What does a foster home do?

Foster homes provide a safe, clean, nurturing family environment to a Golden who has been abused, abandoned, neglected or surrendered by its owner.  As a foster family, you are asked to provide a Golden with indoor living conditions, some basic obedience skills, and of course love.

How much does it cost to foster a dog?

Lack of funds should not prevent you from fostering. You will be reimbursed for expenses such as food. GRRCC will provide a crate or bed if needed. GRRCC will provide a leash and collar. Some fosters choose to purchase food or other items then donate these expenses to the rescue which is a 501(c) (3) organization. Necessary veterinary expenses, including heartworm and flea and tick preventive, are provided and paid by GRRCC.

What will I need to do as a foster parent?

Foster families are responsible for daily care of the foster dog, including:

• Feeding
• Exercising
• Socializing/Includes inside lifestyle with family
• Brushing and grooming, as needed
• Reinforcing basic obedience commands
• Observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament
• Transporting and attending veterinary appointments
• After care surgical procedures such and spay, neuter, dental as needed
• Providing love and security to a special Golden at an often-difficult time in his or her life

How long does the dog stay in foster care?

If the dog is healthy, three to four weeks are typical. Sometimes a week is all that is needed; other dogs may need months. It depends on their background/medical condition and the number of applications. Your update on the Golden helps to expedite the process.

What if I have other pets?

Most Golden Retrievers enjoy the company of other dogs.  We will never, knowingly, place a Golden that does not get along well with other animals in a home with existing pets.  Should problems arise, the dog will be removed and placed with another foster family.  Dogs that are aggressive toward
people are not taken into our program.

What happens if I have questions or problems with the foster dog?

The Foster Home Coordinator is available for consultation. Being a foster family is extremely rewarding, but you should keep in mind that some rescue dogs are not housebroken, may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. Despite these challenges, our foster families have found that, when given a chance, these dogs not only improve, they flourish.

What if I want to adopt the golden I am fostering?

All foster families are required to go through the same approval process used for adoptive homes before they can foster for GRRCC. If an approved foster family wishes to adopt a dog, they must notify the Foster Home Coordinator and be placed on a waiting list. Do I need a fenced yard? A fenced yard is required except in special cases and the dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. The dog has to be on a leash at all times when outside of the secured yard.

Will I become attached to my foster dog?

Yes, you undoubtedly will – they bond quickly, and give so much back in return for your care and attention. When you meet and/or talk with the new family who is ready to provide a permanent home for your foster dog you will feel more than satisfied to see them move on to their new life. This also enables you to open up your home and heart to another foster.

May I choose which dogs I foster?

The online application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. If you are asked to foster a dog that does not seem right for you, you can say no.