Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon, Inc.
Golden Retriever Rescue
For the Love of Goldens
Fostering:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Foster Home Experience
A key component of Golden Bond's rescue program is the foster home. Without adequate numbers of foster homes, we are limited in how many Goldens we can take in at one time. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, and to offer the new owner more information on the dog.
Golden Bond needs caring, responsible Golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescue Goldens. Here are some common questions people ask about being a foster parent.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO AS A FOSTER PARENT?
Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing love and security to a special Golden at an often difficult time in his or her life.
HOW LONG DOES A DOG STAY IN FOSTER CARE?
The foster stay varies with each dog. If healthy, three-four weeks is typical. Sometimes only two weeks is needed. It really depends on the individual dog's situation.
DO I HAVE TO BE HOME WITH THE DOG ALL DAY?
No. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he must be confined to a small, secure area, either in the house or a securely fenced yard or kennel. This results in a safe secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family's safety and home in the forefront.
DO I NEED A FENCED YARD?
YES. A fenced yard is required for both foster care and adoption. In some situations homes with a secure kennel of adequate size will be considered. Foster dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the Golden may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.
MAY I CHOOSE WHICH DOGS I FOSTER?
The 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. If a foster dog you have accepted proves difficult to handle, he can be placed elsewhere.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Lack of funds should not prevent you from fostering, but you will have expenses: for telephone calls, any toys you provide, etc. On the other hand, Golden Bond will provide the foster dogıs veterinary expenses and medications. While we appreciate your donation of quality dog food for your foster, we will reimburse you for this expense if you wish.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH A FOSTER DOG?
You will not be alone in the fostering process so don't let never having fostered before scare you. We have a successful mentoring program for new fosters to answer your questions, share stories, get training tips, etc. We will send you a new Foster Home Manual, and our Foster Home Team members are ready to go over any questions you might have on that information. A specialist who can help with dog training issues is also available. If you ever have a question, the Foster Team and our mentors are always willing to help. If we don't know the answer, we'll put you in touch with the person who does.
WHAT IF WE WANT TO TRAVEL?
If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation and cannot take the foster dog with you, we will work with you for temporary care of the dog, whether with another Golden Bond foster home, pet sitter, kennel, etc. The Foster Home Team member who placed the dog with you initially will work with you in advance so that arrangements can be made for the dog to be cared for while you are away.
WILL I BECOME ATTACHED TO MY FOSTER DOG?
Yes, you undoubtedly will — they bond quickly, and give back so much in return for your care and attention. But when you meet the new family who's ready to provide a permanent, loving home for the dog you've helped rescue, you, like the rest of the Golden Bond foster parents, will feel more than satisfied to see the dog move on to a new and better life. So, shed a few tears, hand over the leash, and call us to volunteer to foster another rescue!
WHAT IF I WANT TO ADOPT THE GOLDEN I AM FOSTERING?
Golden Bond recognizes the realities of fostering, including the fact that foster families often fall in love with their foster dogs. Therefore, if you have an approved Adoption Application on file, and make your request to adopt known, you will have the first right of refusal. However, this decision must be made before anyone is referred to visit the dog for potential adoption. Once an adopter has been contacted and scheduled for an interview, you may not change your mind.
I'D LIKE TO FOSTER. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
You need to have a current Adoption/Foster Application on file. You may download one from our website, or call 503-892-2897 and one will be sent to you. If youıd like more information, one of our Foster Home Coordinators will be glad to call you. Simply leave a message on our main phone line.
WHY IS FOSTERING SO IMPORTANT?
The number of foster homes dictates how many dogs we can save. It's as simple as that!! Won't you consider fostering a Golden today?
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