Fostering a Dog – How it works

Dogs in Distress (DID) uses a network of fosterers who offer short-term homes to the dogs that we rescue. We rely on our fosterers to provide a safe and caring environment for our dogs. Foster based care is particularly important and beneficial as our fosterers can provide great insight into the dogs personality and the kind of home he will be best suited to.

The rewards of dog fostering

DID fosterers come from every walk of life. They have one thing in common; a great love of dogs and a commitment to helping them in the most practical way possible – by taking them into their homes on a short term basis.

Fostering takes commitment in terms of time and effort. Most foster dogs will need some basic training, they will need to be walked at least twice a day, they will need love, care and attention.

Many DID fosterers have been fostering for us for many years. Where required fosterers are provided with food, bedding, dog toys etc. to cover the financial costs related to fostering. Fosterers experience first-hand the hugely positive impact that their efforts have on a dog’s life.

Application Process

  • New fosterers are provided with a special pack containing useful tips and advice
  • If you are interested in fostering a dog please complete the online by clicking the button below

 

How it Works

We can take another dog!

When fosterers are ready to take on a dog they contact us

Complete a Foster Dog CV

The dog settles into his temporary home. After a week to ten days the fosterer completes a Foster Dog CV and returns it to Dogs in Distress. This form provides details of the dog’s temperament which will help us find a suitable home for the dog

Provide basic training

The fosterer should be prepared to provide basic training, including house-training, if required

Upload photos and updates

If possible, the fosterer should upload photos and updates of their foster dog to his listing on the website. The more active the dog’s listing is the more interest is generated from potential adopters

Provisions are made by Dogs in Distress

Provisions are made by Dogs in Distress to have the dog spayed/neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped while in foster care. If any other veterinary care is required Dogs in Distress cover the cost

Happy Ending

The dog is now ready to go to his permanent home and once this occurs his listing is moved to the ‘Happy Endings’ section of the website

A dog may spend up to three months in foster care, however the average time in foster is about five weeks. Offers of foster homes for shorter periods are also welcome.

All veterinary costs are covered by DID and if food or equipment is requested by the fosterer this is provided.

Email: fostering@dogsindistress.org