each life saved.
Custom Ornaments: Make ornaments with their names or paw prints for holidays.
Collar Keepsakes: Save a collar or tag from each foster as a special reminder.
Adoption Day Polaroid: Take a photo with each foster on their adoption day for a “Happily Ever After” album.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FOSTERING

What does Fishy’s Friends Rescue provide to fosters?

We provide all the essentials: food, crates, toys, medical care, and more. If you need something specific, we’re here to help! You provide the LOVE, Transport to vet appointments, and communication with the rescue (Updating the dogs profile, documenting what you know about them etc.)

How long is a typical foster commitment?

It depends on the dog. Some may find homes in days, while others take longer. We’ll work with you to find the best fit for your availability. We try to get rescues adopted as quick as we can, however we want to find the perfect home and sometimes that can take up to a few months. We like to keep our foster homes open to be able to save more dogs.

Can I foster if I have other pets or kids?

Absolutely! We’ll match you with a foster dog that fits your home environment. We also provide tips for introductions to ensure everyone’s safety.

What if I want to adopt my foster dog?

That’s amazing! As a foster, you’ll have the first opportunity to adopt. Just let us know, and we’ll guide you through the process.

What if the foster dog doesn’t work out in my home?

No worries! We understand fostering can come with challenges. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll place the dog in another foster home.

Do I need to find an adopter for my foster dog?

We handle the adoption process, but fosters play a vital role in showcasing the dog’s personality through photos and updates. To give your foster pup the best chance at finding their forever home, you’re encouraged to help boost their exposure by sharing their profile links, taking them out in “Adopt Me” attire, and highlighting their story on your social media pages.

Who handles vet care and emergencies?

Fishy’s Friends covers all medical costs. For emergencies, contact us immediately, and we’ll provide instructions.

Can I foster if I work full-time?

Yes! Many of our fosters have busy schedules. We’ll pair you with a dog that matches your lifestyle.

What support is available for fosters?

We’re just a call or message away! Plus, we offer training guides, resources, and a community of fellow fosters to support you every step of the way.

What training do fosters need?

No experience is required! We provide all the training and resources you’ll need to feel confident.

Can I foster if I travel a lot?

Yes! We have short-term fostering opportunities for dogs who only need a place to stay temporarily.

What if I get too attached?

It’s normal to feel attached! Many fosters find joy in seeing their pups thrive in forever homes—and then welcoming the next dog who needs them.

What happens during meet-and-greets?

We’ll coordinate meet-and-greets with potential adopters and ask that you bring your foster to the meeting. As the person who knows your foster best, you can answer questions and provide valuable insights about their personality and needs. If everyone agrees it’s a great fit, your foster will begin their new journey and settle in with their forever family.

Can I foster more than one dog?

If you’re ready to take on more, let us know! We’ll match you with a pair or multiple dogs that fit your home.

You made it to the end! That means you're already a rockstar foster. To show us you’re ready, send your foster director the phrase ‘Fishy Sent Me’ and we’ll get you set up for your next steps. Thank you for being part of this life-saving journey.

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