According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats).
GRRR rehabilitates and rehomes approximately 300 dogs per year; that’s over 6,000 dogs since it was founded in 1996.
Foster A Dog
Click here to fill out a Foster Team application. Please understand that GRRRs need for foster homes is rare. The flow of dogs coming in is very unpredictable and therefore there is no way to know when a foster home may be needed.
Foster Parents are required to be a GRRR member and to attend a foster training class (held quarterly) before fostering. The Foster Home Coordinator will also be available for advice and support.
GRRR pays for veterinary care and any necessary grooming while a guest in your home. All you need to provide is a place in your home, food, exercise and a lot of love.
Also required is the ability to bring your foster dog to GRRR to meet potential adopters. On occassion, this notice could be as little as 24 hours.
Remember, you must be a GRRR member before you can foster – please click here to join the GRRR family.
GRRR foster parents Deb Kneale, Bob Jorgensen, and Pico
Dog Fostering FAQ’s
Does GRRR need foster homes often?
Since we are fortunate to have a wonderful facility, it is rare that we need additional foster homes. We do not know when dogs are coming in until 24 hours (or less) before they arrive. It is very unpredictable and difficult to determine if a large number of dogs will come in and put us in a position to need additional foster homes.
Is fostering the right choice for me?
Fostering is a very important volunteer position within GRRR. It takes a commitment of time, hard work and dedication to foster a dog and to get it ready to live in a forever home.
Do I need training to foster a dog?
Yes, our onsite caregiver will provide you with training and what you need to know about the specific dog.
What kinds of dogs will I foster?
A lot of dogs coming into our rescue are adult or senior dogs. We get very few puppies surrendered to us. We never know what ages we will get in rescue or what their stories are.
What responsibilities will I have while fostering?
You will need to provide basic care such as food, water, shelter, grooming, and exercise. The cost of vet care is provided by GRRR, but all arrangements must be made through the rescue prior to seeing the vet. The most important thing you need to provide is love and attention.
Additionally, you will need to be available to bring dogs to GRRR to meet potentional adopters. This request can be with as little as 24 hours notice.
Lastly, what other requirements are there in order for me to foster a dog?
When applying to foster you are also agreeing to adhere to all relevant zoning and animal control codes and ordinances, whether local, county, or state.
Due to liability, we require membership for anyone having direct interaction with our dogs. This meets the requirements of our liability insurance.
REWARDS OF FOSTERING
Fostering for GRRR
by Deb Kneale
One of my favorite Curly Girl cards says, “She sometimes prefers the company of a dog.” We volunteer for GRRR as foster parents not for the sake of volunteering, but because it is a good match with our personalities.
Bob and I are able to provide a safe happy environment for dogs in transition. Our lifestyle offers time flexibility and our home, shop and yard are conducive to having multiple dogs. Our three GRRR “foster failures” (ones we have adopted that came to us as fosters) help uneasy dogs feel more secure. Our boys help the new guys learn to trust and play. They share toys, beds, their parents and each other. We are rewarded by a sense of accomplishment as dogs evolve or mend physically and psychologically.
Our preference is to foster seniors, and being home all day allows Bob to administer meds. The seniors often take longer to be adopted, which allows us to observe their personalities and make recommendations about their special needs. We’ve also enjoyed the challenge of helping obese dogs take off weight and increase their mobility. Although we feel a long term sense of responsibility for our fosters, we are happy when they find that match with someone who will take them hiking, swimming, or just cuddle them on the couch.
We do it for the dogs, but we also are inspired by the many other volunteers who share a strong commitment to the purpose of this organization. In addition to spending time with so many wonderful dogs, we’ve met a lot of great people who share our passion.
I saved one dog and it didn’t change the world, but surely the world changed for that one dog.
If you have a question regarding fostering, please read our Fostering FAQs.