Fostering: What's it All About?

DOGzHAUS tries to put dogs into foster homes after they have spent several weeks or months at the shelter without being adopted. This gives the dog a chance to recover from the stress of being kenneled, while providing space in the shelter kennel for a new dog. Additionally, the foster volunteer has the opportunity to work with the dog to correct some of the behavior problems that may have led to the dog's surrender.

Medium-to-large, adolescent, untrained dogs are prime candidates for foster homes. They may be overlooked at the shelter because they are too big, unruly, or ordinary-looking. They are past the adorable puppy stage, but still have plenty of puppy energy that needs an outlet. Given enough time, and some basic training, these dogs that might otherwise be euthanized for lack of space now have a chance at finding permanent, loving homes.

Aside from regular day-to-day care (feeding, grooming, exercise), the responsibilities of a foster home may include basic training (housetraining, walking on leash, sit, down); behavior modification (to correct problems such as jumping, mouthing, barking, destructive chewing, dashing through doors); socialization and temperament evaluation (to determine whether the dog is good with different types of people and other animals); medical care (dispensing medication, taking the dog to vet appointments), and of course plenty of playtime and snuggling.

All fosters are advised to take a time because many rescued dogs need few weeks to few months to decompress after the stressful shelter life. Because of the incident usually be happened at the first week of the fostering. Most of dogs are happy and appreciative to the foster as soon as they are at the foster care... but some of them are still nervour first few days or weeks. If the dog has any behavior issues, we mention to the foster in advance and make the agreement before the foster start fostering the dog. We never ask the beginner foster to foster a dog with behavior issue. We eveluate the dog several times at the shelter and find out the dog's personality first. We also make sure the foster's dog handling skill and suggest the best dog who can fit in the foster's household.

We highly recommend the foster to come with us and meet the dog in person before committing to foster the dog.  DOGzHAUS can't be legally responsible if the dog damaged shoes, furniture or yard... and/or if the dog was involved with a dog fight or hurts somebody/other animals.

After the dog has been nursed back to health, rehabilitated, and trained, the search begins for a permanent home. Possible methods for finding an adoptive home include, workplace, and pet supply stores; attending adoption events; putting a posting the dog's picture on websites; your Facebook page, and simply spreading the word about the dog to anyone who will listen. Prospective adopters will have the opportunity to come and meet the dog in a home setting.

Fostering a dog may seem like a formidable task, but it's a very tangible way to make a difference. Everyone benefits: The foster volunteer gets to spend time with a special dog, and the shelter kennel gains space for a new dog. The foster dog gets a break from the stressful kennel life and a second chance at becoming a cherished pet. The new owners get a dog that is better adapted to home life, and therefore has a better chance of remaining in the new home permanently.

For more information, please go to "foster application" page and read the foster agreement.

All foster dogs in DOGzHAUS rescue comes with a collar, a leash, blanket, toys, food bowls, medication (if neccesary) etc.

Please click here for FOSTER APPLICATION if you are interested in fostering our rescued dog.