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Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
This 8 Step Guide is your essential guide to welcoming a rescue dog into your life. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know to ensure a smooth transition and set your foster pup up for success.
Take your time, soak in the knowledge, and make sure to click on all the links!
Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single word—your success as a foster depends on it!!
Step 1: Fill out an application
Step 1: Fill out an application
Your application is processed by our dedicated processing team. It can take some time to hear back as we must contact all 3 of your personal references, your vet reference (they need your permission to speak to us) and a landlord reference (if applicable).
Important Things to Know:
Just because you are interested in or apply for a specific dog, it does not guarantee that you will receive or foster that particular dog.
Sometimes, the dog you're interested in may already be in discussions with other approved applicants, in the adoption process, or may be adopted before your application is fully approved. Sometimes the dog you are most interested may not be a good match for your lifestyle or home or they chosen by another foster first. If that happens, we'd be more than happy to help you find another dog that's a good match for you!
You’re not locked into the dog(s) chosen on your application—we’re here to help you find a good fit.
Most dogs are in Texas, dogs already fostered in Canada but those in Canada are marked with CA/🇨🇦.
Purple heart is heartworm positive 💜
Step 2:
Step 2:
Application Approval & The group chat
Application Approval & The group chat
Once your application is approved, you will be added to a Facebook Messanger group chat.
Your Facebook Messenger group chat is where you’ll connect with our team members in Texas and Canada as well as the foster of the dog(s) you are interested in. This is where you'll discuss your preferences, ask questions, get updates, and choose your foster pup.
Important Things to Know:
Some dogs may already be in the adoption process. If this happens, we’ll gladly help you find another match!
You’re not locked into the dog(s) listed on your application—we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
When you choose a dog you want to explore, we will connect you with their foster so you can ask questions.
We encourage you to take your time and ask lots of questions.
If you rent your home, please complete our Foster's Landlord Consent Form.
Step 3:
Step 3:
Heartworm & Considerations When Choosing a Dog
Heartworm & Considerations When Choosing a Dog
You need to read all of our heartworm information THOROUGHLY! This is vital to the health of your new dog
Any dog is at risk of testing hearworm positive. It can take 6 months for a heartworm test to reflect a positive result if infected.
Dogs with a purple heart next to their name are heartworm positive 💜
What do Anna's Angels rescue dogs come with?
What do Anna's Angels rescue dogs come with?
Age-appropriate vaccines (including Bordetella and rabies, if old enough)
Spay/neuter
Microchip
Up-to-date preventative medications
Heartworm test (for dogs 7+ months old)
Lifetime Support from the AADR team
What are the Adoption Fees?
What are the Adoption Fees?
What questions should I ask the dog's foster?
What questions should I ask the dog's foster?
What is the dog’s overall health and condition (weight, heartworm status, teeth, scars, etc.)?
How does the dog do with other dogs, cats, or kids?
How is potty training progressing?
Have you noticed any behavioral issues or reactivity?
How does the dog behave in the car or on walks?
How long has the dog been with the rescue?
Can I see photos or videos of the dog?
Please Note: Volunteers do their best to answer these questions honestly, but we may not always have all the information. Our goal is to match dogs with families where they’ll thrive.
What do I, myself need to consider?
What do I, myself need to consider?
Do I have time and patience to care for a rescue dog?
Am I ready to train and address unwanted behaviors?
Is everyone in my family 100% on board?
Can I handle potential accidents, chewing, or lack of manners?
Do I have unknown allergies to dogs?
These are rescue dogs, not perfect pets—they need time, love, and patience. Make sure you’re ready to help them adjust and succeed in your home.
What does dog friendly mean?
What does dog friendly mean?
"Dog tested" or "dog friendly" only means the dog did not react negatively during testing and seems friendly, but behaviour can vary with different dogs. Just like people, dogs have unique personalities and play styles, so not all dogs will get along all the time.
Keep in mind, a dog’s behaviour can change once they’re in a home environment.
Consider these factors:
Consider these factors:
Your Lifestyle:
Do you need a dog that interacts well with large dogs, small dogs, or older dogs?
Will your dog be in daycare or visit dog parks?
Will your dog stay home during the day?
Are your walks in busy areas with other dogs?
Will your dog spend most of its time with humans?
Your Needs:
What type of dog do you already have?
Submissive/Dominant
High energy/Low energy
Older/Younger
Male/Female
How does the dog play?
Rough play
Tag/chase
What does cat friendly mean?
What does cat friendly mean?
"Cat tested" means the dog was exposed to a cat in a controlled setting, like a shelter or foster home. If a dog is "cat friendly," it means they didn’t show aggression and may have been scared, curious, or simply ignored the cat.
If a dog is labeled "no cats," it means their reaction suggested they wouldn't do well left alone with a cat.
Remember, these tests are often done in shelters where dogs may be stressed, and the cats used for testing may be more accustomed to dogs or brave by nature.
While these tests offer a good indication, they’re not a guarantee of cat-friendliness—they’re more of a prediction.
Health and Behaviour Limitations
Health and Behaviour Limitations
It is important to understand that while all of Anna’s Angels Dog Rescue’s dogs receive appropriate vaccinations and preventative treatments, no medical intervention (ex. vaccine, surgery, treatment, etc.) is guaranteed to be 100% effective or free from risk. Additionally, just because a dog tests negative for a disease, does not show signs of a condition, or that a particular issue is not noted at the time of veterinary evaluation, it does not guarantee that it will not appear or develop in the future. Any medical condition, disease progression, recovery and outcomes can be unpredictable and health outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
It is also important to understand that any dog's behaviour can change with a new owner and situation, as a dog may respond differently in unfamiliar environments, with new people, or to changes in routine. Each dog has a unique personality, and factors such as stress, adjustment periods, or the presence of other pets can impact how they behave. This makes it impossible to predict with certainty how any dog will react in every given situation, even with the best intentions and preparation.
Step 4:
Step 4:
You've Found the Perfect Foster!
You've Found the Perfect Foster!
Make sure all your questions are answered!
Once you've found your Foster we'll provide your foster contract!
Ready all your supplies!
Dogs come with a martingale collar
Start thinking of how you are going to execute a decompression plan specific for your home and your current animals! You NEED to visit our decompression page for detailed information! Here you'll find the full decompression protocol and dozens of resource links.
Step 5:
Step 5:
Transport
Transport
Transporting rescue dogs is a complex and carefully managed procedure involving numerous moving parts to ensure the safety and well-being of every dog on the journey.
Be sure to check out our transport page so you’re fully prepared!
Step 6:
Step 6:
Join the Anna's Angels Foster Hub
Join the Anna's Angels Foster Hub
Join Our Foster Support Facebook Group!
Welcome to our foster community! The link to join this group wil be sent in your Transport group chat.
This group is your hub for sharing all updates, photos, videos, and bio information for your foster dogs.
Everything shared here helps us build profiles, create social media posts, and showcase your foster dog to find their perfect forever home.
This group also serves as a collaborative space where fosters and team members can connect. Share tips, tricks, advice, and support while working through common challenges many fosters face when bringing a new dog home. Open communication is key to overcoming challenges, celebrating milestones, and ensuring we all grow together in this journey. By working together, we can ensure all fosters benefit from shared experiences and strategies.
Important Note:
Your personal Facebook Messenger group chat used during foster onboarding stays open, but we encourage you to utilize our Foster Hub/Collaborative Foster Chat with other AADR fosters. This space is designed for day-to-day updates, community-building, and support. By using this group, you not only get access to a wider network of experienced fosters but also help others learn from shared experiences, questions, and advice.
If you need specific help or want to address sensitive issues privately, tag an admin in the Foster Hub Facebook group/ tag your goup chat.
In the case of severe Behavioural Issues (e.g., biting or fighting) please implement the following while the team works to reach out:
Separate the Dog: Immediately create a safe space for the dog (crate or separate room) to prevent further conflict.
Rotate and Monitor: Use rotation schedules to manage interactions and ensure no contact with other animals or people.
Leash for Safety: Keep the dog leashed at all times when outside their safe space.
We’re here to support you every step of the way and deeply appreciate your dedication to fostering. Together, we’re making a life-saving difference for these incredible dogs!
Step 7:
Step 7:
Being a Foster
Being a Foster
Decompression
This is the MOST exciting time! BUT this is often the hardest part of the process and where many fail!
It’s important not to rush this period. This is key to setting them up for success.
Once your dog arrives, they will NEED TIME to decompress.
Remember:
These are ANIMALS- they are rescue dogs, not perfect pets
they will make mistakes
They often have no manners or obedience
Keep safety at the forefront of your mind!
failure to so can result in deadly consequences
It is up to YOU to set them up for success!
Be patient, trust the process and enjoy the incredible journey ahead. If you encounter challenges, we’re here to support you. If you need help with supplies, please ask the foster team.
You NEED to visit our decompression page for detailed information! Here you'll find the full decompression protocol and dozens of resource links to address many common challenges you may face!
Also Check out more info on our Common Behaviours & Resources to Help, Dog Body Language, Muzzle Training, Dog Fights pages!
Rewards & Challenges of Being a Foster
The Rewards:
Fostering saves two lives—the dog you welcome into your home and the foster in Texas now has space to save another. It’s an opportunity to have a temporary furry companion, filled with love, laughter, and snuggles, while giving them the chance to find their dream of a forever home!The Challenges:
Fostering comes with its adjustments. You'll help your foster dog navigate house training, decompression, and establishing a routine. There may be bathroom accidents, property mishaps (those shoes need to be out of reach!), and dogs may need careful supervision as they adjust to one another. These moments can test your patience, but they are all part of helping a rescue dog on their journey to a brighter future.
Expectations of Me as Foster
Expectations of Me as Foster
General
General
Love, care & keep the dog safe at all times
Have somewhere safe you can leave the dog when unattended (ex crate)
Use good judgement and reach out if you see anything concerning (medical, behavioural)
Don’t encourage any behaviour that a person would not want in a house pet!
(Feeding table food, giving plushy stuffed animal toys, teach them to jump up on you)
Never let the foster dog out of your possession unless someone from AADR has approved it.
Vetting & Medical
Vetting & Medical
Administer the provided heartworm preventative (and flea/tick preventative) medication monthly
Transport to any vet appointments
Vet visits are covered by AADR
ALL vetting must be approved prior to the visit.
Unapproved vetting may not be covered.
Do NOT send your foster to an adopter with any medications.
Keep for another foster or send back to us.
Promoting the dog
Promoting the dog
Take quality photos and videos of the dog and share with Anna’s Angels
Can make a social media post about your foster and let us know so we can share it (tag us in the post)
In the adoption process
In the adoption process
Participate in group chat with potential adopters and help answer questions
Ensure everything is disclosed to potential adopters
Participate in a meet and greet convenient to the foster
Provide updated photos, videos and bio information to add to dog profiles.
You don’t have to send the dog to its owner with anything you have purchased
Expectations of Anna's Angels
Expectations of Anna's Angels
Promote pup on social media & facilitate adoption options
Facilitate the group chat with potential adopters
Team members can help relay information if foster needs help
Provide food for dog (if needed - arrangements must be made ahead of time)
Pay for approved medical treatment
Fosters need to consult with foster team members for anything medical related unless acute medical emergency
Provide support and encouragement
General Tips
General Tips
Misc Health
Misc Health
Dry/ Irritated Skin
Coconut oil
1 Tbsp ingested am & pm and/or rub on the area
Coughing
Warm water w/ honey & lemon
Robitussin (please ask for dosage)
Diarrhea
100% Pure Canned pumpkin
Slippery Elm
Itching/scratching
Children's benadryl
Chicken allergy? Switch food to Salmon based
Many common household items are dangerous to your dog; even fatal!
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet
Inform us ASAP if
Inform us ASAP if
The foster dog bites any human or another animal
The foster dog is in heat
The foster dog shows any signs of aggression
The foster dog is sick or hurt in anyway – vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, fever, lethargy, seizures, balance off, etc…
Your Petstablished Account
Your Petstablished Account
Creating your petstablished account:
If you are a first time foster, you need to create your account
Once you complete your foster contract, you will be asked to CREATE AN ACCOUNT!
Click next… Your email will auto populate
Create a password, write it down, check the box then click SUBMIT
If you are a returning foster, your email and password will be the same as with your previous foster dog.
Medical Records:
This will be important if you are adding in preventative dates or if your dog needs to go to the vet
This is where you can view and print medical records.
Updating Bios and Photos:
It's important to keep information up-to-date
New photos help bring attention to the dog and get them adopted!
We can help you get started!
Additional things to keep in mind:
Additional things to keep in mind:
Dogs are animals! Be prepared for no manners or obedience. Prepare for them to push boundaries get into things they shouldn't and make mistakes. Make sure to plan ahead.
Do not change your foster dog's name: Once adopted, their adopters choose a new name for them if they wish.
Blue/green tattoo? This is a spay/neuter indicator, nothing to worry about.
Diet: No need to find the exact food they’ve been eating; most dogs are fed basic kibble. Transition diet as needed.
Coughs and sneezes: These can happen due to environmental changes or proximity to other dogs. While kennel cough vaccinations help, they’re not 100% effective.
Diarrhea: A common adjustment symptom. Keep plain canned pumpkin on hand—a few tablespoons can work wonders.
House training: Expect some accidents, regardless of age or training history. They’ll need guidance to adapt to your home and routine.
Step 8:
Step 8:
The Adoption Process
The Adoption Process
Only approved adopters who have completed the application process will be put in contact with you, or have meet-and-greets arranged.
If a stranger contacts you asking to meet your foster dog, do not meet them.
Direct them to the adoption application link and explain that only approved adopters are eligible for meet-and-greets.
Questions can be addressed once they’re approved.
Group Chat
Group Chat
You will be added to a chat with our team members and potential adopter.
Adopters will ask you questions to determine if the dog is a good fit.
Answer all questions honestly and transparently.
You may not have all of the answers, and that’s okay. Answer to the best of your ability.
If you would like help disclosing something, reach out the the foster team.
Adoption
Adoption
Adoption contract and invoice are sent to their email (Contract and invoice must be complete&paid before an adopter can take the dog)
Depending on location, and how far both adopter and foster are willing to travel, adopters may have the option of meeting the dog, prior to officially adopting. Adopters can even meet more than once if they wish and it is feasible.
Do NOT give any medications to any adopters!
You can let them know when their next dose of heartworm preventative will be next due.
"Foster Fail"
"Foster Fail"
*NOTE: If you think that you wish to adopt the dog you are fostering - don’t delay discussing this in your foster group chat.
Your foster dog remains available to other families for adoption unless you say something.
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye
We know it seems heartbreaking to say goodbye to your foster - and in the moment it really can be heartbreaking. It is OK to be sad, but what you really need to remember is that they are going to a forever home where they will be unconditionally loved for the rest of their life - and that happened because of you.
They will be a little sad in the beginning and miss you very much but remember… Although you were very important in their life as the first chapter in their new beginning, with time they will come to love their new family. Your pup will be OK. You will be OK. Take some time. Have a rest. Reflect on the good you did. And get ready for your new foster!!!
Rehomes & Returns
Rehomes & Returns
Anna’s Angels is committed to supporting our dogs for their entire lives. If you find that your dog is not a good match, it is crucial to contact us immediately. All rehoming situations must go through Anna’s Angels.
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