What is Fostering?

Finding foster homes for dogs is critical to Pet Pro Life's ability to place them in permanent homes. Foster Care Providers are the people who care for Pet Pro Life animals in their homes while the animals await adoption. Fosters normally find it to be a very rewarding, heartwarming experience knowing that they are saving a dog from an otherwise very uncertain future.

Why does Pet Pro Life use foster families?

The animals that Pet Pro Life takes in usually come from family environments and our goal is to place each animal in a suitable home environment. Being removed from the home they have known is traumatic and being placed in a kennel is frightening and confusing. Our experience has been that going to a home with kind, loving foster parents makes the transition much easier for the animal. Also, Pet Pro Life has no boarding facilities of its own and the cost of using commercial facilities is prohibitive. With the help of volunteer foster families we can help many more dogs find new homes than would otherwise be possible.

What are the responsibilities?

Foster homes:
Provide a safe, clean, warm, dry environment
Provide fresh, clean water and appropriate food
Provide exercise and social interaction and stimulation as appropriate
Watch for any medical and/or behavioral problems
Transport to and from the adoption center on the weekends

What if I can only foster certain types of animals?

You always control the type of animal that you can foster. Pet Pro Life will respect any restrictions you have on the breed, size or other characteristics of the animals that you foster.

What if I can only foster sometimes and not others?

You control when you provide foster care. Under ideal circumstances a single foster provides care for a given animal from the time they arrive until they are adopted but Pet Pro Life realizes that circumstances change and unexpected events may limit the ability to continue fostering. When an animal is adopted the foster can elect to take another animal immediately or take a break as needed.

Does it cost anything to foster?

Pet Pro Life provides food, either directly or by reimbursing costs. We also cover costs related to required medical treatment. If needed, we can also provide a crate and food bowls for use during the foster period. The foster pays for any toys, treats and other special items above and beyond those required for basic care of the animal.

What do I get out of fostering?

Some of the reasons people choose to foster include:
the chance to experience different breeds and/or sizes
the ability to see how well an animal fits into the family schedule
the chance to try new companions for an existing animal
being able to have an animal companion sometimes when having one permanently is not feasible
a great teaching experience for children
the reward of helping an innocent dog get a second chance

Do I need to stay at the adoption center on the weekend?

Remaining at the adoption center is not a requirement but any time that you can spare is greatly appreciated. Having the foster care provider present allows prospective adopting families to get better information about the animal's personality and needs. If you are fostering a dog and can not spend time at the adoption center then you just need to contact Pet Pro Life during the week to ensure that we have enough volunteers available to handle the dog that particular weekend.

How do I volunteer to foster?

Contact us by email, by phone, or in person.
The Pet Pro Life foster coordinators will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and to try to work with you on any special requirements or limitations that may exist. See our "How to Help" page for more information and a copy of the volunteer form.