Arizona Small Dog Rescue is always in need of fosters. We need foster homes Valley-wide to help save more lives and to give these sweet angels some extra love until a forever home is found. We have puppies, mom and pups, seniors, large dogs and medical dogs that need fosters.

We pay for all medical expenses while your foster dog is with you. We can also provide you with a kennel and food for your foster if requested.

Your responsibility as a foster to get to know the dog so we can have an accurate evaluation that will help us match the dog with the right family. Some dogs come from bad situations and may need some extra TLC before they can go up for adoption.

If you would like to foster to a dog in need please click on the Foster contract below. You can either download the pdf, print it and fax it back, or fill out the online contract.

Here are a few things to consider if your'e thinking about fostering:

Are you able to separate the foster pets from your own? You should have a place where you can isolate your foster pet from your own companion animals. A separate room or enclosed area with no carpet will work best. The foster needs to also make sure their own pets are up-to-date on all vaccinations before they can foster.

Are you aware that there is a great deal of clean-up and even possible damage to your home when you foster a pet? Foster pets can ruin drapes, carpeting, clothing, and other valuable items. Preparing your home and the area where the dog will be will help prevent most accidents, but not all of them!

Are you able to monitor the health of the foster pet? You will need to pay attention to signs of illness or worsening of symptoms and call the shelter or rescue group if you are concerned. Before taking in a foster, ask the foster care coordinator what to look for. If you see troubling signs, the coordinator will help you decide if you should bring the animal in for treatment.

Can you get to the shelter’s vet quickly in case of an emergency? Our shelter works with a vet who will treat your foster pet at no charge to you. If the animal you are fostering needs medical attention, contact your foster coordinator for approval and then transport the animal to the vet's office or shelter for care.

Are you emotionally prepared to return the pet after the foster period is up? It can be very difficult to let go once you have become emotionally attached to an animal! Be prepared for tears and heartache when the day comes that you must bring your first foster pet back to the shelter or to new Adopter. But remember, he or she is now much more likely to find a loving, permanent home because of YOUR care!

Do you feel comfortable explaining to friends that these pets are not yours to adopt out and that they must go through the regular adoption process at the shelter? If you are interested in helping to find a home for your foster pet, educate your friends and family about the shelter's adoption process.

Qualifications: To be a successful foster parent, you will need a compassionate nature, the cooperation of your family or roommates, flexibility, and some knowledge of animal behavior. You also must understand that there is a possibility that the foster pet may or may not be adopted for a while. The length of time a foster pet may stay in foster care varies with each animal.

You will need to complete and understand the foster application and may be asked to attend a training session. The Shelter has the right to conduct a home visit prior to your receiving your first foster pet.

 

Foster Policies and Procedures

Our foster coordinator will work with you to identify the type of pet you should foster (puppies, small dogs or large dogs). The coordinator will contact you when a suitable pet is in need of fostering or you can offer to foster a certain dog on the shelter's Facebook page.

Preparing Your Home: If you are fostering puppies, remember that they will play or chew anything they can find, including drapes, electrical cords and lampshades. Make sure to puppy-proof your home.

Supplies You May Need: A “house” for the pet: You can use the carrier in which you took the animal home, a crate or a cardboard box — anything that will provide the pet a familiar-smelling, dark, quiet refuge.

Water: Provide access to water at all times. Remember, young animals can drown, so make sure the bowl is very shallow.

Food: Many brands of food carried at the pet stores tend to be more nutrious than grocery store brands. The shelter will tell you if the pet you are fostering needs any other special food. Food can be supplied if requested.

When to Return a Foster Pet to the Shelter: Sometimes it is difficult for shelter to predict the exact date when the pet will be available. Several factors contribute to this decision:

1. Are the animals healthy and recovered fully from any illness?
2. Are the puppies successfully weaned from their mother?
3. Is there room at the shelter?

Please stay in contact with the foster coordinator to discuss dates of vaccines, neuter/spay and vet checks. Your flexibility and patience are always appreciated!

Download and print PDF

Online contract