BECOME A FOSTER VOLUNTEER

The rescue provides what you need to have a foster dog come live in your home. Food, bedding, crates, toys, and anything else necessary will all be provided when the dog goes home with you. Some people choose to donate their expenses of keeping a foster, however that is a personal decision and is not expected.

PAWS for Life will provide you with a dog crate, food and water dishes, collar and leash, food, and treats. The essentials will be provided. Anything additional you feel you might need can be discussed with the foster coordinator.

It is always helpful if a foster home can transport any animal in their care to adoption events or vet appointments. We do understand that is it not always convenient or not possible if an individual does not have access to transportation. We are fortunate to have some volunteers that are willing to transport animals when needed. Lack of transportation will not eliminate you from becoming a foster home, but is it beneficial to us.

PAWS for Life is involved mostly with rescuing dogs. We have dogs come in of all shapes, sizes, and different temperaments. Whenever possible we try to match the dog’s needs, temperament, age with the foster homes lifestyle. We will, very occasionally, have cats come into our care as well and do require foster homes for them, but the large majority of our animals will be dogs.

It is very important that the society fully understands your experience with previous animals and what you are comfortable handling to make the perfect match.

When a dog is brought into the rescue, it can be very unsettled. It has generally been taken out of a bad situation, possibly malnourished and most likely very scared and confused. The way it acts when it first comes to a foster home is not necessarily its actual demeanour. The time to adjust can vary from a few days to a few weeks for it to completely settle into a routine and understand that it is safe. If a dog hasn’t settled into the foster home within a week, we can make arrangements to take the animal out of that home and bring in another dog that may be more compatible.

The foundation will find alternative care for your foster while you are away. 

Arrangements can vary, but not to worry, we will find a solution that keeps your foster dog feeling safe and secure during your absence.

It is our hope that each animal is able to stay in one home from the time it is brought to the foundation until the time it is adopted. This provides safety and stability and allows them to adapt to a normal routine in their lives. Dogs have been fostered for 24 hours to over a year.

Affectionately known as a “foster-fail”, it has happened to us all! If you decide that you cannot part with your foster animal, then we will be the first to congratulate you on your new addition. As the foster home you have first rights to adoption unless otherwise stated.

PAWS has a screening process in place which allows us to assess what we think would be the best home for the dog. Initially, individuals that are interested in an animal must fill out an application prior to meeting them. If the individual is approved, the potential adopter will be contacted by the director in charge of the dog applied for. If the director thinks that the home might be a good match, a meeting with the dog is set up. While at the meeting, the potential adopter can meet the dog and ask the foster home and director questions and possibly bring any other pet to ensure compatibility. The foster home will know the animal the best, so if at any time the foster home thinks that the home is not the right fit, that will be taken into strong consideration. Foster homes know the dogs; we greatly value their input and take all concerns seriously. You will be able to discuss your opinions with the director, who has the final say about adoptions.

We strongly recommend that the dog is never left unsupervised in your home. If you leave the house, crating the dog is a wonderful option. There are many good reasons to have an animal crate trained, including the animal’s safety, a feeling of security, plus it protects your property as well. We have found that animals that are trained to go into a crate willingly are more adoptable than those that are not. With crating as a viable option, we cannot cover expenses to repair damage that is caused by an animal.