Before You Foster: Key Questions Answered

With so many dogs waiting for homes and families facing uncertain times, fosters have become the quiet heroes and a vital lifeline to the rescue industry, helping dogs heal, thrive and find their forever homes. If you’ve ever considered fostering but feel unsure about what it entails, we’re here to help! We’ve gathered the answers to our most-frequently asked questions so you can confidently decide if fostering a rescue dog could be right for you.

Thinking about fostering? 

Are you a dog-lover with time, heart and space to spare, but the ongoing costs of pet ownership aren’t something you can commit to right now? Maybe you’re taking a gap year from school and would love a pet, but you know adopting wouldn’t be practical with the next semester just around the corner. There are many reasons for opting out of permanent pet ownership, but fostering can be a happy alternative for families who can’t say “yes” to a lifetime of care. Fostering is a win-win: low risk and mostly cost free for the foster, but immensely beneficial for the dog you take into your home. Whether you’ve had dogs for years or this is your first experience, fostering is an incredible opportunity that connects you to a network of support. The shelter shares the responsibility for the dog’s day-to-day and financial needs, while you provide the care and attention to prepare them for life in their forever home.

Canela (also fostered)

What does it mean to be a “foster parent”?

A foster parent welcomes a rescue dog into their home and treats them like a family pet, while the shelter covers the financial aspects of their care and searches for a permanent home. Foster programs vary from shelter to shelter, but at HLCR we provide all medical care, food, and major supplies. By covering the essentials, we free foster families to focus on providing the love, structure and companionship that truly makes an impact.

Red was rescued from a hoarding situation, and entered her foster home in poor condition.

Why is fostering important, and how does it benefit the dog?

Research shows that fostered dogs are nearly 14 times more likely to be adopted than dogs who stay in a shelter. Living in a household provides benefits that a kennel environment simply cannot compete with, and has been shown to significantly reduce stress hormones and boost immune function for the dog in your home. Fostered pets are given the chance to show their true personalities, gradually adjust to a family setting, and develop positive habits and routines that will allow for a smooth transition into their adopted families. Beyond the personal benefits to the dog, fostering also frees up much needed kennel space at your local shelter, which creates room for another dog who might otherwise face euthanasia due to chronic overcrowding. 

After one month of love in a safe space, Red had transformed into a happy puppy again.

Do I need experience owning a dog in order to foster?

If you’re wondering whether you need to spiff up your resume, the answer is no! Previous experience is not a requirement to foster. There are many dogs, such as seniors and those with low energy needs, who can make a perfect companion for a new foster. Taking on your first dog with the support of a shelter is a great way to learn the ropes, understand your household’s dynamics and discover which personalities are the best fit before deciding to adopt.

George, an easygoing senior, would be a great choice for a first-time foster. Interested in fostering George? See his profile at www.hlcr.org/adoptable-dogs/george

How long should I expect my foster dog to live with me?

Consistency is one of the greatest gifts you can give a dog, especially one coming from a shelter environment! Most dogs do best when they can stay in the same foster home until adoption, and that timeline may range from weeks to months depending on the dog’s breed, size and individual needs. Even if you can’t make a long term commitment, you are still eligible to foster and can be connected with a dog needing temporary housing or short term care. 

Best friends Bubbles (left) and Moose (right) were fostered together in the same home.

Which dogs can I foster? What if I take home a dog that is not a good fit for me?

 

HLCR carefully matches each foster family with a dog that suits their lifestyle, experience and preferences. You'll be introduced to several candidates who could be a good fit for your home, and will make the final choice with guidance from HLCR staff. If you take a dog home who doesn’t end up being a good match, that’s okay! You can return them to the shelter, and try again with another who is a better fit for your needs.

Moose was adopted after only 2 weeks, while Bubbles was fostered for more than 6 months.

Are HLCR foster dogs fully vetted?

Every dog in HLCR’s foster program has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested, started on heartworm and flea prevention, microchipped and treated for intestinal parasites. The shelter also provides all medications and materials needed for any dogs with special needs.

Will my foster dog have medical or behavioral concerns?

All of HLCR’s dogs are carefully vetted, and those who are not members of our Diamonds in the Ruff rehabilitation program are healthy when entering foster care. Dogs with contagious conditions are never placed into foster homes. If a dog is a Diamond with additional medical or behavioral needs, their care plan will be shared upfront so that fosters can make an informed decision before taking them home. It’s common for some dogs to show unwanted behaviors as they adjust to a new environment, and that is completely normal! Should any hiccups arise, HLCR will offer guidance and resources to ensure that you and your foster feel confident and supported. 

Birdy, a senior undergoing treatment for cancer, made a full recovery in her foster home. Some dogs arrive with medical or behavioral challenges requiring extra care, and they thrive when given a chance to heal in a loving home. Interested in learning more about the life changing impact of medical fostering? Read more of Birdy’s story below!

Will I have any out-of-pocket expenses?

Fostering comes with little to no cost beyond your usual household expenses. HLCR provides food, treats, bedding, toys, medications, vet care and a harness and leash.

Can I still foster if I work a full-time  job?

Dogs with compatible personalities and energy levels can thrive even if their foster works full-time. Long hours away from home may limit the dogs you are matched with, but will not disqualify you from fostering altogether. Senior dogs are often a perfect fit for quiet days at home, and they are some of the most underappreciated dogs in the shelter system.

Kermit is an HLCR alumni who was fostered by a family with a busy schedule. Due to his laid-back personality and good house manners, he was content to sleep during the day and made a great addition to their family.

What will I do if I have travel plans while fostering a dog?

 

Planning a trip or have an upcoming business meeting? HLCR will board your foster dog free of charge until your return. This service is only available for dogs in our foster program, not for personal pets.

What would I do if my foster dog experienced a medical emergency?

 

HLCR covers the cost of all emergency care and provides a list of veterinary contacts to foster families. If a medical emergency occurs, you should take your foster dog to the nearest veterinary clinic, then notify HLCR. A shelter representative will handle all medical decisions and cover the expenses.

What are HLCR’s requirements to become a foster parent?

You don’t need an extraordinary home to make an extraordinary difference! A dog only wants a safe, comfortable space and a family to share it with. HLCR’s basic requirements for fostering include:

1. Being at least 21 years old.

2. Having reliable transportation and a schedule that allows you to take your foster to appointments, meet and greets and occasional adoption events. 

3. Making sure any personal dogs are vaccinated and spayed or neutered.

4. Submitting a foster application and having it approved.

How do I become an HLCR Foster?

Getting started is easy! You can start by completing a foster application at hlcr.org/foster. Once your application is submitted, a representative will reach out to schedule a phone interview and home check. If you have dogs in your household, we will also confirm with your veterinarian that all pets are spayed or neutered and current on their vaccines. The last step (and our favorite) is to meet with potential foster dogs and see who connects with your family.

Can I adopt my foster dog?

It’s no surprise that many foster families fall head over heels in love! If that happens, you can adopt your foster dog and make them a permanent member of your family. HLCR will schedule meet and greets with approved families until a commitment is made, so be sure to communicate your desire to adopt as soon as possible.

  Tony, Saucy and Mochi are HLCR alumni who were adopted by their foster families. 

Fostering in action

Many people hesitate to foster because they worry their home is not good enough or that they lack the skills to properly care for a rescue dog. We are here to remind you that a dog doesn’t want or need perfection, they just need you! For dogs like Tony, Saucy, Mochi and so many others, a foster home is the bridge that takes them from despair to healing. 

Just ask Birdy!

Birdy was already 9 years old when she found herself abandoned at a public shelter. This gentle senior was transferred to HLCR’s Diamonds in the Ruff rehabilitation program for the surgical removal of what turned out to be a cancerous growth. The operation was a success, but the combined stress of losing her family and recovering from the invasive procedure overwhelmed Birdy. As her health slowly declined, it became clear that she needed a home environment to thrive. HLCR searched for an adopter but struggled to connect her with a family who could take on the cost and commitment of her recovery.

Birdy's x-ray showing the mass on her abdomen.

Just when the situation began to feel hopeless, a foster family stepped forward and welcomed Birdy into their home. Their decision pulled her from the darkest chapter of her life and restored her will to fight. Together, Birdy and her foster family began the process of healing her mind and body. When she first entered their home, she paced and cried constantly and was never completely at ease; she was terrified of beds and couches and needed gentle encouragement just to explore new rooms. But by the end of her first month, Birdy was curled up on the couch beside her foster family’s dogs and had even made friends with their hedgehog. She made a full physical and emotional recovery, and her foster parents went on to adopt her and enjoy two more years of life together.

From loneliness to love! Birdy snuggles with her foster siblings, including Frodo the hedgehog.

Birdy’s story is a powerful reminder that one family’s kindness can change a life forever. Her circumstances were extraordinary, but there are many healthy, happy dogs who need a quiet place to land while they wait for their forever family. Fostering doesn’t require special training, an elaborate home, or major financial investment to be successful; a willing heart and an open door are all it takes to change a dog’s world forever. If you're interested in fostering a dog, visit us at hlcr.org/foster