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How much time does is required to foster a dog? What if I have I have a job?
How much time does is required to foster a dog? What if I have I have a job?
Time can vary, but plan on several hours a day. You can have a job, but we will ask you for details on your work (work from home, work out of the home, exact hours, etc.) and will want to discuss who else might be home while you are away or how you plan on meeting the foster dog's needs if no one is home for extended period of time.
What if the foster doesn't get along with my pets or other household members?
What if the foster doesn't get along with my pets or other household members?
The first few days are often a little rough. But, if the situation is completely intolerable or unsafe, and typical adjustment tactics are not working, the foster dog can be relocated. It is vital that you take all necessary steps to keep any animals or people not getting along separated. Fosters are expected to transport the foster dog to their new location.
What if I have a foster and have to go out of town?
What if I have a foster and have to go out of town?
If you need to go away for a few days and there are other adult family members in the home and willing to care for the foster dog, that is usually acceptable. If your entire household is going away, the dog can be temporarily or permanently relocated. Of course, all of this needs to be discussed WELL AHEAD of your time away.
If you have an immediate and imminent emergency, contact Deanna for options or immediate relocation.
I fell in love with my foster! How do I let them go? Or can I adopt.....?
I fell in love with my foster! How do I let them go? Or can I adopt.....?
Goodbye is a happy ending. You have made a family happy and whole. Is it hard to let them go? Yup. It is sad and happy all at the same time.....but very heartwarming to know that you saved a life. However, if you have completely fallen in love with your foster, there is a chance you can adopt. Have a conversation with Deanna as soon as these feelings come on.
Do I have to pay for things? What do I need to provide?
Do I have to pay for things? What do I need to provide?
No, you typically do not pay for things. Homes Fur Hounds covers costs.....but is there a little bit of grey area. For example, you might give your foster a couple of your dogs treats and visa versa. You might share your household dog food with your foster to avoid jealousy, etc. Your foster might chew up your dogs favorite toy. You might buy a little extra something for your pups and share it with your foster. You might use something in your stash for your foster (piddle pads, poop bags, etc.) You will use a little gas to take your foster to events, meet and greets, and the vet. This kind of stuff is hard to track and are just considered "part of the deal". But, all major costs like food, vetting, meds, supplies are provided/covered and if there is a standard expense for the foster, work with Deanna (ideally ahead of the purchase) to get reimbursed.
What if its not a good fit in my home?
What if its not a good fit in my home?
The first few days are often a little rough. But, if the situation is just not a good fit, for whatever reason, and all the typical adjustment and behavior modification tactics have been explored and failed, the dog can be relocated. We would never force you to keep an animal that has completely disrupted your life. Fosters are expected to transport the foster dog to their new location.
What if my foster escapes, gets ill or hurt?
What if my foster escapes, gets ill or hurt?
We wish they didn't, but these things do happen.
If your foster dog escapes, you should contact Deanna immediately with the last seen location, direction of travel, most recent picture, and any description of collars/leashes/sweaters the dog might be wearing. From there, a search party will be formed, we will post things on social media, we may post flyers around your neighborhood and town, traps may be set, etc. Sometimes it can take days to catch an escapee, but we usually do.
Sometimes dogs get hurt or ill while in your care. First and foremost, contact Deanna for guidance. She will ask you a bunch of questions to make a determination on the next step. If, for some reason, you are unable to reach Deanna and the situation is imminent, we are confident our fosters will make the best decision for the dog to get them the medical attention they need. Medical contacts are provided to all our fosters.
Where do the dogs come from??
Where do the dogs come from??
Our dogs come from various places. Most typically they come from shelters and pounds around Virginia. These dogs are usually abandoned, surrendered, or found stray.
Occasionally we partner with rescues in other states and have dogs transported to our area. While this is usually after a major weather event or legal seizure, sometimes its just due to overcrowding.
Every once in a while we get owner surrenders that need to be re-homed too. This usually occurs if pet parents can longer keep their dog due to finances, relocating, health, etc. Sadly, sometimes pet parents pass away and their family is unable to care for their pet. We do our best to work with folks in these situations.
Dogs that experience any sort of transition like this need some downtime, regardless of where they came from. That is why our foster program is so important.
Can I foster if I don't have a fenced yard?
Can I foster if I don't have a fenced yard?
Yes. There is an expectation that the dog is walked multiple times and exercised daily as appropriate.
How long will I have the foster?
How long will I have the foster?
That varies. We have had fosters that were healthy and ready and adopted in a blink of an eye and others that have taken longer. Some dogs arrive and are not ready to be adopted immediately due to an issue, usually medical. Depending on the dogs health and condition, we hope the foster is able to see the foster through any medical needs and procedures until they are ready for adoption.
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