FOSTERING - A labor of love!

When you foster a dog (or cat, bunny, guinea pig, etc.) You agree to take a homeless animal into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, until that animal is adopted.  This could be a few days up to several months.

Fostering is one of the most rewarding things you can do.  You help homeless animals renew confidence in themselves and humans so they can become a forever pet for the right home.  At the same time you enjoy the love, companionship, and growth of a new dog without having to be a lifetime owner. Many people also enjoy the social experience and friendships of belonging to a rescue community. 

Fostering can sometimes be frustrating because many dogs have not had any type of training (including potty training). However with the support of the other fosters in RACE, you will find this to be fun and rewarding.

Some Examples:

Socializing a young puppy can be so much fun. In turn the puppy will become a fun and welcome  addition to a new family. Yes, puppies are messy and you may feel as if you’re constantly changing the newspapers or piddle pads in their area, but there’s nothing like playing with a bunch of cute, cuddly puppies, then watching them blossom and go home to their forever families. 

Helping crazy teenage dogs (6 months – 18 months of age) learn the basic manners their original owners failed to to teach them ensures  that they will stay in their new homes. It is so rewarding to see them become good canine citizens. What a wonderful feeling it is to see the light bulb come on,  they no longer pounce on everyone they meet or dart out the door and get lost. All this happens because you cared enough to spend time with them each day working on basic manners, such as sit, off and wait. Then, watching them find their forever family because of the all the work you’ve done... well, there’s nothing like it!!

Adult dogs are often (not always) trained in manners and house training when you get them. They may have some health issues or some bad habits, but RACE supports you with vet care and training advice if you need it. 

Watching a shy dog come out of his or her shell from being afraid and hiding to greeting you when you come home with a smile is a feeling that cannot be described. It has to be experienced! 

Why does RACE need foster homes?

RACE does not have a physical shelter. We depend on our foster homes to care for dogs until suitable permanent homes are found. This means you make a commitment to that particular dog (or dogs) until they are adopted. This could be a few days to several months. We do have some fosters that help if you need to go out of town and your dog hasn’t been adopted, however we do like to keep them for that reason, and when you’re back in town, you are responsible for your foster again.

Why should I foster a dog?

Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re giving your foster dog the time he or she needs to be ready for adoption. This includes:

• Getting the dog to and from vet appointments for routine check-ups and/or surgeries (such as spay/neuter, dental cleanings or others)
• Helping socialize the dog to people, other pets ,  a home environment and other places dogs are allowed (various stores, beaches, dog parks, etc.)
• Helping train the dog on basic manners, such as sit, off (not jumping on people), wait (not running through open doors) and house training.
• Helping the rescue learn more about the dog so that he or she can be placed in the best home possible.
• Helping to "market" the dog by posting pictures, videos and updates about the dogs behavior on social media, such as Instagram, Facebook or Snapchat.

How do I sign up to foster a dog?

In order to foster, we MUST have you complete a foster application.   Fill out and submit the form. Give us a week or so to process it and contact you.