About Dog Fostering
As a foster 'parent', you are not only providing
shelter, food and health care, you will be responsible (to
the best of your ability) for learning about and assessing
the dog's temperament, character and abilities before finding
him a new home.
You should teach some basic commands if possible
to the dog. Things such as sit, stay and having the dog
walk on a lead will of course ensure a better transition
into its new home. It is also important to socialise with
other dogs, and people. You'll may also need to also look
for fear or aggression triggers.
These
things will depend on a wide range of factors. The dogs
age, how long you have him, its history, how much time you
can spare each day, inside or outside dog?
When it is time for your dog to go to its new permanent
home you will most probably feel an attachment to your foster
dog. It is important to remember that you did give the dog
a second chance at life.
Animal Rescue Groups
The best way to start foster caring is through a rescue
group.
Most rescue groups will cover the cost of vet fees. Things
such as:
- vet examinations
- desexing
- micro chipping
- vaccinations
When you find a permanent home for the foster dog, an adoption
fee (or reimbursement fee) is paid by the new owner and
is passed on to the rescue group.
Some rescue groups will receive donations of food/ blankets/
medication which can be passed onto carers.
Other rescue groups are able to provide full food and health
care for the foster dogs. If you find that you are struggling
with a foster dog, let someone from the rescue group know.
Often rescue groups share their resources and work together
for the benefit of the dogs.
Some
dogs take longer to find homes than others, if you find
that you are unable to continue fostering, then the rescue
group will need some notice so they can find another foster
carer. Under no circumstances should be the dog be taken
back to the shelter or given to any other organisation.
If you are looking for a particular dog you can specify
which type or age you want although most dogs that end up
in pounds are cross breeds. For example you may only want
to take small dogs that get along with cats; or large outdoor
type dogs. Others find puppies are less threatening to their
own dogs.
Each rescue group has different requirements and procedures.
For example; most rescue groups will not have the resources
to take a foster dog back into care so they ask that you
take on the foster dog as if you were adding the dog to
your family until a permanent home can be found. It's best
to contact them individually with your main questions. Most
are very flexible and all have the one common goal; to protect
and care for dogs in need.
Breed Clubs with rescue services.
There are hundreds of dog clubs in Australia and more and
more are devoting resources to dog rescue.
Some clubs may only have one person organising the rehoming
of the dogs, other clubs may have team of people organising
fundraisers, maintaining a rescue website, and have a number
of foster carers available.
There
are hundreds of dog clubs in Australia and more and more
are devoting resources to dog rescue.
Some clubs may only have one person organising the rehoming
of the dogs, other clubs may have team of people organising
fundraisers, maintaining a rescue website, and have a number
of foster carers available.
Note: Some breed clubs will not take on cross breeds. That
is their choice and we should be grateful that they are
willing to volunteer their time. Even if you only want to
rehome white dogs with a brown legs, that's great!
Greyhound Adoption Programs (GAP)
GAP is not a rescue group where they rescue greyhounds
from pounds or animal shelters. The vast majority of greyhounds
that go through the program come directly from their race
owners who care for them until they have a vacancy in a
foster home. They aim to work in conjunction with other
welfare and rescue organisations for the benefit of as many
Greyhounds as possible.
