Golden Retrievals
Rescue. Adopt. Love.
How To Foster
A key component of Golden Retrieval’s rescue program is the foster home. Without adequate numbers of foster homes, we are limited in how many Goldens we can take in at one time. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, and to offer the new owner more information on the dog. Golden Retrievals needs caring, responsible Golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescue Goldens.
For more insight and answers to common questions people ask about being a foster parent, please see below. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please contact us or leave a message on our info line at (561) 906-2275 (bark) and a volunteer will call you.
What Will I Need To Do as a Foster Parent?
Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing love and security to a special Golden at an often difficult time in his or her life.
How Long Does a Dog Stay in Foster Care?
The foster stay varies with each dog. Dogs with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual dog’s situation.
Do I Have to be Home with the Dog All Day?
No. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog; he must be confined to a small, secure area, preferably a training crate. This results in a safe secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family’s safety and home in the forefront.
Do I Need a Fenced Yard?
A fenced yard is preferred. Your dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the Golden may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.
May I Choose Which Dogs I Foster?
The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. You may always decline a dog, and if your foster dog proves too much for you to handle he can be placed elsewhere.
How Much Does it Cost?
Lack of funds shouldn’t prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: a good quality dog food, telephone calls and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary care is provided by authorized veterinarians and paid for by Golden Retrievals. Medications including monthly heartworm preventative are provided as well.
What Happens if I Have Questions or Problems with a Foster Dog?
All foster homes receive a Foster Home Manual, which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering. Volunteers are also available for telephone consultation on problems not covered in the manual. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. However, you should keep in mind that most, but not all rescue dogs are housebroken, some may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance these dogs not only improve, they flourish in their foster care.
What if I Want to Adopt the Golden I am Fostering?
If you decide to be a foster home, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving Golden to a final home. If you think you might like to adopt a Golden, we require that a completed Golden Retrievals Adoption Application be on file.
I'd like to Foster. What do I do next?
If you are interested in fostering, please fill out an Adoption Application:
Mark “Interested in Fostering” across the top of the application. Print and fax or mail to:
Golden Retrievals, Inc.
dba Island Retriever Rescue of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (IRRPB)
P.O. Box 1387
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33443-1387
FAX: (561) 760-0711
We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you very much for your interest in Golden Retrievals.
Make a Real Difference In The Life of a Golden Retriever
