About Fostering for F.P.O.

Our foster homes are the heart of our organization, where our dog/cats get the love and comfort of being in a home while waiting for adoption. Our animals are rescued from shelters, owner relinquishes, and animal control facilities. The more foster homes we have, the more lives we can save! Learn more about becoming a foster through our organization.

Below are some resources that explain fostering opportunities, as well as resources for foster homes.

Fostering…

Fostering a rescued dog saves a life.  You are providing a temporary haven for your foster until their permanent home can be found.  You and your family will supply love, training and safety. FPO will provide food, medical care, and guidance during the fostering term.  Never hesitate to ask questions of us, as we are here to help.  Welcome to the FPO Family!

Responsibilities of a foster home are as follows:

Provide a Temporary Home for Your Foster.

• Your foster will be a member of your family. Please try to love and enjoy them!
• If a break is necessary due to vacations, emergencies, etc.., please notify FPO with as much notice as possible. Other arrangements can be made for your foster during your time away. Note: Taking a foster with you requires approval from FPO.

Be Patient and Understanding.

• Remember that all fosters are rescues, and as such, may have had very difficult times in their short lives. They will need time to adjust to you, your home, and your family. Consequently, their behavior may be unpredictable at times. It can be stressful for both you, and your foster during this adjustment period.

Commit to Fostering from Beginning to End.

• Following our guidelines and suggestions, you will develop a biography and attractive photos to promote your foster. Thus, reducing the amount of time that they stay in your home until adoption.

Provide a Safe Place for Your Foster to be When You are Away From Home.

• If you work full-time, you will need to create a place for your foster to be in while you and your family are away. FPO highly recommends crate training to keep your dog and home safe while you are away. FPO will provide whatever crate is necessary.

Review Processes and Procedures.

• Be sure to review the processes listed in the FPO Foster Home Manual and understand them. We will be happy to answer any questions.

Keep FPO Up to Date on Your Foster’s Status.

• Notify your FPO contact immediately if your foster becomes sick, injured, or lost.
• Your primary contact is your mentor, which will be assigned to you upon becoming a foster home.
• Your mentor will support you and answer questions. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question! Do not feel bad about wanting, or needing support when feeling overwhelmed. We have all been in your position.
• If you are unable to contact your mentor and are in need of immediate assistance, please contact Laurie and/or Lisa.
• Let FPO know if your foster begins to exhibit any negative personality or behavioral issues. Your experience with the foster will provide valuable input towards assessing these issues.

Oversight of Foster’s Veterinary Care.

• Foster homes will be required to provide at least one trip to our approved veterinarians. Multiple trips is more often the case to resolve various health issues. You will be responsible for providing transportation to these appointments.

Upon joining the Foster Pet Outreach team, you will be added to a Facebook Group called Foster Pet Outreach Foster Homes.  This is a critical area where you can find information and ask questions.  Please feel free to ask questions there, and to peruse the group for information.  The “Files” section contains many valuable resources.  There is an Album entitled “Available Dogs and Cats,” where the picture of your foster pet will reside.  Clicking on the picture allows you to add comments.  You are asked to keep this up to date with the following:  pictures, biography, vet appointments and other updated information that you learn about your foster.