to see pets needing fosterhomes-click here
Do 4 Keeps Dogs need foster homes? Yes, yes, yes! In fact, because we do not have a facility, foster homes are the backbone of our organization. Without foster homes, we could not rescue anyone! The more foster homes the more we can save.
What does it mean to foster a 4 Keeps pet? As a Foster, you would give a pet a temporary home – until we find a suitable permanent adoptive home. You give the pet a soft, dry place to sleep, yummy food to eat, and lots of play time and love!
I have a dog &/or cat, can I still foster? Yes, provided you are willing to take precautions to protect your pets and fosters from issues that may arise. We expect that resident pets are all spayed/neutered, and have all their current vaccinations. We recommend, in addition to DHLPP and Rabies, that your pets are immunized for Bordetella (kennel cough) since it is a common ailment among shelter dogs. We also expect that your resident pets are being treated for fleas.
Do I need to be home all day to Foster? Not at all. Most regular dog owners aren't, and the dogs are fine. The only things that we ask is that if you have another pet, that you secure the foster dog in a crate or similar while you are away from the home. Never leave the dogs together unattended for both of their sakes. The most important thing to us is that safety of your pets as well as the safety of the foster dog.
Won't it be hard to let them go? It is not easy to let go of our foster dogs. All 4 Keeps volunteers understand this very well. Foster parents are often concerned about their attachments to the animals - When they realize what a wonderful gift they were able to give to an animal in need, it makes it all worthwhile! To have opened your heart and your home, and given a needy dog a second chance is truly an amazing experience. By turning them over to their permanent home, you will be able to foster another dog in need if you so choose. If we can only save one more life, it is worth the world and the sadness to say goodbye. Seeing the excitement and love of the forever families often makes it much easier as well.
What if I want to adopt my Foster? In most cases we would be thrilled to have you give your Foster a permanent home and we can discuss this option with you. However there is a point during the adoption process where we commit to our adopters that they will get a particular dog. If that point has been reached with your Dog, then it is too late.
What if my Foster needs to go to the vet? 4 Keeps Animal Rescue will pay for the vet care at one of our approved vet partners. Just call to discuss before you make an appointment!
What if I have to go out of town when I have a Foster? No problem! Let us know of your plans as early as possible, and we will find a temporary foster for your foster pet!
What if I cannot foster all the time? You can still help! When fosters go out of town, we need people who can foster temporarily to give that pup a place to crash! In addition, we often need places for dogs arriving on transport to stay overnight until the assigned foster can pick him or her up. Being an overnight or temporary foster is a tremendous help to us.
What if I want to help but I can’t foster? Have no fear! There is plenty to do. We always need :click here