Dog Foster Process and FAQs

THANKS FOR THINKING ABOUT FOSTERING A DOG

HERE’S WHAT TO START THINKING ABOUT TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

So, you’ve been thinking about fostering for a while, eh? There’s a lot of benefits to fostering a dog. First and foremost, it helps a rescue dog in need of human support and further develops them to get ready for their furever family. What you may or may not know already is that fostering is actually quite affordable, preps you for adoption (if that’s what you’re considering down the road), and provides you that oh so fulfilling canine companionship. All in all, the foster process is nothing short of rewarding. We’d love to help you get you started on this journey if you think it could be a good fit for you.

What kind of foster dog parent do you want to be? This is something to consider as you make your way through the following steps and foster FAQs before filling out an application. Maybe you’re keen to foster young pups because you’re interested in teaching them basic training and watching them grow both physically and mentally. Maybe you’d like to foster a highly active dog because that works for you and the energetic lifestyle you already lead. Whatever the reason, we’re excited that it led you to this page.

Of course, we know there are lots of questions when it comes to fostering. Take a look at our process below! If you still have questions take a look at our Foster FAQs that follow.

foster process

SOS’s foster application process involves the following steps:

Understanding the commitment and setting expectations. Fostering a dog requires flexibility and we ask that you be open to fostering dogs that are of different sizes, ages, breeds, needs and abilities.
Learn What It Takes To Foster. The Foster Coordinator will send you our Foster Manual and training videos.
Confirming Your Availability. As new dogs are scheduled to arrive, we will contact you to see if you are available to foster.
Begin Fostering. After being paired with a dog, you will be contacted to arrange a pick-up and drop-off time for the dog as well as supplies.

Are you interested in beginning your foster journey? We’re so excited for you! Please fill out the Foster Application by clicking the button below.

Foster Application

Not able to fully commit to foster but have some free days, weekends or weeks to watch a Scruff? Join our babysitting group!

FOSTER FAQS

+ Where are you located?

SOS does not have a facility. We prefer to see dogs in foster homes to adjust to their new surroundings as we learn what a suitable furever home looks like. Our dogs are fostered throughout cities in Southern Ontario.

+ HOW LONG DO FOSTERS TYPICALLY TAKE TO GET ADOPTED?

It varies! But usually around 2-3 months. After the dog has a chance to settle in & decompress for about 2 weeks, we get a pup-update from the foster and also make sure vetting is complete (which could take a week or so longer depending on the number of dogs that arrive & the foster’s schedule). They let us know at that time if they (or a family/friend) would like to apply to adopt. If not, we check our waitlist for any potential matches and if there are none, we draft a bio and post the dog for adoption. This is where timing really varies as it is totally dependent on when someone applies for the dog. There are many things that affect how quickly a dog is adopted. Things like high-quality photos, commitment to working through and progress with behaviour challenges (we have lots of resources to help you with this!), promoting your foster to friends, family and strangers, and flexibility to meet up with trainers or photographers as needed will all help get your foster pup in their forever home ASAP. Once someone applies, it usually takes about 2 weeks to complete all of the steps (interview, reference checks, meet & greet, contract & fee) before the dog is ready to move to their trial adoption home.

+ WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO FOSTERS NEED?

We accept fosters at all experience levels. First-time dog owners are accepted and encouraged. But being open-minded to learn is key! We provide our fosters with the education to support their dog regardless of experience level, and set them up with a counsellor to offer support through the whole process. We can also offer a huge discount to an amazing online program that gives an incredible foundation, especially for those who are new to fostering or dogs in general.

+ WHERE ARE FOSTER DOGS FROM?

Most of our dogs arrive from our trusted partner rescues. Our organization is international, so we have dogs coming in from a variety of countries. Some of those countries include Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, the US, northern Canada, India and the Middle East. For more information, check out our Partner Rescues.

+ WHAT BREEDS ARE FOSTER DOGS?

Most of our dogs are mixed breeds descending from variations of Island dogs, or mutts mixed through procreation as strays. Common international mixes include Shepherd, Sighthound, Collie, Chihuahua, etc. Local rescues tend to be mixed with Shepherd, Husky, Rottie & Lab.

+ WHAT SIZE ARE FOSTER DOGS?

The dogs in our care are most commonly mixed breeds roughly 25lbs+ though we do occasionally take in dogs under 25lbs.

+ DO FOSTERS NEED TO HAVE A CAR?

We really love for our fosters to have access to a vehicle, but it’s not mandatory unless outside the greater Toronto area. Or, if you are fostering a mama with pups or a young litter you will need your own vehicle in case an emergency vet trip is needed. If you don’t have a car, it really helps us out if you reach out to your friends and family to help support with transporting your foster to and from the airport/vet appointment. Otherwise, we can support with transports.

+ WHAT SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED?

Dogs arrive at their foster homes with their necessary supplies provided. This includes a crate, food, martingale collar and leash. Sometimes, depending on the dog’s needs, they will have medication or other specific supplies with them as well.

Fosters are more than welcome to spoil their fosters however they see fit, and can purchase additional toys, treats, dog beds, clothing items, etc. at their expense if they wish.

+ WHAT KIND OF COSTS CAN FOSTERS EXPECT?

Save Our Scruff covers all essential supplies, vetting and other necessary services. Fosters can expect to purchase any fun extras they want to bring in for the dog out-of-pocket. There may also be moments where you run low on a supply and it may be within your ability to refill it (E.g. poop bags, food, etc). While we hope it never happens, you may be financially responsible for vet care resulting from negligence while in care (ie. your foster eating something toxic or getting injured at a dog park which is not a recommended space for fosters).

+ WHAT ABOUT VETTING?

Save Our Scruff will contact you to schedule a vet appointment for your foster at one of our approved vet clinics. If you take the dog to your own vet or even to one of our vets without our permission, we will not be able to reimburse the costs.

We have a Veterinary Care Advisor on staff to support any needs that arise. Their email & phone number will be provided at onboarding.

+ ARE OTHER DOGS OR CATS IN THE HOME OK?

Yes. Dogs are individually screened on a case-by-case basis to determine if the dog would not be well-suited for a home with other animals. We typically have limited knowledge of the dog’s behaviour before coming into our care, and the information that is shared is best represented in their current environment. We do our best to match fosters based on the information our partner rescues have given us as well as prepare the foster for the best plan to support all dogs adjust together in the home.

All dogs and cats in the household MUST be fully up to date on vaccines (especially rabies). They must also be on heartworm and tick + flea prevention before bringing an SOS dog into your home.

+ WHAT ABOUT KIDS?

Yes. Dogs are individually screened on a case-by-case basis to determine if the dog would not be well-suited for a home with children. We typically have limited knowledge of the dog’s behaviour before coming into our care, but we do our best to match fosters based on the information our partner rescues have given us. We also provide education on how to support both the dog & child together in the home.

You know your kid best. The decision to bring a foster dog into your home can depend on your child’s demeanor, energy level, as well as the child’s understanding of dogs and how to give them boundaries. Regardless, slow and calm introductions are a must.

+ WHAT HAPPENS IF FOSTER PARENTS TRAVEL AND REQUIRE A SITTER?

If you have to go out of town for any reason (work/vacation/etc) please let us know as soon as possible. We ask for advance notice as finding a sitter can require some coordination. Sitters must be pre-approved by us, but that could still include your family, friends, social circle after first connecting with us to discuss.

+ CAN FOSTER DOGS GO TO THE DOG PARK?

We do not allow you to bring your foster to a dog park. If you decide to use a dog park, we require you to cover all costs if any incidents occur. Your foster dog may behave well at home but that doesn’t mean the rest of the dogs will, or that your dog won’t jump in on a fight or jump a fence. We do not know the full background of our dogs and we want them to feel and be as safe as possible.

+ HOW DOES THE MEET & GREET WORK?

Once the dog has an adoption pending, Save Our Scruff will arrange a meeting between the foster parents, the potential adopters, all family members in the adoptive home and, how could we forget, the dog. This is your chance to get a feel for the potential home and give feedback on whether you think it’s a good fit. It’s also an opportunity to answer questions they may have and offer advice. Right now, most meet and greets are taking place virtually but in person meet and greets can be arranged as well.

Fosters are not able to schedule meet and greets with potential applicants without discussing with their Scruff Counsellor. We pre-screen applicants before we schedule a meet and greet. If a friend, family member or co-worker wants to adopt your foster dog we recommend discussing with your Counsellor so everyone is in the loop and the appropriate steps can be taken.

After a meet and greet with a potential adopter, please share your feedback with us — we will take your thoughts and insight into consideration in selecting the best home for your foster dog. After all, you live with them!

+ HOW DOES THE HAND-OFF WORK?

Depending on a variety of factors including the location of foster and adopter, everyone’s comfort levels and vetting needs, the hand-off can either take place at the foster home or at Lakeview Animal Hospital. Do not transfer your dog to an adopter until you have approval to do so from Save our Scruff.

+ WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FOSTER DOG IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR THE HOME?

It happens. Sometimes it just doesn’t work for either the foster or the dog.

If you find yourself having issues or need advice, please reach out to your Foster Counsellor. We may ask that you continue to foster the dog until we can find another foster home.

We typically avoid moving dogs from foster home to foster home as much as possible once they have been placed in care because it adds unnecessary stress to the dog in an already new and stressful situation.

All fosters are also provided with our staff contact information for any emergencies that arise.

+ OOPS, I FELL IN LOVE WITH MY FOSTER. CAN I ADOPT?

Sometimes the dog is just the perfect fit for your home and you realize you cannot imagine life without them.

You absolutely can apply to adopt your foster dog.

You have two-weeks from when you receive your foster to decide if you'd like to adopt your foster before we place them as available. We require all fosters go through the full adoption process, which includes a phone interview with an Adoption Counsellor and an adoption fee.

After you, anyone in your social circle can also apply to adopt, before we would move forward with posting a dog at the general two week mark.

+ WHAT ARE A FOSTER’S RESPONSIBILITIES?

Fosters provide shelter, love and care until the dog is adopted. This includes:

Basic training (house training, crate training, basic commands, structure and boundaries)
Being able to pick up the dog from airport or being available on arrival for a transport volunteer to drop off the dog and their supplies
Bringing the dog to vet appointments, as needed or helping us coordinate with a transporter
Picking up any additional/refill supplies as requested
Attending adoption events with your pup when requested
Providing updates, pictures and review bios of the foster dog
Meeting with potential adopters (meet & greets and informal meetings)
Tagging @saveourscruff and using #saveourscruff for any uploads on social media

+ I’VE READ OVER ALL OF THE FAQS AND STILL HAVE A QUESTION THAT HASN’T BEEN ANSWERED. WHO CAN I CONTACT WITH MY QUESTION?

Please reach out to our Foster Coordinator at foster@saveourscruff.org It could take up to 5 days for one of our volunteers to get back to you. Remember to check your junk folder, too, in case an email from SOS ends up there.

Experienced Fosters Needed

We are always accepting foster applications for experienced dog handlers who are comfortable working with behaviours such as resource guarding, leash reactivity or dogs with bite histories. Email foster@saveourscruff.org if this is you.

SENIORS & PREGNANT MOMS / LITTERS

Save Our Scruff is also always looking for experienced fosters willing to bring in senior dogs or pregnant moms and/or litters of puppies.

Dogs on both sides of life are among the most vulnerable to come into our care and we make it our mission to ensure these dogs get the same opportunities to find their furever home.

Thinking about opening your home to either a senior or a pregnant mom/her puppies? Here’s what to expect.

+ SENIORS

Senior dogs can vary pretty dramatically in terms of temperament, energy level and medical needs. And even age! We’re hesitant to define “senior” with a designated number, because depending on breed and circumstance, some dogs may be considered senior at a different age than others. Like all the dogs that enter our care, our seniors are considered on a case-by-case basis, and matched with homes that best fit their ideal situation.

The individual needs for each senior can be anything from mobility issues, hearing or vision challenges, skin issues, specific diets and more. Each senior’s level of care could be totally different, but there are a few things a senior’s ideal home will have in common:

Calm, quiet household. Senior dogs typically need more rest than younger dogs, and tend to do better in a home that doesn’t have too much action.
Committed handlers. Senior dogs can have any range of health concerns or other challenges. Fosters to seniors will need to be cognizant of any specific challenges and should be prepared to advocate for the dog’s wellbeing. This could also mean more frequent trips to the vet.
Few stairs or other obstacles. As dogs get older, they may have more difficulty with stairs or other obstacles inside a home. In an ideal situation, a foster home for a senior would ideally be accessible for the dog to move about safely.

Fostering or adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences. And they might surprise you with how much energy, love and zest for life they’ve still got in them.

+ PREGNANT DOGS / LITTERS

Fostering a pregnant dog is similar to fostering any other dog. She may require more sleep and likely will not have the energy to go for long, strenuous walks. But she’ll need short walks, some play, lots of naps and regular feeding. She will also need a few extra trips to the vet, and must live with a foster who is home most of the time to keep an eye on her.

The same goes for after the pups are born. Puppies require lots of care and close attention, so they need a foster who is available at all times. Fosters of litters should also be flexible and easygoing — newborn puppies are messy and noisy…and it’s all part of the fun, right?

Pregnant dogs in our care are typically large breeds (i.e. husky/lab/shepherd/hound mixes). We are looking for people with flexible schedules, no small children or small animals (including small dogs) in the home, and who have cars in case of emergency. We require all fosters to be able to transport mom and puppies to our vet in Mississauga every two weeks.

Here’s what a pregnant mom & her litter are looking for in a foster home:

Calm, quiet household. Like seniors, moms & litters thrive in homes that don’t have too much commotion. A relaxed environment where the mom can calmly have & raise her puppies is ideal.
Flexible, patient handler. We do not require fosters to have experience with pregnant dogs & litters, but fosters must be flexible, patient and open to new experiences. No small children or small animals in the home is also a must.
Detached home. Fosters of pregnant dogs and litters must be in a detached space, as puppies can be very noisy. Backyard/outdoor space is not required, but is definitely a plus, as it can be helpful to have that extra space for the puppies.
Designated space for mom & litter. A quiet area of the home where the mom can have her puppies peacefully, and can be with the new pups in her own designated space.
Must have a car. Fosters of pregnant moms/litters must have a car that they are able to use in case of emergency vet visits.