A key component of RAGofAZ's rescue program is the foster home. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, so that we can give the new owner as much information as possible about the dog, or to provide a short-term home for an emergency intake or provide post-surgery medical care until a dog is ready to move to an adoptive home.
RAGofAZ needs caring, responsible Golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescue Goldens.
Here are some questions people ask about being a foster. Please take a moment to review them, and, if you think fostering might be for you, one of our RAGofAZ volunteers will be happy to talk further with you about joining our team!
What will I need to do as a foster parent? Foster homes are responsible for daily care of the foster dog, including:
· transporting to and from a rescue designated veterinarian for basic medical care. Whenever possible this is geographically aligned with your home
· feeding
· exercising
· socializing
· brushing and grooming, as needed
· reinforcing basic obedience commands
· observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament
· and, of course, providing love and security to a special Golden at an often difficult time in his or her life.
RAGofAZ foster homes play a major role in facilitating the dog's adoption to a new home. As a foster parent, you'll make recommendations to help select the best adoptive family for your foster Golden since you know him best.
How long does the dog stay in foster care? If the Golden is healthy, it could be a few days to a few weeks.
Do I have to be home with the dog all day? No, many of our foster family members are currently employed full or part-time and still provide a quality environment for the dog. However, our first concern is safety: for you, for your family, for your own animals and for the rescue dog. Therefore, any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, you should confine him or her to a small, secure area, preferably a crate which will be provided by RAGofAZ if you don't have one.
Do I need a fenced yard? No, however, we do have an on-leash requirement. The rescue dog must NEVER be allowed to run free. If you do have a yard or exercise area on your property that is securely enclosed, the Golden may be exercised there off leash; otherwise, it on-leash at all times.
May I choose which dogs I may foster? The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. If you're asked to foster a dog that doesn't seem right to you, you can say NO. If a foster dog you've accepted proves difficult to handle, he can be placed elsewhere.
How much time does it take to be a foster parent? From an hour or two a day to however much time you care to spend with the dog.
How much does it cost to foster a dog? Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: for good quality dog food and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary expenses, including any medication required to treat any medical problem, are paid for by RAGofAZ.
What happens if I have questions or problems with a foster dog? You will be provided with RAGofAZ's Foster Guide, which provides information on handling both routine and non-routine aspects of fostering. In addition you will be assigned a follow-up caseworker who is a member of our Follow-up Team. RAGofAZ members who specialize in dog obedience and/or behavior problems, and RAGofAZ-approved veterinarians are all available for consultation on problems not covered in the Guide or to just lend support.
Being a foster home is extremely rewarding, but you should keep in mind that some rescue dogs are not housebroken, may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. In spite of these challenges, our foster homes have found that, when given a chance, these dogs not only improve, they flourish.
Will I become attached to my foster dog? Yes, you undoubtedly will -- they bond quickly, and give back so much in return for your care and attention. But when you meet the new family who's ready to provide a permanent, loving home for the dog you've helped rescue, you, like the rest of the RAGofAZ foster parents, will feel more than satisfied to see the dog move on to a new and better life. So, shed a few tears, hand over the leash, and call us to volunteer to foster another rescue!
What if I want to adopt the golden I am fostering? In some circumstances, Foster homes are given preference to adopt the Goldens they foster.
And finally.....
I'd like to foster. What do I do next? Once you have decided to foster a Golden Retriever, please call RAGofAZ at 602-404-9663 and leave a with your intent. One of our volunteer members from Placement Team will call and answer questions as well as help you with the necessary forms. You can also go to our “forms” section on the website and apply on line or down-load, print and mail the form.
RAGofAZ would like to thank Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. (DVGRR) for their invaluable assistance with and information for this information.
Rev: 8/2009