How Much Does it Cost to Foster a Dog?

One of the great perks of dog fostering is that all costs are covered by the shelter or rescue organization. So if you’re someone who loves pets but can’t afford to keep one permanently, fostering is a great way to lend your passion for pets while helping a shelter and their pets in need.

Because the shelter or rescue covers the costs of everything from food to supplies to veterinary care, it is truly a win-win for anyone looking to become a dog foster parent.

Do You Get Paid to Foster Dogs?

While shelters and rescues typically cover all costs related to dog foster care, dog foster volunteers typically do not receive payment for caring for the dogs.

Preparing Your Home for a Foster Dog or Puppy

If you decide to bring home puppies or adult dogs to foster, there are a few things to do to prepare for welcoming a puppy or dog into your home.

Learn as much as you can about the dog beforehand. Their temperament can give you clues as to how to structure your routines with the foster dog or how to set up certain areas of your home to create the most warm, welcoming environment.
Be sure to puppy or dog-proof your home. Put away anything that you wouldn’t want chewed or swallowed. Secure breakable items or hanging cords or wire.
Ask the shelter or rescue about the dog’s experience with other pets. If you have pets currently in your home, you’ll want to take proactive measures to properly introduce both pets on neutral ground and create safe spaces for them both to live harmoniously together.
Fostering a dog isn’t a walk in the park as many come into foster situations needing one-on-one care. Be sure you can provide the right level of care especially for those pets who may be recovering from surgery or a medical procedure.

How to Foster a Dog

The first step to fostering a dog is expressing interest at your local shelter or dog rescue. They will likely require you to complete an application to ensure you’re committed to meeting the demands that dog fostering can bring. More often than not, a shelter or rescue would be eager to have you join its fostering program. Your efforts will help them find safe, permanent homes for their pets.

When fostering a dog, your primary job is to ensure the dog receives the care and attention they need. This can be through basic everyday tasks of feeding and grooming as well as giving them exercise through daily walks, dog park visits or playtime. Socialization is also important at this stage, so once they’ve received their vaccinations, finding opportunities for them to interact with other people and pets is essential to their care, as well.

Some dogs may have health or behavioral issues they’re working to overcome. This may require an extra level of care and attention, and your shelter or rescue would be able to equip you with everything you need to ensure the best experience for an ailing or recovering dog.

Beyond that, you’ll be the eyes, ears and hands for the shelter or rescue organization. You’ll want to share frequent updates with them about what the dog is like, how it’s adjusting to your home and how they behave or interact with people, including adults and children as well as other pets. This information is helpful to shelters and rescues looking to find forever homes for foster dogs.

How to Foster a Dog or Puppy: A Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Fosters

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