FOSTER A DOG

Hey Kim and Crew!

Hope the holiday season has treated you well. I just wanted to pass along a heartfelt thank you from a past foster parent for the lasting smiles and warm memories you’ve helped cultivate over the past few years.

Moving away from a home full of furry friends, the jump to university seemed just that little bit tougher in the absence of these comforting little creatures. Then one day, by the luck of an overheard conversation, the possibility of fostering dawned on the horizon. Call it happenstance, think of it as fate, regardless of the why it was the many little who’s scattered throughout the next few years that made this journey what it has been.

Adventures throughout the various local trails now summon memories of all the little pups. Solo hikes just aren’t quite the same with out bounding paw prints leading the way. Each different being that passed through my life left a unique and defining mark. Recalling each by name, these dogs taught me lessons well beyond the textbook: patience and determination, loyalty, and the importance of laughter. The value of trust had never been so apparent as it blossomed through the snuggles and cuddles warranted after many hours of sitting on the floor simply being in each other’s company. Adapting to the needs of each new little family member, lessons of meeting one where they’re at replaced predetermined expectations and fostered a more welcoming disposition across my day to day. Above all else, I’m indebted for the gift of companionship I could never repay.

Along with these furry friendships come some of the most cherished relationships between new adoptive families. Connections have been forged and life long friendships have been found in some of my newly adoptive families! I know the dogs are the highlight of the process, watching them grow and come into each treasured personality is an unparalleled experience if only for a short while. Involvement in each unique journey is a humbling and deeply gratifying experience so thank you Kim. And thank you to everyone so incredibly dedicated to the process, who keeps the wheels rolling, pups fed and new families smiling. Thank you for allowing me the insane privilege of feeling such a purpose through these pups. It’s been an honour. Thank you for all the positive ways they’ve impacted my life and for the many tears that come from an amazing opportunity to feel so deeply. 

Fostering is an experience that has forever changed me and one I will be unwaveringly grateful for. Thank you for offering an outlet of hope for these precious little beings and an amazing opportunity for us foster parents. It truly is a superpower. 

With profound gratitude and sincerest wishes, may you continue to be a shining light.

~ A most grateful foster parent

Thank you!

Copy and paste the following onto the body of your email and fill it in there. We'll still take the time to read through your application! 

When done, print FOSTER APPLICATION in the subject of your email and send it to info@paws4love.ca

Email: 

Name:

Address including street, city or town, province, postal code:

How did you hear about Paws For Love Dog Rescue, Thunder Bay?

Age:

Have you adopted a dog through Paws for Love before? Print YES or NO. If YES, provide name(s) of dog(s) and approximate date(s) of adoption.

Have you ever been convicted or charged with animal cruelty? Print YES or NO. If YES, explain.

Employment status: If employed, provide name and phone number of employer. If not employed print UNEMPLOYED or RETIRED

Do you currently or have owned a pet before?

If yes, provide details including type of pet(s), if you currently own them now, length of time owned, and what happened to them if they are no longer with you. 

Are all of your pets spayed or neutered? If not, explain why:

Are all vaccinations up to date? If not, explain why. 

Do your dogs get along with other dogs?

Are your cats ‘dog savvy’?

If you have other pets, how will you introduce your foster dog to them? If you don't have any pets print N/A.

Can you isolate the foster dog from your other pets initially or in the event that they cannot get along?

Please provide clinic name and length of time you have been with your current/last veterinarian: 

May we contact them as a reference?

If no, why not? 

Are you willing and able to transport your foster dog to approved clinics for booster shots or other medical needs that may arise while the animal is in your care?

Do you have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license?

If you do not have a valid driver’s license, are you able to arrange for your own transport to and from the vet clinic?

If you can arrange alternative means of transport, please explain. 

How many foster animals can you take in? 

Do you prefer to foster: 

Puppies? Adults? Either?

Are you willing to foster an animal in your care for as long as it takes for an adoption to take place, barring unusual circumstances?

Please describe your thoughts about the most important responsibilities for a foster parent:

Have you ever fostered for any other rescue group before?

If you have fostered for other groups, please explain. .

What type of home do you live in?

House? Townhouse? Apartment? Condo? Trailer? Other?

Do you own or rent?

If you rent, do you have the landlord’s permission to foster pets?.

Do you have a fully fenced in yard? If yes, provide dimensions and height:

How will you handle the dog’s exercise/toilet needs? 

Are there any home circumstances or situations that we should be aware of?

Number of adults in dwelling (over 18) including self:

Do you have children? If yes, what are their ages? 

Are all members of your family in agreement with the application to foster a dog and aware of the commitment involved there-in?

Do you or any of your family have any ongoing medical conditions or physical limitations? Explain.

Who will be the dog’s primary caregiver?

Are you willing to work with the foster dog on housebreaking issues or other potential issues that may arise (i.e. medications, de-worming, bathing, chewing/teething, diarrhea, lice/fleas/ticks/worms/mange)?

What does your family have to offer this dog?

On average how many hours will your foster dog be alone during weekdays? Weekends? Evenings?

Where will the dog spend most of the day? Loose in house? Crate in house? Inside garage? Fenced in kennel or run? Fenced yard? Loose outside? Tied outside? Other? If other, explain:

Where will the dog spend most of the night? Loose in house? Crate in house? Inside garage? Fenced in kennel or run? Fenced yard? Loose outside? Tied outside? Other? If other, explain:

When you go on vacation or are away, who will care for the dog?

Are you willing to let a representative from Paws for Love Dog Rescue Thunder Bay visit your home by appointment? If no, explain:

What do you know about the proper use of a crate and how do you feel about the use of a crate?

When a PFL dog comes into the rescuer's care, the dog may be dirty, have fleas, or an undiagnosed illness or infection. You may need to treat, care for, bathe and transport your foster dog to a PFL approved vet for necessary medical care. Some foster dogs may have behavioural issues to start. These might include things such as house training, barking, submissive urination, territorial issues or separation anxiety. Do you feel capable and prepared to deal with any behavioural issues and work to rehabilitate your foster dog?

If a behavioural problem arise, what steps would you take to remedy the situation?

Please list any circumstance such as a particular behaviour that would cause you to refuse to foster a dog, or cause you to ask that the rescue move your foster to another home:

I agree to ‘puppy/dog proof’ my home and remove and/or store/lock up items which could cause harm to the dog if ingested ie chemicals, small items, inappropriate food. (yes or no)

I am willing to take the time to work with my foster dog on housebreaking issues or others issues as they arise. (yes or no)

I understand and accept that puppies and dogs can cause damage to carpets, furniture, vehicles and belongings. (Animals can get into anything and find anything to chew including cell phones, remote controls, purses, shoes, ornaments etc. Animals can jump on vehicles and scratch paint, chew interior, seatbelts etc.) (yes or no)

I personally guarantee that my resident pets are up-to-date with vaccinations and in good health. (yes or no)

I agree that Paws for Love Dog Rescue Thunder Bay will not be held responsible for any damages brought to the house or inhabitants as a result of my decision to foster an animal. (yes or no)

I understand that many of our rescue dogs come with underlying issues such as total lack of human contact which leads them to be: timid, unsure of most situations, unapproachable, etc. and I am willing to put the time and energy into working with this dog on such issues. (yes or no)

I understand that most rescued animals have not been vaccinated, dewormed or spayed/neutered when they arrive into care. ( PFL will provide all necessary required veterinary care. However there is a possibility that your foster dog may be carrying parasites such as worms, fleas, lice, ticks, or mange when it arrives in your home. In unusual circumstances, it could also be carrying diseases which is why we insist that all your animals be up to date on their vaccinations and deworming. In addition we ask that your foster animal be separated from other animals in your home until it has been checked by a veterinarian (yes or no)

I agree to give adequate notice (more than two weeks if possible) should I need temporary care for my foster animal. (yes or no)

I agree to give adequate notice (more than two weeks if possible) and to return the dog to PFL, if I am no longer able to care for the foster dog. (yes or no)

I agree that any property such as equipment, material, donations or identification issued by Paws for Love Dog Rescue Thunder Bay remains the property of said and is to be returned upon my resignation, termination or on demand. (yes or no)

I understand that omission of information and/or failure to answer all of the questions can result in this application being denied, and also, if an omission or untruth is discovered after the placement of the animal, that Paws for Love Dog Rescue Thunder Bay has the right to remove the animal and issued equipment from my care. (yes or no)