Foster Dog Program

 

Foster parents are a critical part of our program. Without our dedicated foster parents, we would not be able to offer these dogs a second chance at finding their forever family.

While fostering requires time and patience, the rewards are immeasurable. You will have the joy of knowing you have helped save a dog's life, and you free up resources within the rescue to help other homeless dogs. Watching your foster dog blossom in your care and eventually go to their forever home is truly an amazing experience.

 

If you are interested in fostering, please read through the information below. Please carefully review the information on this page to determine if our foster program is a good fit for your interests and lifestyle.

 

What types of dogs are placed in foster care?

 

Our foster dog program primarily supports any dog in our care. Our foster program typically supports the following types of dogs:

 

• Young adult dogs needing extra structure, more socialization or work on their manners. ​​

 

• Puppies too young and/or immature to be adopted. 

 

How long are dogs in foster care?

 

This varies greatly, depending on the individual dog. The duration can range from a few weeks to several months, with an average stay of two to four weeks. We ask that foster parents commit to fostering a dog for the duration of their stay in foster care. It is extremely stressful for a dog to go from foster home to foster home. If a foster parent cannot continue to foster a dog, we prefer to try and transfer the dog to a new foster home. We ask that foster parents only request a transfer when absolutely necessary, such as an unexpected family emergency, significant changes in schedules or unforeseen difficulties in addressing a dog's specific needs.

 

Program Requirements and Guidelines

 

In order to foster for FMAC, you must be over the age of 18 and have previous dog handling experience. Households with children under the age of 18 are welcome, but the primary caregiver for the dog needs to be over 18.  In addition, you must be willing to adhere to the following program rules:

 

• No off-leash park visits. This includes taking a leashed dog to an off-leash park.

 

• Foster dogs must be on leash at all times when outdoors unless in your own securely fenced yard.

 

• No aversive training techniques or tools may be used on foster dogs. Aversives include prong collars, pinch/choke chain collars, E-collars, spray bottles, physical reprimands including alpha rolls, etc.

 

• All vet visits must be pre-approved by calling FMAC personnel, and you must visit an approved veterinarian.

 

• Any aggressive behavior must be immediately communicated to rescue personnel.

 

• Foster parents must respond within 24 hours to communications from FMAC personnel.

 

 

How can I become a foster parent?

 

• Send us a message using the form to the right.