Because many of the same guidelines for adopting a dog apply to the fostering situation, volunteers interested in becoming a foster home are asked to complete our standard Adoption Application. A home visit will also be conducted before the volunteer is approved as a Foster home.

What is fostering?

Foster care givers are volunteers who take IDR dogs into their homes and care for them until they are ready for adoption. It’s a great way to volunteer from home. Since we do not operate a shelter, most of the animals we accept into our organization must be fostered. Animals that come into our organization include:

• Dogs that need socialization because they are very shy, have not been properly trained, or have been abused or neglected.
• “Senior” dogs
• Dogs with special medical needs
• Dogs with perceived behavioral problems
• Dogs with no issues at all; they simply need a temporary home until they are adopted

While some volunteers end up adopting a foster pet, please note that the foster program is not for people who want to “try out” an animal prior to adoption. It is intended to provide one-on-one attention in a home environment for animals, in order to best evaluate them and prepare them for adoption.

What would I be expected to do as a foster parent?

• Provide a clean, nurturing, indoor home for the dog, pending adoption.
• Give medication as needed. We teach the inexperienced!
• Update the dog’s bio periodically, including pictures.
• Bring the dog to IDR’s adoptathons.
• Communicate (usually by email) with approved adopters.
• Complete the adoption paperwork, once an adoption is to take place. We will walk you through this the first time.

Would I be responsible for finding the dog a permanent home?

No – all dogs available for adoption are posted on Petfinder and on our website with photos and their bio. We receive applications for the dogs through our website. Our screening process includes an application, and a home visit. If approved, adopters are given foster home contact information. It is however, the discretion of the foster home parent to approve an adoption. You know the dog best, and we want to make sure the approved adopter is a good match for the dog.

What if I need to go out of town?

With enough notice, we should be able to find another foster home to take your dog for the time being.

What if I already have pets of my own?

If you are fostering a dog, we ask that they be introduced very slowly to your pets. Some dogs may never be able to be mingled with your own pets.

How long would I keep the dog?

There are many variables when fostering; a dog could be in your home for one week or two months. Please carefully consider the commitment and be sure all family members understand what this program entails.

Would I be responsible for my foster animal’s expenses?

No. IDR will provide and pay for the animal’s veterinary care and medications, as provided by an approved veterinarian. IDR can also loan crates, ex-pens, food/water bowls, bedding, toys and bones. IDR will provide food, medications (including heartworm preventative) a collar and leash with the dog.

Can my foster dog sleep in bed with me? On the furniture?

It is not recommended that you allow foster dogs to sleep with you. Not only can this lead to dominance/control issues, but we need to think about their forever family (who may not want them on the bed). In regards to the furniture, it is up to the individual foster home. As long as the foster dog will get off the furniture when you want them to, then you should be okay. If you have a dog with ANY dominance issues (with people or dogs), they should not be allowed on the furniture. Either way, you should not allow this immediately after getting the dog.

How do I become a foster parent?

You can apply to be a foster parent by filling out an adoption application online.