How to Become a Dog Foster Parent

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA), an alarming 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters each year in the United States. Even more shocking, over half a million pups are euthanized every year because they are unable to find fur-ever homes. That’s why dog foster parents are so important; they drastically decrease euthanasia numbers by giving pups more time to find a forever home, allowing them to grow and flourish in a safe, calm and loving environment in the meantime. If you’re thinking about joining thousands of families in the United States who are saving dogs by fostering, check out these steps and best practices for becoming a dog foster parent before taking the big leap.

1. Make sure you’re emotionally and financially prepared

Fostering a dog is one of the most selfless acts a dog lover can perform, but it’s also one of the most emotionally challenging. Of course, every dog foster parent wants their furry temporary adoptees to find forever homes. However, it can feel bittersweet when you have to say goodbye to a pup you’ve been caring for like it is your own.

It’s also extremely important to ensure you’re financially prepared to foster a dog before taking on the additional responsibilities. Often, dog foster parents are required to pay for food, necessary gear like leashes and sometimes even vet bills in addition to providing a temporary home.

2. Find a rescue organization near you and apply

Once you know you’re emotionally and financially ready for the commitment, the next step is simple: Reach out to a rescue organization near you and apply! If you need a little help narrowing down the options, there are tons of online resources like PetFinder, which dog foster parents use to find pups who need fostering until they are able to find permanent homes.

3. Ask the right questions

Before you officially commit to fostering a pup, it’s important to make sure to ask the right questions about not only the foster process, but also about the dog. This will be helpful to ensure you’re the right match for a specific dog, and vice versa. These frequently asked questionsare a great resource for brainstorming all the right things to ask!

Regardless of your decision, we’re so glad you’re thinking about making the ultimate selfless decision to foster a helpless pup. If you do decide to try it out, we can help you keep your yard in tip-top condition with our top-rated pet waste removal team. Call us at (877) 930-POOP to schedule your first servicefor free if you live in the Denver, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Phoenix or Atlanta metro areas. Happy fostering!

Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn