Fostering?
What is expected of you if you foster a dog? Is it out of your cost or theirs? What can I expect should I foster, outside of getting attached?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on
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To my understanding, each organization does fostering differently. Some provide food, veterinary care, grooming, etc. and others expect you to do all of that. Also, a lot of organizations mainly foster dogs that need to be housebroken, socialized,etc, so it is always possible that you are taking a dog with issues into your home. This is not always the case, as there are plenty of breed rescues that do not have an on site kennel and foster all their dogs, but many in my area only foster out dogs with issues or young puppies that can't be in a kennel situation.
The best thing to do is probably get in touch with some of the rescues you would be interested in fostering with and get some information on what they expect, what kinds of dogs they place, how long the average stay is, etc. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you!
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Permalink Reply by Corgibyassociation on
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So I'm going to be fostering. They will provide food, vet care, and I'm getting one of the co-workers to get a kennel for the dog (he kind of works for the shelter, he's a big advocate for it so he'll help.)
I suppose the curious thing will be how that dog interact with mine. Should I keep them separate the first few nights? How do I go about that?
I'm sure my heart will get attached but if he makes it where he is adoptable and finds a nice home, I will gladly break my heart and not do this again.
I have to wait for him to get neutered. I barely got to the lady in time to save him too. She was going to put him on the truck...so after his waiting time is over, he'll get altered and I guess he'll be under my care.
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Permalink Reply by DR, Nala & Simon on
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Those are great news!!! I wish you the best in this. I think I am going to "take the plunge" and see if I can help SCR by fostering too. I adopted Cosmo, 5 years ago, and they are really grateful. Hopefully you will help the new dog to find the best home for him. Take care.
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Permalink Reply by Amanda on
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I wouldn't seperate them. Take them on a long walk together first thing so they get used to eachother before you bring them in the house. I've fostered a couple of corgis (one peed on everything it could lift it's leg too). I always feed them seperatately so there are no fights over food. Also mine will fight to the death over a chewy so be watchful over toys and snacks. As for getting attatched it is tough but if you really can't adopt another dog keep that in mind as people come looking to adopt. Make sure they are good folks and you'll feel good about it later! My first foster dog still comes over and plays with my other two every once in a while. You may be able to stay in touch.
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I would go with one that provides food, vet care and supplies but if you don't mind doing it and there's a need for foster parents go for it. I've fostered two. It's a good experience. Except for the one that peed all over everything. He was the most perfect laid back sweet dog except for the mess. He was unneutered and lived outside before he came too so that had a lot to do with it. But that's the kind of thing you should be prepared for. They aren't always perfect. Good luck if you decide to do it!
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Oh I'm totally going to do it! It all depends on the health check and stuff so I'm hoping he's a healthy boy despite living on the streets in a pack for god knows how long. As much as I want to help him, I need to think of my puppy as well.
I'm fostering for the animal shelter as none of the rescues have any openings. So I'm not even sure what to expect on that front other than very little is known about the dog and I get to learn about him.
I'm hoping that he will come by mid April and I'll take care of him from there.
Thank you for your tips too and to all of you for the well wishes:D.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Wilson on
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I can't speak for other rescue groups, but below, I've included part of the volunteer agreement for Sunshine Corgi Rescue in FL. Actually, I think most corgi rescues have much the same requirements. Rescues with high maintenance groomed breeds (Poodles, Bichons, etc.) may differ, but would likely provide grooming by an experienced volunteer.
We do not provide food unless there is a Rx food required for specific medical conditions (urinary tract issues, immune-system problems, etc.). Whatever good quality food you feed your own dog(s) is fine and we recommend feeding 1/3 to 1/2 cup 2x daily. Veterinary care and prescriptions are paid for by SCR, either in advance to the vet, or is reimbursed. Flea control is reimbursible, if desired. For males who mark indoors, we will provide a "belly band" as a training tool, to be utilized indoors when the dog is unconfined. Generally, most corgis are pretty reliably housetrained within a few days, particularly with "mentor dogs" who teach by example.
We feel that if someone is able to foster a dog, they are able to groom the dog. Professional grooming is not covered and if a groomer shaves an SCR foster dog, you'll hear about it. (definite no-no) LOL If there are grooming problems or you're inexperienced, there are plenty of corgi people to advise you. There are volunteers in most major FL cities who will help you hold the dog down while you do nails. ;-)
Here is an excerpt from the information we give to volunteers for foster care. Hope it helps!
-Mike Wilson
Sunshine Corgi Rescue
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The following guidelines will apply to any foster dog in my possession:
1. The foster dog will be crated or gated in a safe area of the home while unattended. It is up to the foster family to determine if the dog’s level of socialization and non-destructive behavior will require crating at all times or only while unattended.
2. No dogs will be kept in a non air-conditioned or poorly ventilated area. Dogs will not be left outside unattended or staked outside.
3. The dogs are to have water available to them at all times and fed no less than twice daily. Dogs that are malnourished may require more often feeding of smaller portions based on the advice of a veterinarian.
4. Dogs may only be allowed to roam freely in a fully fenced or otherwise enclosed yard. They must be supervised at all times. If a fully enclosed area is not available, the dog will be walked on a leash at least once per day.
5. It is the foster family’s responsibility to supply food and any other items of choice to make the dog feel comfortable, happy and welcomed. A per diem rate may be available to cover the cost of food if requested by the foster family and funds are available.
6. The foster family is responsible for taking the dog to any required veterinary visits. SCR will cover the cost for pre-approved non-emergency visits and emergency visits provided a SCR Officer has been notified within 24 hours of the emergency. Original receipts must be provided for all reimbursements.
7. Many ailments can be contagious between animals. SCR will only cover the medical expenses for a foster dog. Foster dogs often come from a shelter environment; therefore, SCR recommends that you discuss this with your veterinarian and that your own dogs be kept current on the vaccinations and other prevention protocols your veterinarian recommends.
8. All dogs must be maintained on monthly heartworm preventative which will be provided by and/or reimbursed by SCR. Foster families must be prepared to administer any other medications required for the dog, e.g., parasite control.
9. A foster dog remains the property of SCR and is to be surrendered upon the request of a SCR Officer. A foster family may return a foster dog at any time if a problem occurs. If possible, sufficient time should be allowed for a new foster home to be located.
10. The foster family must make reasonable effort to take the dog to approved adoption events. Advance notice will be given for all such events.
11. A foster dog can only be adopted to families who have completed an adoption application and been approved by the Adoption Coordinator. Dogs can only be approved to be accepted into the rescue program by a SCR Officer.
12. Foster families will attempt to recognize and correct any undesirable behavior. A SCR Officer will be notified immediately should the foster dog exhibit any form of aggressive behavior, and the Foster Home Coordinator shall be kept informed about the individual personality, health and behavior of the foster dog. Only positive training methods will be used to correct undesirable behaviors.
13. A SCR Officer will be notified immediately should the foster dog escape. The foster home shall notify the proper authorities and will make every effort to locate the foster dog.
14. The foster family will be responsible for keeping the dog in a presentable appearance at all times. This will include bathing, nail clipping, combing and brushing.
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Mike, Thank you so much. This post has answered many of my questions and doubts. I think is time for me to get more involved, instead of wishing. Thank you again. BTW the new website looks great!
Diana.
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Yes, Mike, thank you for the information! (Thank you to Sam Tsang too!)
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Update
The animal control officer just stopped by and told me thank you for saving that dog's life. She said he seems to be a sweet dog and seems unaffected by the parvo that went through the animal shelter (which I just found out is the reason for the quarantine--I thought it was cause of the new dog pickup deal.) She told me April 6th would be the end of his quarantine and we'll move forward with getting his check up and shots and anything else that needs to be done.
I'm excited about it.
It would be kind of funny if my boyfriend falls in love with the little guy too. He seems sweet and I love that his tail always wags when I walked by his cage. I always ask the trustee who has to work at the shelter if the dog is ok. Glad the guy has a sense of humor and isn't annoyed by my asking all the time.
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Permalink Reply by Sam on
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Our organization provides all veterinary care, microchips for dogs that do not have them and a tag. We will provide food if the dog is on a special diet but generally the fosters feed the dogs. Generally I suggest that dogs be kept separate for a few days. I like them in a "common" area but not able to physically interact. It is good that the foster dog get used to the smells, sounds and routine of the home. Your resident dog will usually grow accustomed to a visitor very well this way. I use a crate or an x-pen to accomplish this. The first introduction of walking together is a good one if at least one of them is good on lead. If all goes well it is good to start with a large enclosed area for off lead meetings to take place. Many corgis do have spacial issues. Small areas sometimes lead to issues. Very important not to let them have access to each others food. They should be fed separate and bowls should be picked up immediately. I always tell our fosters and adopters that this is likely to be the biggest problem they may have adding a corgi to the home. They really like their food! It is important to stay in close touch with the rescue organization and keep them updated as to your evaluations about the dog. You may find keeping a journal helpful. Sometimes a history of the dog is known, sometimes not. Good common dog sense is the key for being a good foster. Never leave the dogs together unsupervised. Do socialize, do basic training and handling of your foster. Learning his comfort zones and things that he may not like so much. Best of luck to you and bless you for opening your heart and home to a corgi in need.
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