FOSTERING

First and foremost a foster home is a temporary home for a dog before he or she is adopted. If you want to foster it should be with the understanding that the dog will only be with you a relatively short period of time.  You are helping the dog make the transition to an adoptive home. 

We usually have a significant adoption waiting list. Because of that many dogs we take in go straight into what we hope will be their permanent home as a foster-to-adopt. As a foster home, 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 children, cats or other dogs. 

If you would like to be a foster home please fill out and submit 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, you can use your credit card here for 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 or she may have been to a vet for a thorough medical exam and brought current on all vaccinations, microchipped, and neutered/spayed, if necessary.  If not, this likely will be done while in your care.

During the period of fostering GRRSWF will cover all veterinary costs, medications, heartworm preventative, flea/tick control.  It should be noted that fosters do not make medical decisions about the dog's care. That is the responsibility of our Medical Team. They can however always make recommendations regarding anything they note.

You will cover the cost of food and any toys you choose to purchase. Costs 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 us to evaluate which applicants would be most suitable for the dog.

During the dog's stay 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

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 or her, you have the right to advise GRRSWF of your opinion.  If you do not want the dog to go to this family, 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 the rest of his or her 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 or her 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 have been emailed an adoption contract by our Adoption Team.  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, but it is a testament to the fact that you have taken a frightened, confused rescue and turned him or her into a happy, confident dog ready to join a 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 your help.