Fostering

Here's How It Works

 

We usually have a significant adoption waiting list. Because of that many we take in go straight into what we hope will be their permanent home as a foster-to-adopt. As a foster app, you would not be on that waiting list. We generally only need fosters for harder-to-place dogs: seniors, medical cases, bonded pairs, or those who need to be in a home without either children/cats/other dogs.

If you would like to be a foster home please fill out our adoption/foster application. A one-time $25 processing fee is required for all adoption/foster applications. The fee is non-refundable. It is needed to help us defray the costs of completing the application process.

When you click “SUBMIT” you will be prompted to pay the fee through PayPal (it will be dropped in your cart). If you do not have a PayPal account, please contact GRRSWF's Adoption Team at grrswf.adoptions@gmail.com. You will be contacted to take your credit card payment. Your application cannot be processed without confirmation of payment.

Approval of that application will depend on results of past/current veterinarian care, an interview, and a home visit by a GRRSWF volunteer.

Assuming you are approved to foster, a volunteer will call you when a Golden needs fostering. GRRSWF makes every effort to ensure that you foster a dog whose needs and characteristics are compatible with you, your family and lifestyle. When the dog comes to you he will have been to a vet where he will have a thorough medical exam and brought current on all his vaccinations, microchipped, and neutered/spayed, if necessary.

During the period of fostering GRRSWF will cover all pre-approved veterinary costs, medications, heartworm preventative, flea/tick control. A collar & leash with GRRSWF ID tag will also be provided.

You will cover the cost of food and any toys you choose to purchase for him. Charges that you incur can probably be considered charitable donations and therefore tax deductible. You should check with your accountant or tax attorney to verify, however.

The dog will be with you for a minimum evaluation period of two weeks, during which time we will ask that you evaluate his personality, likes/dislikes, needs, behavioral patterns, overall temperament, and we will ask you to consider what sort of family would be best for him. You will report all you learn about him to the GRRSWF Foster Coordinator. This will allow him/her to evaluate which applicants would be most suitable for the dog.

During his stay with you, you will be responsible for:

  • Daily feeding, walking and exercising (dog MUST be kept on leash when outdoors if not in a fenced-in yard)
  • Reinforcing basic obedience commands and housetraining, if necessary
  • Basic grooming such as brushing and baths
  • Providing an abundance of love and attention

 

The duration of his stay with you may range from as short as two weeks to a few months. All the while, you'll have the support of a truly experienced, reliable and responsive GRRSWF volunteers, and other fosters, upon whose knowledge you can draw at any time.

When a potential adoptive family has been identified and approved, you will be asked to meet with the family and introduce your foster dog to them. This usually happens in your home, as this is the location in which your dog is most comfortable and allows the new family to meet him in a relaxed setting. However, other options may need to be discussed.

While the potential adopters meet with the dog, you will have an opportunity to interview them and see their interaction with the dog. You will know your foster dog best. You are his advocate. Even though the family has been approved by GRRSWF, if you are not completely comfortable with this family taking him, you have the right to advise GRRSWF of your opinion. If you do not want the dog to go to this family, you just let your GRRSWF Representative know. We will certainly take your judgment into serious consideration. For you this is a judgment call – for the Golden, it is his life.

If you approve of the adoptive family, then they may take the dog home with them that day, or they may ask to wait in order to think it over or prepare for his arrival. You will give the new family all the information that you have gathered about the dog. If the adoption is being completed at that time, you will review the adoption contract with them and execute it. You will collect the adoption fee and send both the contract and check to GRRSWF. The dog will then leave with his new family.

Goldens are highly adaptable to new circumstances and bond quickly with new people. Your foster dog will likely leave without a backward glance. This is not necessarily the most flattering for you, it is a testament to the fact that you have taken a frightened, confused rescue and turned him into a happy, confident dog ready to join his new family and start a wonderful new life. You will now have a space in your home, and your heart, for the next Golden who needs you.

 

If you are interested in learning more about fostering a Golden, or are ready to open your home to one, please contact us at info@grrswf.org

Please click HERE to fill out the foster application