FOSTER WITH WAGGYTAIL
Apply to Foster
Waggytail Rescue does not have a physical shelter location. All of our animals are fostered by our amazing volunteers. Fostering saves lives and we could not do any of this without you!
Foster homes are the most essential part of Waggytail Rescue so we are always looking for new foster homes for current and future rescues!
*Or download the PDF Application here, and email to volunteer@waggytailrescue.org.
Foster FAQ
Why Foster?
Taking a scared and confused animal out of the shelter system and into a loving, private home gives them the opportunity to relax, recover and become the best version of themselves before adoption. Fostering dogs or cats that do not respond well to being in a shelter greatly increases their chance of adoption and avoids unnecessary euthanasia. By volunteering your time, energy, and patience as a foster parent, you can help put a dog/cat on the path towards a long and happy life in their forever home.
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What Does a Foster Parent Do?
Everything a responsible pet owner would do! Foster parents are responsible for feeding & providing water, exercising, socializing, and giving medication (when necessary) to your new furry friend. We request that fosters give us honest assessments of their foster pet's behavior and personality and, when necessary and with guidance from Waggytail, assist in basic house training and behavior modification. Fosters also take an active role in adoptions. We love hearing from our fosters, so please don't hesitate to share anything you feel we should know about your foster pet by emailing volunteer@waggytailrescue.org or contacting your assigned foster buddy.
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How Long Does Fostering Last?
This is a hard question to answer as some foster pets get adopted very quickly while others take a while to catch the eye of their future adopter. Generally, you can expect to foster for anywhere from 2 weeks to a month, but it may be longer. We ask that foster parents commit to their foster pet until they are adopted as it can be stressful for a dog/cat to move from home to home. However, with adequate notice, we will, of course, arrange alternative foster care if your circumstances do not allow you to continue caring for your foster pet.
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What Happens When My Foster Is Adopted?
For more information on the role of a foster parent in the adoption process please see our Foster Manual.
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What If I Want To Adopt My Foster?
We love it when this happens! Please fill in an adoption application, sign an adoption (Transfer) agreement and pay the appropriate adoption fee for the animal.
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Still have questions? Reach out to our foster team at volunteer@waggytailrescue.org!
Interested in Fostering to Adopt? Please review our Foster to Adopt FAQs!
Our Foster to Adopt program focuses on empowering potential adopters to welcome an animal into their home straight off of a transport or out of the shelter. You will have Waggytail's support through the fostering process and will get to be first in line to adopt your foster.
Waggytail Foster Manual
Whether this is your first time or you're a seasoned pro, please download and read our foster manual. There you'll find everything you need to know about fostering with Waggytail Rescue including recommended supplies, documentation, initial health assessments, training, common behavioral issues, and a foster's role in adoption.
WHY I FOSTER
Josephine & Sean
I've fostered 13 dogs to date and love the communication and how involved fosters can be with Waggytail. I was set up for success from day one - and it's been truly wonderful to see these dogs blossom.
Ashley
I foster because I wanted to give back after adopting my dog from the city shelter. It is so rewarding to know I’m helping to save a life and give a dog a chance to show their potential in a home.
