FOSTER FAQ
Don't see your question here?
Reach out to our foster team at volunteer@waggytailrescue.org!
Why Foster?
Taking a scared and confused animal out of the shelter system and into a loving, private home gives them the opportunity to relax, recover and become the best version of themselves before adoption. Fostering dogs or cats that do not respond well to being in a shelter greatly increases their chance of adoption and avoids unnecessary euthanasia. By volunteering your time, energy, and patience as a foster parent, you can help put a dog/cat on the path towards a long and happy life in their forever home.
What Does a Foster Parent Do?
Everything a responsible pet owner would do!
Foster parents are responsible for feeding & providing water, exercising, socializing, and giving medication (when necessary) to your new furry friend. We request that fosters give us honest assessments of their foster pet's behavior and personality and, when necessary and with guidance from Waggytail, assist in basic house training and behavior modification. Fosters also take an active role in adoptions. We love hearing from our fosters, so please don't hesitate to share anything you feel we should know about your foster pet by emailing volunteer@waggytailrescue.org or contacting your assigned foster buddy.
Download our foster manual here.
How Long Does Fostering Last?
This is a hard question to answer as some foster pets get adopted very quickly while others take a while to catch the eye of their future adopter. Generally, you can expect to foster for anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, but it may be longer. We ask that foster parents commit to their foster pet until they are adopted as it can be stressful for a dog/cat to move from home to home. However, with adequate notice, we will, of course, arrange alternative foster care if your circumstances do not allow you to continue caring for your foster pet.
What Happens When My Foster Is Adopted?
For more information on the role of a foster parent in the adoption process please see our Foster Manual.
What If I Want To Adopt My Foster?
We love it when this happens! Please fill in an adoption application, sign an adoption (Transfer) agreement and pay the appropriate adoption fee for the animal.
Waggytail Foster Manual
Whether this is your first time or you're a seasoned pro, please download and read our foster manual. There you'll find everything you need to know about fostering with Waggytail Rescue including recommended supplies, documentation, initial health assessments, training, common behavioral issues, and a foster's role in adoption.