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Learn About Dog Fostering in Bellingham

by Neighborhood-Kids.com9/17/2009 10:26:59 AM

Has your family considered hosting a foster dog?

Animals can make an amazing addition to a family. Taking care of a pet can help kids learn responsibility and medical research has shown that animal companionship can improve a person's lifelong physical and mental health.

If you’ve considered adopting a rescue dog from a local shelter, take a moment to consider a similar but less permanent option with dog fostering.

Naomi Pollack, Alternative Humane Society President and Education & Communications Team Leader, took the time to address a few questions that families may have if they’re thinking of hosting a foster dog.

Neighborhood-Kids.com: What should a family consider before bringing a foster dog into their home?

Alterative Humane Society: Families should consider the impact of a new pet, even if it’s only there for a short time, on the balance of their home, especially if they already own pets. Sometimes it can be difficult for other animal and human family members to adjust. The type of dog you foster can make a big difference in your fostering experience, which is why we try to make the best "match" possible. We want fostering to be a pleasant experience for our foster families and our dogs.

Some families want to foster in order to "try out" having a dog. Fostering can be a good way to see what it's like to have a dog; however, we want people to understand that the purpose of fostering is to find the dog its lifelong home, not just to have fun with the cute puppies or to try out a new breed. Families should be prepared to accept a foster dog that may not be exactly what they had in mind when they first decided to foster. But each dog is wonderful, and you will probably fall in love!

NK: How long does a family usually provide a foster home for a dog?

AHS: On average, a month. This is a very rough average, though, and it really depends on the age, breed, and specific characteristics of the dog. Puppies are usually adopted as soon as they are old enough and have all their shots; if you're fostering a litter of puppies, you can count on them being gone by about 12 weeks of age. More popular breeds of dogs are also adopted very quickly. Dogs with special needs, health issues, or specific needs in a home (no children, no cats, etc.) can often take longer to find homes.

NK: What if a family wants to adopt the dog they have been fostering?

It's common for foster families to get attached to their new furry friends.

AHS: Sometimes it's hard to let your foster dog go, especially if it has been with you for awhile. We want to find the right match for all of our dogs, and no one can deny when love is love!

Foster families often adopt their foster dogs and while we're thrilled that a dog has found a great home, it often means that the family can't foster another dog. We lose a lot of foster homes to "adoption attrition." Every situation is different, and we certainly don't prohibit foster families from adopting their dogs. We just ask fosters to consider how many more dogs they could help by continuing to foster.

We encourage families to make a commitment to not adopt their first foster dog. Many foster families have found that it's easier to let the dogs go as they get used to the process. Of course, if they are willing to keep fostering after they adopt their dog, then we have the best of both worlds! At least until a family has adopted six dogs and can no longer foster…

NK: What is the process for fostering a dog?

AHS: The first step for an interested family or individual is to fill out a foster home application. A good place to pick up an application is at the Adopt-a-Thon at Ruff Day Doggie Daycare on the second Sunday of every month from 11 AM to 2 PM.

The foster home intake coordinator will review your application and arrange a home visit. It's essential that we visit your home so we can make sure it is a safe environment for our foster dogs, and to get to know your family, other pets, and the specific conditions of your house. This makes it easier for us to decide which dog to place with you. Sometimes we will suggest some changes or improvements—fence repairs, for example—that will enhance the fostering experience.

We can supply food, kennels, toys, and other supplies. If a family wants to donate these items, we always welcome that too.

NK: Any other information about the Alternative Humane Society and dog fostering that you would like to share?

AHS: Fostering is very important! Without foster homes it would be much more difficult to find as many homes for dogs as we do. Fostering is an integral part of what the Alternative Humane Society does. We don't just rescue dogs, we rehabilitate them.

Many of our foster dogs come from good homes and just need help finding their next good home. Other dogs come from bad situations where they have not received the proper exercise, discipline, and affection to become the healthy, balanced dogs that they should be.

In these cases, our foster homes have the opportunity to rehabilitate these dogs and really change their lives. Sometimes it's as simple as setting boundaries in the home, going for regular walks, and teaching basic obedience. In other cases, dogs need serious behavioral rehabilitation.

Living in a home, rather than a shelter, offers the dog the opportunity to learn and to become a healthy, happy dog. It also gives AHS the opportunity to learn about the dog and its temperament so we can make the most appropriate placement.

For more information about dog fostering or pet adoption, visit Alternative Humane Society or call (360) 671-7445.