Fostering with DARE

Fostering a Rescue Dog: A Rewarding Journey

Fostering a dog is one of the most fulfilling and impactful ways to make a difference in a dog’s life. It’s both rewarding and challenging—helping prepare a dog for their forever home. While fostering can seem overwhelming at times, the impact is immeasurable. Everyone wins:

  • Foster parents gain the joy of helping a dog transform.
  • Shelters gain space for new arrivals.
  • Foster dogs get a chance at a better life.
  • Adopters receive a well-adjusted pet ready for home life.

Minimum requirements to foster with DARE

Foster parents MUST be 21 years of age or older

Foster Home must be located in the State of Florida

All animals in the home MUST be spayed/neutered

All animals in the home MUST be up to date on heartworm preventative and vaccines

Who Should Foster?

Anyone with time and dedication can be a foster parent! Important things to consider:

  • Your schedule
    • Puppies require frequent care and aren’t ideal for someone with a full-time job.
    • Adult dogs can often manage with some alone time, making them suitable for busier households.
  • Your home environment
    • Is your home prepared for a foster dog?
    • Are you willing to adapt to the needs of your foster dog?
  • Your dedication
    • Do you have the free time to commit to helping a dog in need and the willingness to dedicate that time to preparing them for their forever home?

Responsibilities of a Foster Home

Foster parents play a critical role in a dog’s journey to adoption. Responsibilities include:

  • Day-to-day care: Providing food, grooming, exercise, and basic needs.
  • Training:
    • House training and leash walking.
  • Behavior modification:
    • Addressing issues such as jumping, barking, or chewing.
    • Encouraging good habits like calm greetings and door manners.
  • Socialization and temperament evaluation:
    • Introducing the dog to new people, animals, and environments.
    • Understanding the dog’s personality to help find the right home.
  • Medical care:
    • Administering medication.
    • Attending vet appointments.
  • Playtime and love: Building trust through affection and fun.

Ready to Foster?

If fostering feels like the right fit for you, give it a try. It’s a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of rescue dogs—and the rewards are endless.