Foster for a Moment,
Impact for a Lifetime
Dear Future Foster,
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Thank you for opening your heart to help homeless dogs in need. Fostering is a profoundly rewarding experience that not only saves lives but also transforms them. By providing love and safety, you become the lifeline for a shelter dog who has been through so much.
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As you embark on this journey, remember that fostering is about more than just one person—it's about giving hope to those who have lost it. Your role is crucial in helping these dogs become their best selves. Take the first week slowly, and with patience and kindness, you'll set the stage for long-term success.
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Of course, there will be moments of challenge—accidents and mishaps are part of the journey—but know that your foster dog is doing their best. We believe in positive reinforcement and kindness, and we ask that you do the same.
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Each dog is unique, with different needs and stay durations. We ask that you care for them until they find their forever home, minimizing the stress of frequent moves. Your weekly updates with pictures, videos, and stories will help us showcase your foster dog to the world and involve you in the adoption process.
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Hearts for Paws is here to support you with all the supplies you need, from bedding to monthly preventatives. Feel free to use your own if you prefer!
For more details, visit our Foster Application Page. Once you submit your form, we'll guide you through our onboarding process. We're excited to welcome you to this life-changing journey!
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Thank you for being part of this mission to bring hope and love to those who need it most.
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Warmly,
The Dogs Doing Good Team
Foster FAQs
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How Long Do I Foster For?
Fostering typically lasts 4-8 weeks, but the exact timeframe varies greatly. Some dogs are adopted quickly, and in those cases, we may ask you to foster another dog. If you're only available for short-term fostering, we may need your help caring for dogs whose current fosters are temporarily unavailable.
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What’s Expected of Me as a Foster?
Your main role is to provide a safe, loving environment. Many foster dogs need help with basic training (e.g., house-training, leash manners) and time to decompress after stressful situations. Patience and positive reinforcement are key!
We also ask that you:
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Take photos/videos to help promote your foster dog for adoption.
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Communicate openly with us to ensure a successful placement.
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Attend at least one vet appointment if needed.
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Meet pre-screened adopters (usually 1-3 meet-and-greets).
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Do You Cover Vet Care?​
Yes! We cover all necessary vet expenses.
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Do You Provide Supplies?​
Yes! We’ll provide food, leashes, collars, beds, toys, treats, crates, and any other essentials. If you already have some supplies, that’s great! All borrowed items must be returned when your fostering period ends.
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Can I Pick My Foster Dog?​
We try to match you with a dog that fits your lifestyle and experience. However, rescue situations can be urgent, so sometimes the dog most in need may not align perfectly with your preferences.
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What If I Work Full-Time or Live in an Apartment?​
No problem! We can match you with a low-energy adult or senior dog who will be happy in your home while you’re at work. Apartment living is also fine—dogs thrive with love and care, not necessarily big yards!
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Can I Adopt My Foster Dog?
Yes! Fosters get priority if it’s the best match for everyone involved. You’ll need to go through the standard adoption process and pay the adoption donation. Let us know early if you’re considering adoption so we can plan accordingly.
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What Is Foster-to-Adopt?​
Foster-to-Adopt allows you to trial a dog in your home while helping us save them from the shelter. If it’s not a match, you’ll continue fostering until we find their forever home.
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When Should I Introduce My Foster Dog to Others?​
Take it slow! Allow a few weeks for your foster dog to adjust before introducing them to new people or animals outside your home. Avoid dog parks and busy environments initially—focus on building trust and routine first.
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Additional Tips​
Fostering is incredibly rewarding but comes with challenges like potty accidents or chewed shoes. These dogs often come from stressful environments and need time to decompress and adjust. Keeping their world small at first helps them feel safe as they settle in.
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Your patience and love can transform their lives—and yours too!
Dogs Doing Good
Foster Policies​
Veterinary Care:
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DDG provides care for serious or life-threatening conditions deemed ethically necessary.
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DDG reserves the right to make all decisions regarding treatment necessity.
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Foster families may pay for additional medical expenses if they disagree with DDG's decisions.
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Minor, non-life-threatening conditions may be allowed to heal naturally.
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Many shelter animals arrive with ongoing treatments for issues like kennel cough or skin irritations.
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Most dogs are vaccinated at shelters but may need deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, or spaying/neutering (provided by DDG).
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Contact DDG immediately for any medical concerns or emergencies.
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Off-Leash Policy:
Rescue dogs must remain on-leash in unfenced areas and are not allowed in dog parks.
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Animal Return Policy:
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If you need to return a foster dog, contact DDG to discuss potential solutions.
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DDG will arrange a transfer if necessary, but it may take days or weeks.
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Foster families should receive returned dogs within the first six days of adoption.
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DDG will accommodate pre-informed fostering end dates.
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Liability Release:
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DDG strives for accuracy in animal information but relies on shelter evaluations.
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Foster families release DDG from liability for incomplete or inaccurate information.
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Dogs may act unpredictably in new environments or situations.
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Keep new foster dogs separate from other pets initially.
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Integrate pets gradually using separate spaces and on-leash pack walks.
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Foster families accept liability for any incidents involving their foster dog.
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Socializing foster dogs with people outside the immediate family is optional and at the foster family's risk.
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By agreeing to foster and filling out the foster application, you acknowledge and accept these policies.
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Thank you for joining the DDG Family and helping dogs in need!