FOSTERING 101
FOSTERING FAQs
What happens if the pet’s owner decides to rehome their pet?
This can be an extremely challenging decision for the owner, but sometimes is the best choice for their long-term recovery. As the foster, you will have the option to foster to adopt the pet, adopt the pet, or return to Dogs Matter and we will find the perfect home for the pet.
What resources am I provided with?
We have so many resources for you! Our DPA team, coaches, and volunteers are here to support you and your foster pet. There is a Foster Portal with all the resources you will need for your entire journey. The portal includes contacts for support re: supplies, behavior & medical, emergencies, community, events, training, decompression. If you need more support, email info@dogsmatter2.org and we will help!
What are the medical responsibilities of the foster?
It is most important for you to communicate in a timely manner with our medical team regarding the needs of the pet. Our pets often need to be spayed or neutered, and vaccinations. We hope this can happen relatively quickly upon pairing with the pet. We have a list of vet partners we use to choose from, and you schedule your appointment. If you are unable to take the pet to the vet, you can schedule a Snyft driver.
You are not required to pay for these medical or transportation services.
Can the foster give/receive updates to the pet’s owner while they are in recovery?
We encourage and are thankful for updates from our fosters! But, all updates must go through a Dogs Matter or DPA! team member. Although it would be nice to be in contact with the pet’s owner, it is a liability and in the best interest of the foster and the client to not connect directly.
Will I get a dog immediately?
Most often, yes. Our pet owners are usually ready to get into treatment as soon as they fill out their application. It’s often urgent for us to support them as quickly as possible.
If you want to foster a specific pet and cannot begin fostering right away, still tag the pet and let us know. We will do our best to coordinate a stay with an emergency/triage foster until your start date.
Do we get to be part of the reunion of the owner and their pet?
YES! Reunions are gifts of reciprocity — for the pet, owner, and foster! If the foster is interested, we love for the foster to be there. As a foster, you have given the pet and their owner a great gift to be able to get into treatment, everyone wants to be there. They are filled with so much joy, tears, and gratitude.
Am I allowed to spoil the pet?
Yes you may! Most importantly they need a loving home and care, but we’re sure your foster pet will love being spoiled with toys, treats, cozy beds, fancy foods, and anything else you can think of.
We are happy to provide you with any food and supplies that you need, but many fosters like to offer this during their time fostering. This is considered an in-kind donation, and is tax-deductible.
What are the requirements of an emergency or a vacation foster?
Emergency fosters are extremely important for Dogs Matter. Most of our pet owners are ready and waiting to find a foster for their pet in order to enter treatment. Because we don’t have a shelter for our pets to wait for a foster, Emergency Fosters fill that space for us.
Emergency Fosters have all the same requirements of a regular foster, but we ask that you have an open and/or flexible schedule that you can take a pet in within 24-48 hours. It is also helpful for you to be able to pick-up/transport as needed.
What if I go on vacation while fostering and I cannot take the pet?
No problem! We want fostering to be as normal as having your own pet, and do not want you to have to change any vacation plans. If you are unable or do not want to find your own pet-sitter, please fill out a Temp Foster Request Form at least 7-14 days in advance. If they are made within a week of the request and we are unable to find a temp, the foster will be responsible for covering boarding or pet-sitting costs.
