Foster a Dog
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So you want to be a
Foster Family!
Why do we need foster families?
When a home is not immediately available, a foster family provides a safe refuge for a rescued Golden Retriever, and cares for it while our Placement Team searches for a permanent home. A dog may remain in foster care for as little as overnight to as long as a few weeks. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the satisfaction and joy of helping a Golden take the first steps on its journey to a new life.
Is it expensive to foster a Golden Retriever?
Lack of funds shouldn’t prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses for items such as good quality dog food and any toys you choose to provide. However, veterinary expenses – exams, medications, tests/labs, even surgery – will be authorized and paid for by RAGofAZ. You will be assigned a Vet Care Liaison to work with you for the entire time your foster dog is in your care.
How do I become a foster?
STEP 1: Complete and submit our foster application.
STEP 2: A local volunteer will contact you to schedule a home visit to discuss the process and gather information about the kind of Golden you would like to foster.
STEP 3: If approved, you will receive a welcome letter and Foster Manual via email.
STEP 4: When we have a Golden Retriever that needs a foster home, we may contact you to ask if you are willing to foster him/her; we will share as much information as we have about the dog.
STEP 5: If you accept the dog, a volunteer from the Transport Team will bring the Golden to your home and have you sign a Foster Agreement.
STEP 6: You will be contacted by a Vet Care Liaison who will arrange for any needed veterinarian care, and discuss the dog’s needs and behaviors with you. The Liaison will be available to offer advice and support throughout your time with the foster dog.
STEP 7: Provide your foster with nourishing food, comfort, exercise, play, and socializing as appropriate … and unconditional love for as long as he or she is with you. In fact, if you fall in love with your foster dog you have first choice to adopt!
Want to know more? View this page for all the details.
Why become a foster? Because …
🐕 A Poem to my Foster Dog 🐕
“I am the bridge between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush,
because my heart melted when I saw you,
matted and sore, limping, depressed,
lonely, unwanted, afraid to love.
For one little time you are mine.
I will feed you with my own hand.
I will love you with my whole heart.
I will make you whole.
I am made of steel.
Because when the time comes,
when you are well, and sleek,
when your eyes shine,
and your tail wags with joy,
then comes the hard part.
I will let you go – not without a tear,
but without a regret.
For you are safe forever –
a new dog needs me now.”
–Diane Morgan 1999