More people are finding themselves at home with lots of time on their hands these days, making it the *perfect* time to become a dog foster.

WHY FOSTERING MATTERS

When you foster through a rescue organization, you’re providing a temporary home for a dog before they are adopted by their new family. This helps the dog you’re fostering by giving them a chance to stay in a home setting and get some much needed TLC, and it also helps the rescue organization continue to rescue more homeless pets. For both larger animal shelters and smaller nonprofits, foster families enable them to literally save more lives. When you foster a dog, you’re opening up kennel space at these organizations for the next pup in need.

Fostering also makes a massive difference to the dog in your care. A foster home gives a rescue dog the chance to unwind, rest, and in a lot of situations - heal. Fosters get a first-hand experience with dogs that may be new to an organization and help gather valuable information about their foster pets to help find them their perfect family. Is your foster dog a total couch potato? Does he prefer to go for long runs? Does she get along well with the family cat? All of those tidbits are incredibly valuable when it comes to matching adoptable dogs with new families.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Dog foster programs and procedures vary among the different rescue groups in Austin. There are large organizations to foster through, like Austin Animal Center and Austin Pets Alive!, and more breed-specific groups like Pug Rescue of Austin and Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue. You’ll find that most organizations will require a minimum time commitment in order to give the foster dog time to adjust and set the foster families up for success. During the COVID-19 crisis, organizations are having to make adjustments for safety and you may find that fosters are expected to keep their dogs until adoption. According to Austin Pets Alive!, they have placed 1,085 dogs into foster homes since the pandemic began, and adoptions of foster dog adoptions are up by 355 cases over this time last year. Amazing!

As a dog’s foster, you’ll provide shelter, food, and lots of love during their time with you. Most rescue organizations provide veterinary treatment either in-house or through partner clinics, and they can often provide resources like dog beds, crates, and training guidance when needed. Your role as a foster is to care for their mental and physical well-being, being their ally and biggest cheerleader on their journey to their new home.

The most-asked question I’ve received from friends about fostering a dog is this: Isn’t it hard to say goodbye? And my honest answer is - yes! Of course, it’s not easy to say goodbye to a dog that you’ve helped in those incredibly important days after they come into a rescue or leave a shelter. You’ve seen their good days and bad, taken care of them, and loved them. Knowing that they are going home to a family that loves them and that you’ve helped save lives makes it all worth it.

TIPS FOR NEW FOSTERS:

Fill out the app: You’ll need to apply to be a foster through whatever organization you chose, and you should be as upfront as possible about your needs so they can match you with an appropriate foster (and it will save everyone time). Do you live with small children? Do you have cats? Are you a “unicorn” home with no other pets? This information is valuable, let them know.

Read through the paperwork: When you sign up to foster you’ll likely receive information packets from the organization with helpful tips, contact information, emergency protocol, how to introduce fosters to existing family pets, and other valuable assets. Read it, save it.
Let it be: Don’t cling on to expectations of the perfect foster dog, or how quickly a dog should adjust to your home. Every dog is unique and adapts in their own way, and your flexibility will help you both.
Find your pack: If you’re new to fostering, ask for a mentor or join a fostering Facebook group (many organizations have their own groups too). These people will help you find answers, and be your support system when you need a hand. Don’t be afraid to reach out, we’re all figuring it out together!
Give it 2 weeks: This is my own personal belief, but one I hold true and tell all of my friends that are new to fostering. Wait till you hit the 2-week mark… you’ll see a turnaround in your dog’s personality. Normally by this time they are getting a bit more comfortable with their new environment, and start to really be themselves. This doesn’t mean it will be perfect - being their true self may mean finally getting up on the couch. But it’ll be the sweet spot where you are really getting to know your foster and feeling comfortable with each other.
It’s all about marketing: Need help getting your foster dog adopted? Make sure the organization has a good biography for your pet - if you need help writing it reach out to others. Snap some great photos to show how special your foster dog is. The more people know, the more interest you’ll receive.
Celebrate the wins: Fosters do incredible work and put their hearts on the line, you’re saving lives! Though you may be sad to say goodbye, celebrate the good work you’ve done and the new beginning for your foster dog, they couldn’t do it without you!

WHERE TO FOSTER

We’ve rounded up some organizations in the Austin area that rely on fosters, if you’ve considered fostering a dog - go for it! Each organization has a unique application process and its own COVID-19 protocols so please check with them directly for more information.

Gold Ribbon Rescue - Golden Retrievers

Lizzie’s Animal Hospice - Senior Dogs

Love-a-Bull - Bully Breeds

Pug Rescue of Austin - Pugs

Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue - Great Pyrenees

Texas GSP Rescue - German Shorthaired Pointer

Wee Rescue - Small Fluffy Dogs

Austin Animal Center

Austin Bulldog Rescue - Bulldogs

Austin Dog Rescue

Austin Humane Society

Austin Pets Alive!