A key component of RAGofAZ's rescue program is the foster home. 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, so that we can give the new owner as much information as possible about the dog.
RAGofAZ needs caring, responsible Golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescue Goldens.
Here are some questions people ask about being a foster parent. Please take a moment to review them, and, if you think fostering might be for you, one of our RAGofAZ volunteers will be happy to talk further with you about joining our team!
What will I need to do as a foster parent? Foster homes are responsible for daily care of the foster dog, including:- transport to and from a rescue designated veterinarian for basic medical care
- feeding
- exercising
- socializing
- brushing and grooming, as needed
- 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.
RAGofAZ foster homes play a major role in facilitating the dog's adoption to a new home. As a foster parent, you'll make recommendations to help select the best adoptive family for your foster Golden (you know him best!). You'll conduct the actual adoption interview in your home and follow up on the dog's initial adjustment to his new home and family.
Yes, there's the inevitable paperwork, but it is minimal.
How long does the dog stay in foster care? If the Golden is healthy, two weeks is typical. Sometimes a week is all that's needed; other dogs may need months.
Do I have to be home with the dog all day? No, many of our foster family members are currently employed full or part-time and still provide a quality environment for the dog. However, our first concern is safety: for you, for your family, for your own dog(s) and for the rescue dog. Therefore, any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, you should confine him or her to a small, secure area, preferably a crate (RAGofAZ will supply one if you don't have one.)
Do I need a fenced yard? Yes, a fenced yard is necessary for the safety of our rescue dogs. The rescue dog must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence or block wall, the Golden may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard, the dog must be on a leash at all times and must have a collar on with the RAGofAZ identification tag firmly attached.
May I choose which dogs I may foster? The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. If you're asked to foster a dog that doesn't seem right to you, you can say NO. If a foster dog you've accepted proves difficult to handle, he can be placed elsewhere.
How much time does it take to be a foster parent? From an hour or two a day to however much time you care to spend with the dog.
How much does it cost to foster a dog? Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: for good quality dog food, telephone calls and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary expenses, including any medication required to treat any medical problem, are paid for by RAGofAZ.
What happens if I have questions or problems with a foster dog? All foster homes receive RAGofAZ's Foster Home Care Guide, which provides information on handling both routine and non-routine aspects of fostering. In addition, the Foster Home Team, RAGofAZ members who specialize in dog obedience and/or behavior problems, and RAGofAZ-approved veterinarians are all available for telephone consultation on problems not covered in the Guide.
Being a foster home is extremely rewarding, but you should keep in mind that some rescue dogs are not housebroken, may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. In spite of these challenges, our foster homes have found that, when given a chance, these dogs not only improve, they flourish.
Will I become attached to my foster dog? Yes, you undoubtedly will -- they bond quickly, and give back so much in return for your care and attention. But when you meet the new family who's ready to provide a permanent, loving home for the dog you've helped rescue, you, like the rest of the RAGofAZ foster parents, will feel more than satisfied to see the dog move on to a new and better life. So, shed a few tears, hand over the leash, and call us to volunteer to foster another rescue!
What if I want to adopt the golden I am fostering? Foster homes are given preference to adopt the Goldens they foster. However, unless you alert us up front that you want to foster with the intent to adopt, we will expect that if you offer your home for fostering, it is with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving Golden find a final home, and not with the goal to "pick and choose" a Golden you may wish to adopt.
If you intend to adopt one of our rescues, either before or during your fostering experience, you must file a completed Adoption Application with the RAGofAZ Adoption Coordinator.
- Puppies up to 6 months = $375
- 7 months to 4 years = $325
- over 4 years to 8 years = $275
- Senior dogs (age eight years and over) = $225.00
- All adoption fees include a one year membership for RAGofAZ
- RAGofAZ members receive a $25 discount on adoption fees
And finally.....
I'd like to foster. What do I do next? Once your family has decided together to foster a Golden Retriever, please call RAGofAZ at 602-404-9663 and leave a message. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact the Foster Home Coordinator, who will send you a Foster Home Application, or your may download an application from our website by CLICKING HERE. When we've received your completed application, a member of the Foster Home Team will contact you to talk in more detail about your responsibilities and answer your questions. You will also be sent a copy of the Foster Home Care Guide.
If I can't foster, is there another way to help? YES! You can volunteer to transport Goldens to our approved foster homes or to serve on any of our other committees:
- Follow Up
- Fund Raising
- Shelter Walking
- Special Events
If you'd be interested in any of these activities, give us a call. We'd be glad to have your help, and you'd be glad you got more involved with a group of GReat volunteers who share your love of Goldens.
RAGofAZ would like to thank Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. (DVGRR) for their invaluable assistance with and information for this brochure.
(rev. 03/05)