We need Fosters!  We are so grateful for our Fosters. We can't save lives without them. Please contact us if you are interested in opening your home to a very deserving pet.

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Overview of Fostering

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New foster homes are desperately needed.  Each week many dogs are euthanized in shelters across our nation… only because there is nowhere for them to go.  Rescues have to make the difficult decisions between who lives and who dies when looking at dogs in need, because they don’t have enough open foster homes to take them all.  For this reason, we have made it part our mission to educate as many people as possible and encourage them to foster so that more lives can be saved.  Please consider fostering, and spread the word to every animal lover you know who may be able to take in a foster pet on a short term basis.

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Fostering pays BIG TIME in loving kisses, long cuddles, and endless adventures.  One look into the eyes of your foster pet, knowing that you may very well be the only reason they are still on this earth, and your heart will be full of joy and pride.   It is an amazingly rewarding experience that can give your life purpose and fulfillment.  Just ask any other foster parent!

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Fostering is a wonderful gift that you can give to animals in need.  Only by those opening their hearts and homes to an animal in need can we continue to save lives.  Fosters are an invaluable, wonderful group of people who endure all the highs and lows of pet ownership, only to let the animals they have loved so much and worked so hard for go…. so that they can help another!  They are unselfish, caring, loving, patient people and without them, the rescue system could not work.

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WHAT DOES A FOSTER PARENT DO?

A foster parent does everything a pet owner does, but for a shorter time!  Daily care, feeding, grooming, reinforcing obedience, and generally giving the pet love and affection, along with a safe place to stay.  Foster parents are important for so many reasons.  It is foster parents who work with their rescue and sometimes trainers to get their pet ready for adoption.  It is foster parents who learn what a pet is like in a home situation, their likes and dislikes, and their little quirks – things that are impossible to tell in a shelter situation.  These things are crucial to helping a pet go into their forever home… knowing the pet and being able to communicate that to potential adopters is essential.

 

HOW LONG WILL THE FOSTER PET STAY WITH ME?

This is our most common question, and is the most difficult to answer. It can be anywhere from two months to six months, sometimes longer – there is no fixed time. Some pets go faster than others and there is really no way to of determining which one will or which one will not.  A committed foster will keep a pet as long as it takes for them to find their forever home.

 

DO I NEED TO BE HOME ALL DAY IN ORDER TO FOSTER?

Absolutely not.  Unless you are fostering a puppy or special needs dog, your foster should be just fine contained at home during your work day – just like any other pet. We do ask fosters who have resident pets whenever possible, to keep everyone secure, safe and separated when they are not home to supervise pet interactions.  Never leave pets together unattended for everyone’s sake.

 

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING MYSELF?

No!  Rhodie’s covers the costs of all medical care and your foster will come to your home with everything they need – collar, leash, harness, bowls, bedding, toys, food will be supplied to you, along with a crate (if needed) and any other supplies deemed necessary for your foster dog. However, remember – Because Rhodie’s is a 501c3 non profit organization, anything you purchase and choose to donate that is associated with your foster dog is tax deductible! You can even write off the mileage on your car when used to transport your foster dog to veterinarian appointments and adoption events! 

 

WHAT IF I BECOME TOO ATTACHED TO MY FOSTER?  WHAT IF I CAN’T LET GO?

This is the biggest fear of many people… letting go.  That is completely natural – you are fostering because you love animals, and you will probably become attached. It would be strange if you didn’t!  But when you meet the perfect family that will give the animal their permanent home, you will be happy to see them go.  That’s why you fostered in the first place!  It is a wonderful thing to do to make sure that an animal in need will find a loving home!

 

AM I ALLOWED TO ADOPT MY FOSTER PET?

Of course!   It is lovingly called “foster failure” and it happens. We understand how you can become attached, and you are always offered first choice at adopting your foster!

 

WONT IT BE HARD TO LET THEM GO?

It is completely natural to love your foster and it is never easy to let them go. All rescue volunteers understand this.  When a foster fully realizes the wonderful gift they were able to give to an animal in need as well as their new family, who is so excited to have them, it makes it all worthwhile!  To have opened your heart and your home, is truly an amazing experience.   Just think, when you deliver your foster to their new home you will be able to foster another animal in need.

FOSTERING ONE DOG SAVES TWO LIVES! THE ONE YOU ARE FOSTERING, AND THE ONE WHO TAKES IT’S PLACE IN THE SHELTER.