I'm Getting a Foster Dog, Now What?

Being prepared will help ease the transition for your foster dogs.

• Have a space picked out for your foster. This space does not have to be a separate room, but it should be an area that keeps your personal pets and any little ones away while they acclimate to the new surroundings.

• Have the crate set up with a bed or blanket - be sure this is ONLY for your foster dog.

• Have supplies ready. Some of these supplies we can provide, but invest in what you can.

  • Metal food bowl (you can sterilize metal between fosters).

  • Crate (we can provide if we have one available). If you would like one to keep for future fosters, check craigslist, NextDoor or Facebook marketplace.

  • Food (we can provide but it may not be the same food every time). Some fosters wish to provide their own food so it will stay constant or use the food their personal dog eats. Be sure it is age appropriate or all life stages food. PIPs does not reimburse for food.

  • Collar - you will receive one from PIPs. If you provide your own, be sure it is a martingale or harness they cannot slip out of. This is very important, as some dogs want to bolt in new situations and surroundings, never get too comfortable.

  • Toys and chew bones. This should be for your fosters when they are in the crate or separated from your personal dog. Not all dogs share well. Again, never get too comfortable, do not give treats, chews, rewards to you foster unless they are crated, away from other personal pets!!

  • Potty pads for puppies (we can provide).

• Have a plan in place for decompression for your new foster dog. This is a new situation for your foster dog, some decompress fast while others need a little extra time. More on this in the first week section

• Have the whole family settle on rules of the house and what your commands will be. Constancy is important. For example, don't let some of your family invite the dog on to the couch while others don't allow dogs on the couch. This will confuse the mess out of your foster dog and set them up for failure.