Fostering

Lizzy’s Lodge is in need of foster homes and depends on wonderful foster parents who can provide lots of love for a rescue dog. Foster parents are all volunteers. Having foster homes enables us to rescue dogs from shelters, often just prior to them being euthanized. Fostering is one of the best things you can do to help with the pet overpopulation problem in America.

1. Why foster?

Fostering is incredibly rewarding. By fostering a dog, you are saving it from being euthanized. You are also increasing its adoptability by teaching the dog to build a trusting bond with a human and teaching the dog basic manners.

2. What kinds of dogs need foster homes?

All kinds! We have dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities who need foster homes. Whether you prefer to host a big lazy dog who doesn’t need much exercise, a smaller pup who goes crazy over tennis balls, or a dog who would love a running buddy, we can find the right dog to match your household. Additionally, almost all of our adoptable dogs are dog-friendly and have been assessed to see if they get along with all types of dogs, so if you are looking for a sleepover friend for your dog, chances are we can find the right match.

All of our dogs are spayed or neutered, brought up to date on required vaccinations and microchipped prior to fostering and adoption. All available health records are provided.

3. What do I need to do when I foster?

The main thing you need to do is give your foster dog love! These dogs are seriously craving human attention after being in the shelter for a long period of time.

Foster dogs will also need exercise–usually time to run in a yard OR a good walk around the neighborhood.

Providing basic training to your foster can drastically increase adoptability. By teaching your dog basic manners when meeting new people and living in your house, you are increasing the chance of it finding a forever family. Combining strong boundaries with lots of love is the best way to keep your foster happy and maximize his/her adoption chances.

If you foster, you might have the dog for as little as 2 weeks or as long as a year. However, we can find alternative arrangements for your foster dog anytime with a week’s notice if you decide that fostering no longer works for you.

4. What is provided for the foster dog?

We provide routine and emergency medical care, and supplies such as collars, leashes, and crates. The only thing you provide is food and love. We conduct adoption events on weekends and can provide experts who can help you work through issues with your foster dog. We advertise your foster on multiple websites to find your foster a permanent home.

5. What if I need to go out of town?

We will be happy to make alternative arrangements for your foster dog should you ever have to go out of town.

6. What are the requirements?

After leaving the shelter, your foster dog will need extra love and care to learn how to live in a home and have good manners. Therefore, we prefer our fosters aren’t gone for more than 8 hours a day without the foster dog being checked on. If you work full time but can check on the dog during lunch, that’s great! Or, if you have a dog already and a dog walker could take the foster too, that would also work.

If you aren’t a candidate to do long-term fostering, we always need temporary fosters. You can take a  foster dog in for a day or for a few days while their foster parent is out of town or while we seek full time fosters.

Fosters don’t need to have a big house or a yard. These rescue dogs just need love and exercise, and structured walks are a great way to do it.

7. What if I fall in love with my foster dog?

If someone wants to adopt your foster dog and you feel like you just can’t give them up–we understand! You always have the first right to adopt the pooch. If you decide to let your dog go to a new family, please know that we want you to participate in the re-settling process if you wish, including meeting the prospective family and joining the home visit team.  You will know your foster dog the best so we value your feedback is helping him/her to settle happily into a new home. Also, we will follow-up with the adopters in the future and send you adorable pictures of your previous foster living in his or her new home.

8. Okay I am interested–how do I find out more?

Please email lizzyslodgerescue@gmail.com to let us know you are interested. In the email, please tell us a little about yourself and your dog experience and what types of dogs you would be interested in fostering. One of our head volunteers will get back to you within 1-2 days to schedule a time to talk about next steps on the phone.