What to Expect as a PIPs Foster 

Welcome to fostering, it can be a bit overwhelming at first but that is why we are here to help. Here are some great resources on how to prepare and what your expectations are as a foster! 

Don't sweat the bad days, you and your foster pup are on a journey together - the more time you invest in your foster, the more fantastic times you will have. 

YOUR ROLE AS A FOSTER: 

To be a loving and patient foster parent while your foster dog acclimates to their new environment. You are their  biggest advocate! Your  "job” as a foster parent is to learn about your foster dog's personality and behaviors, in order to help shape them into adoptable companions!

Great adopters are out there! 

There is an adopter for almost every dog, here are some tips to help your foster dog find that forever home: 

BE PATIENT: Part of fostering is about taking an exciting risk. You cannot always know everything about your incoming foster dog. PIPs takes every step in matching a foster dog with a foster home and knowing all they can about the dog.  Be patient and understanding when learning about your foster dog's personality and behaviors. 

WORK ON TRAINING:  Many get overwhelmed with the thought of training. Training sessions should be short and end on a positive note. So before dinner take 5 minutes to work on a new command or perfecting another command. While cooking  - work on sit, stay or boundaries, like keeping your foster out of the kitchen. Keep sessions positive and fun!  Many dogs are treat motivated and respond well to positive reinforcement. Consistency is key!

Socialization: This is not always about your dog meeting new dogs, but slowly and safely introducing your foster to new things. Once your dog is up to date on vaccines,  (if you are not sure, please ask first) take your foster dog out to new places. Breweries or restaurants with outdoor seating are great places to socialize your dog. You are your dog's advocate, so if they get overwhelmed, it may be time to leave or when someone approaches to pet your dog, kindly let them know your dog is in training and  not feeling up for affection right now. Walk your dog in a new places so they can experience new sights, smells and feelings. 

COMMUNICATION: Communicate with us often. If you see a behavior that is worrisome, tell us. The sooner we can work on correcting a troubling behavior, the better, DO NOT WAIT. We can give you tips and tricks or get professional help. 

HELP PIPs PROMOTE YOUR FOSTER: 

• Wearing “Adopt Me” paraphernalia on walks will help your dog get noticed. 

• Make easy to print business cards with your contact information or PIPs information and the dog’s name, to distribute to people who may be interested in adopting. 

• Take good photos and videos. 

  • It helps to have many different pictures of your foster - inside the house, outside, playing, interacting with other animals and your family, etc. 

  • Use treats and squeaky  toys to get your pup's attention. 

  • Have a helper if you can! 

  • Exercise before the photo shoot.

  • Take lots of videos of your dog playing, learning a new trick or of them just being adorable! 

  • SHARE SHARE SHARE - share with PIPs and share on your personal social media (and don't forget to tag PIPs!).

• USE SOCIAL MEDIA (AND ADOPTION EVENTS) TO PROMOTE YOUR DOG. Keep your social media posts positive! Talk about the best qualities in your dog when posting or talking to potential adopters.  Come to as many adoption events as you can. Meeting in-person can make a world of difference!

• SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED WITH THE NEW ADOPTER. After so much time with your foster dog, you have gained knowledge about your foster pup's temperament and interests. Giving all this knowledge to your foster dog's new family will set them up for success. Complete a helpful sheet for the dog’s new home: Look for this in the file section of the Pack Leader FB Page

COMMUNICATION: Communicate with us often. If you see a behavior that is worrisome, tell us. The sooner we can work on correcting a troubling behavior, the better, DO.NOT.WAIT. We can give you tips and tricks or get professional help. 

Most PIPs are from shelters or unfit homes. Expect your foster to need a good bath and some high quality meals. Your foster may want love and cuddles or they may need time and space to decompress - understand what they need and give it to them. Some may come into the rescue up to date on vaccines while others we may need a vet appointment right away - your foster coordinator should let you know, but ask if they don't. Always feel free to ask questions, we are here to support you and want nothing more than you and your foster dog to thrive!