FOSTERING isn't a lifetime commitment. It's a commitment to SAVE ONE LIFE.
Fostering a dog that otherwise would be facing an uncertain fate - usually euthanasia - is not only personally rewarding - it is a conduit for you making a difference in the life of one dog and in the lives of other dogs. How does it impact other dogs in danger? When you foster a dog, your friends know; your family knows; and your co-workers know. You now have informed and educated your circle of influence about the sad circumstances surrounding abandoned dogs.
You Lucky Dog Rescue relies exclusively on foster homes to house all of our homeless pets. The number of animals we can save depends entirely on the number of people who are able to open their homes and hearts to fostering! You Lucky Dog Rescue does not have a facility with paid employees. All of the dogs in our care, typically about 80 dogs at any given time, live in a foster home and are cared for by foster families that are You Lucky Dog Rescue volunteers.
Fostering allows experienced dog owners to help assimilate stray dogs and shelter dogs, helping to teach them skills that will allow them to be compatible, loving, attentive and obedient pets. Fostering is also a great option for first time pet owners who are thinking of getting their own dog soon or for those who are dog lovers, but don't want the fulltime commitment.
Why should I foster a dog?
Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:
- freeing up a spot so the rescue can take in another dog.
- giving your foster dog the time he or she needs to be ready for adoption.
- helping the rescue learn more about the dog so he or she can end up in the best home possible.
- socializing the dog to a home environment and possibly getting him or her used to being around other pets and different types of people.
What are the expectations of a foster family for a dog?
When you foster, you agree to take a homeless dog into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the dog is adopted. The length of time for fostering a puppy or dog depends on its age and condition. For a puppy, it will be until the time when it can be spayed/neutered and is able to be adopted to a permanent home. All dogs and puppies will be expected to remain in an indoor home during fostering.
A foster family provides a clean and safe environment for a homeless dog. Aside from regular day-to-day care (feeding, grooming, exercise), the responsibilities of a foster home may include basic training (housetraining, walking on leash, sit, down); behavior modification (to correct problems such as jumping, mouthing, barking, destructive chewing, dashing through doors); socialization and temperament evaluation (to determine whether the dog is good with different types of people and other animals); medical care (dispensing medication, taking the dog to vet appointments), and of course plenty of playtime and snuggling. A foster family will also need to be able to attend adoption events and speak with potential adoptive families about your foster dog. You provide love and sanctuary and your foster dog provides kisses and tail wags in gratitude for your commitment to SAVING ONE LIFE.
Any dogs placed in a foster home have been temp test, received all vaccines and are spayed or neutered (unless age or illness requires the spay or neuter to be postponed to a later date).You Lucky Dog Rescue covers the cost of all necessary veterinary care and heartworm and flea and tick preventatives. The rescue also provides a leash, collar and tags for each foster dog. A crate will also be provided if the foster does not have one available. Our fosters also receive training guidance from professional trainers and support from other committed fosters who will guide you every paw-step of the way.
If you would like to learn more about fostering, please email your questions to info@youluckydogrescue.org. If you would like to complete a foster application click here.