FOSTER
HOPE Fosters is the foster program for HOPE Animal Shelter. Founded in June 2019, HOPE Fosters is run entirely by volunteers and supports HOPE Animal Shelter's lifesaving mission by placing dogs in foster homes until they are adopted. Foster homes create more space for our shelter to take in other dogs and allows for dogs to be moved to a home environment for more socialization or for special needs (like moms with babies).
The main focus of the foster program is to save dogs in rural shelters and at risk of euthanasia due to lack of space. These dogs often need medical care beyond the normal vaccinations, spaying, and neutering. Each dog receives the medical care and socialization needed before going to its forever home.
The foster team is small, consisting of about 10 active foster homes at any given time. In our first two years, we saved 178 dogs with this small, dedicated team. We are very proud of our team, and so grateful for each and every volunteer!
What's so great about fostering a dog?
Easy - the unbelievable dog love you get for your effort.
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Fostering gives a dog a second chance at life by getting them out of a shelter, and also saves another dog who may not have lived unless a place in a shelter became available for them.
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Fostering a dog is a wonderful, life-affirming project for the entire family
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Fostering a dog costs next to nothing.
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Fostering a dog is fun, rewarding and meaningful.
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Fostering can be done anywhere - in a city or suburb, a house or apartment.
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Fostering a dog can take place whenever you are ready.
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Fostering a dog offers the company of canines to those unable to make a long-term commitment.
What is involved in fostering?
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HOPE provides a crate, dog food, vaccines, alters, microchips, and any other medical necessities required under your care.
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The length of the fostering experience can vary from one week for an adult dog, if they get adopted right away and 10-14 days for puppies.
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You can ask for a dog who fits your lifestyle and home environment – puppies, small dogs, big dogs, older dogs, different energy levels, shedding levels and more.
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You can foster when it's convenient for you - over summer vacation, a long holiday or whenever.
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It's fine if you already have a dog, as long as your dog and the foster dog are both healthy and well behaved around other dogs.
How do I get started?
Step 1: Fill out the Foster Application online
Step 2: Have a phone call with the Foster Coordinator.
Step 3: Have a home visit with one of our trained volunteers.
Step 4: Meet us at a shelter transport arrival or adoption event and take your HOPE foster dog.
HOPE's Commitment to You and Your Foster Dog
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We provide routine and emergency medical care at one of our fantastic partner vets...at no cost to you.
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We provide essential supplies, including food and crates
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We let the world know that your HOPE foster dog is looking for a permanent home by posting him or her on multiple websites.
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We hold adoption events every weekend - a great way to find loving homes for your foster dogs.
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Our network of volunteers are here to answer questions, screen potential adopters, help transport your dog when you are unable, and do anything we can to make fostering a great experience!
Your Commitment to Your HOPE Foster Dog
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You provide daily care for your HOPE foster.
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You provide unconditional love and affection.
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You bring your foster to at least two adoption events a month.
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You help your adoption coordinator by providing up-to-date information and photos of your foster pet. And, if you'd like, you can participate in screening potential adopters and marketing your foster dog or cat for adoption.
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Most importantly, you let us know if you need help!