Becoming a Foster Family
"I love being a foster because I feel like I can be a helpful stepping stone for pets to get to their forever home. To me, fostering not only keeps dogs out of a kennel or shelter, is also an opportunity to learn more about the dog's personality to see what kind of home they would be happiest in. Fostering can also possibly help a dog transition into home life, making them more likely to be adopted, or adopted quicker. Is it sad or difficult to say goodbye to a foster? Absolutely. But each of my fosters has gone to a home that I feel like is a better match for them than my own. I am honestly always excited for their next chapter and so proud to be a part of their journey. Fostering is also a good compromise for my family - my husband only wants one dog, but I'd like more, so at least through fostering, I'm able to help a dog AND selfishly enjoy another dog while the foster is with us." - Christina
SO, YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT FOSTERING?
Already a seasoned foster home and just looking for the foster application? Click here.
Never fostered before and looking for answers to some common questions about fostering? Please continue reading!
HOW LONG DO FOSTER DOGS USUALLY STAY?
The length of stay for a foster dog depends on many things such as age, health, breed, etc. As a general rule, puppies stay the shortest, often being adopted within a week or two; this generally applies to dogs under 2 years old as well.
The average stay of a dog over 2 years old is likely to be a month or two. Once you get into the golden years, it often takes several months to find that special someone willing to give an older dog a place to rest his/her head.
WHAT WILL FOSTERING COST ME?
Nothing! Mostly Muttz Rescue will supply dog food, crates, toys, dog bowls, etc. We also cover cost for routine veterinary care, emergency veterinary care, and medications. All you are required to do is provide a loving home!
WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK OUT?
While we do our best to match a dog with a foster home where it will do well and thrive, there do come times when problems arise with a foster dog in its foster home. When this happens, we make our best effort to quickly move the dog. We do ask for patience as we try to find an alternative place.
WHAT IF I HAVE DOGS OF MY OWN?
Many of our foster homes have dogs of their own, resident dogs! Actually having another dog in the home is helpful for the foster to learn from and to play with.
WHAT IF I'VE NEVER TRAINED A DOG?
No worries! We have fellow fosters who are here to help and we have tons of training material to help you through your foster journey. A few of our fosters have had little training knowledge when they started and have learned so much!
WHAT DOES MOSTLY MUTTZ EXPECT OF ME AS A FOSTER HOME?
You could be asked to drive to pick up a dog at a shelter or meet a transporter.
We ask that you forward all paperwork related to your foster dog to us within 48 hours.
We ask that you submit an updated bio for your dog at least every 2 weeks. This includes updated pictures and a sentence or two about the dog’s personality or experiences.
We expect that you will make a reasonable effort to attend outreach events with your foster dog. This helps generate interest and get them adopted.
We ask that you be able to get your dog to vetting appointments at approved veterinary hospitals. Appointments are made by foster homes to keep it as convenient as possible.
Most important of all, we expect you to ask questions! We are here for you for whatever questions or problems you come across. We’re here, day and night to help you through this experience. Support is something we all need in this business.
READY TO JUMP IN?
Click here to fill out the foster application. For more information about the approval process you can visit the adoption page, the process for approval is the same!
Once you are approved as a foster home, you’ll receive a phone call from your foster coordinator to discuss the type of dog you feel would be the best fit for your living circumstances.