What does it mean to foster?

Fostering FAQ

What is fostering?

The role of the foster is easy.  You just provide the basics: love, food, patience, warmth, and a stable home until the dog gets adopted. You commit in helping the dog to transition into a healthy and happy member of society.  We provide the dog (mutually agreed upon of course) and you've just saved it's life!  It's just that simple. We will take care of transportation from the Central Valley, make sure dogs are vaccinated, microchipped and altered.  It's just like dog sitting but you're literally saving a life!  Click on the yellow box to the right to inquire about fostering →→→

Click here to read our Foster Manual
Please note that all fosters are expected to read this manual and sign the agreement before fostering.

How does the dog get adopted?
We have monthly adoption events at 3 PetSmarts that help to get the dogs to their forever homes but we do appreciate the fosters also posting on Social Media outlets i.e.  Facebook, Nextdoor and Craigslist or of course word of mouth!!  Dogs promoted by their fosters tend to have better chance of getting adopted more quickly...leaving you available to foster again 😎. We can even help you in creating an adorable bio! If you've think you've found the right fit, a volunteer will step in to finish the adoption process (adoption agreement, fee, medical records).  If you're posting,  we can help field the calls to make sure that your pup is going to the perfect forever home.
UPCOMING ADOPTION EVENTS @ PETSMART

What if I need support after I've taken in a foster?
We are just a call or a text away.  We want this to be a successful experience for you and the pup you're caring for.  Remember that dogs coming from the shelter can show a variety of behaviors and emotions.  They can be scared, shy, depressed, withdrawn or absolutely fine! We advise to take it slow and not immediately introduce the new dog to everyone right away.  It's always best to let them relax in a safe pen, play soft music, low voices and relax.  NO shopping at the mall, NO dog parks and NO off leash privileges They are safe now.  They just need to sleep and and decompress.  Remember that we usually don't know much about the history of the dogs before we take them into our custody.  We do know that they will be vaccinated, fixed and in need of love.