EHR FOSTER PROGRAM - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

* What does a foster home do?

A foster is a temporary placement for our dogs. The foster home, foster parents, will be responsible for basic housetraining, socialization, health care, and temperament assessment of a placed dog. The foster family is the 'advocate' for the dog for potential adopters. We rely on our foster homes to assess the personality of the dog, identify any behavioral issues that need to be worked on, etc. Therefore, we like the dogs to be walked (how are they on the leash?), socialized with other dogs and people, etc. Some dogs may need to be housebroken or crate-trained (they are more adoptable). The more information the foster home can provide us, the more likely the ultimate placement of the dog is successful. Fostering is a very fulfilling way to help out. If you've thought about adopting a pet, but aren't quite sure what breed is best for you, fostering is a wonderful way to try out different types of animals and determine whether they are suitable for your lifestyle. The more foster parents we have - the more dogs we can help!

* What about expenses?

A foster is a temporary placement for our dogs. EHR will cover the cost of veterinary care and the dog will usually have a donated collar. We will also provide monthly Heartworm treatment and flea/tick preventative. Fosters can access any donated food for their fosters if necessary.

* How long does a foster dog stay?

Fosters stay with you until they are adopted. This can vary greatly. An easy to place puppy may only be in your home for a few days. A harder to adopt older dog may be with you for several months. Our dogs that are in foster care are adopted out at a faster rate than those who aren't. However, if you are only able to foster for a limited amount of time, that is ok. We can help find the appropriate dog for you, and if they haven't been adopted by the time you can no longer foster, we will find another foster family for them. You can define your commitment.

* What if the foster dog doesn't get along with others in the family?

If this happens, you should notify EHR immediately. We will help you overcome the situation, whether it requires additional training, or another placement. We will take care not to place a dog with you that are not ready to handle, or that does not fit into your family.

* Do I get to choose the dog I foster?

Our dogs are placed based on need, temperament, and your abilities. You can identify preferences in the application process. You can also determine that a recommended dog may not fit into your family, so can ask for a different placement. The more you foster, the better we can appropriately place the right foster with you. You can also volunteer at our adoption events to get to know of our dogs better - you may find yourself bringing one home with you to foster! The dog that you foster is ultimately your choice.

* Can I keep the dog I foster if I want to?

Yes, you certainly can. It happens quite often, and I suspect is one of the reasons that foster homes are in short supply. We call it 'foster failing' - and many of our volunteers are victims! Our policies require that you go fill out the appropriate adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee of $250.

* What happens if the dog needs medical attention?

You will be given contact information for experienced EHR Members that specialize in medical attention for our dogs. It is our policy to ensure that the dogs receive the appropriate medical attention. There are several vets/clinics in the area that provide us with discounted medical attention, so it is important to talk with one of the above mentioned volunteers before a dog obtains medical care.

* What kind of ongoing support will you provide?

You will be assigned a Foster Champion that you can contact at any time. You can also call any of the EHR officers or other Foster Champions on the list of contacts provided. EHR also has a very active Yahoo community that can provide real time ongoing support and information as well.

* Do I have any say in who adopts my foster?

Yes. The foster family is consulted on the adoption decision. The foster family knows the dog best and can usually determine the right family fit for their foster.　

* How should I introduce the foster dog into my existing 'pack'?

Some rescue dogs are frightened when the first enter the foster home. Keep in mind they have likely been through a lot. Most are best introduced to the other dogs and the family gradually and quietly and on neutral territory as a first assessment. Report any undue problems with resident dogs or cats, and we will move the dog to another home.