Thanks for your interest in becoming a foster. Without people like you, K-9 Lifesavers simply would not exist.

Our foster parents give dogs a second chance at life. Because so many high-kill shelters euthanize quickly, the dogs stuck there aren’t around long enough to find their loving forever homes. Foster families give them that time by providing temporary homes to dogs that would otherwise be put to sleep. Our fosters are more than just boarding kennels, however. They give these dogs the love, support, and training they need to make a smooth transition into their adoptive homes. Trust us, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your former foster dog trot off with his new family – its often hard to tell who is more excited, the dog or the family!!!

Deciding to foster is a big commitment. Some dogs arrive from shelters with kennel cough; some arrive with worms; some are stressed out and grumpy; and some are much more energetic than we expected – its all part of the fun!! But, because K-9 Lifesavers does not have a shelter or boarding facility of its own, we will need you to work through some of these surprises. Remember, we depend completely on our fosters to house our dogs – there just isn’t a place we can move them to. When you decide to foster, you commit to taking the good with the no-so-good. In our experience, the not-so-good often works itself out within a day or two. And, of course, in those situations where it does not (a barky foster in an apartment or a dog reportedly good with cats who turns out to be a chaser), we will move the dog out as soon as possible.

We take the new foster application process just as seriously as we do our adoptions. We carefully screen each applicant, using much the same criteria used to screen potential adopters. That means we will visit you at home, check out your vet, and get to know you and your current family so that we can match you with the best possible foster dog. We will go over the responsibilities of foster parenting, review with you the case history of the dog that you will be taking in, and answer any questions you may have.

What exactly does a foster do?

A foster takes a dog into their home on a temporary basis – until we find the dog a permanent home. Fosters provide love and support the dog needs in order to acclimate to life in a new home. Fosters are generally responsible for the cost of food and any dog walking expenses. Fosters also play a critical role in the adoption process. Because they know the dogs so well, they are in the best position to decide what home is appropriate.

If I fall in love with my foster dog, can I keep

him/her?

Of course – with one caveat. If you are helping to screen a prospective adopter, the home visit has been completed and they have been led to believe they will get to adopt the dog, then it is too late. But, you are welcome to adopt your foster at any point prior to that.

Do fosters pay the dog’s vet expenses?

No. K-9 Lifesavers pays for the medical expenses of our foster dogs. The dogs will need to be treated at one of our vet partners. K-9 Lifesavers will not be responsible for vet care that is not provided at one of our vet partners.

Our Responsibilities To Our Foster Families

• We have partnered with local veterinarians to provide routine and emergency care…at no cost to you.
• We will provide supplies such as collars, leashes, bowls, crates, and identification tags.
• For dogs that need special attention on behavior issues, we will provide a behaviorist/trainer to work with you and your foster
• We will post your foster dogs on our own website and several other dog adoption websites.
• We hold adoption events at least tow times a month – great ways to find loving homes for your foster dogs.
• Our network of volunteers are there to answer questions, screen potential adopter, help transport your dog when you are unable, and assist in the marketing of your foster dog.

Your Responsibilities

• You provide the daily care and maintenance of your foster dog.
• You provide the unconditional love and affection.
• You bring your foster to as many adoption events as possible.
• You help your adoption coordinator (AC) by providing up to date information and description of yur foster & Participating in the screening of potential adopters.
• You let us know when you need help!!!

Foster Application Process

• Step 1:  Fill out the New Foster Questionnaire.
• Step 2:  Send us the completed application by email.
• Step 3:  Have a phone screening with one of our current volunteers.
• Step 4:  Allow one of our volunteers visit you at home.
• Step 5:  Accept your foster into your home (once approved)!