Fostering
What is fostering?
Fostering means...changing a life. When dogs come into care, they go through a major life change. They are confused, scared and need time to decompress. As a foster parent, you give dogs a safe place to find themselves again, to come out of their shell. We are looking for people who want to help save lives and help conquer the never ending need for animal rescue. We are looking for people to bring these dogs into their home and give them what they may never have had and help them heal, love and care. Dogs need humans and to be honest, we believe humans need dogs! Fostering with FERN is a wonderful experience that leaves you with a full heart and the satisfaction of knowing you helped make a huge difference. We at FERN support our Foster Angels by ensuring they have all of the equipment and support they need to care for the dog in their home.
Is it expensive to foster?
No! In fact, fostering is completely free! We cover costs such as veterinary care, food, treats,... We also lend our foster home any and all items they might need for their foster dog, for example: a leash, collar, harness, bowls, crate, exercise pen, baby gate, beds, blankets, pee pads, and so on. We might ask you to transfer your foster pup to an appointment, if you're able to, in which case we cover your fuel cost for the trip as well.
Outside of the basics we also provide:
• Respite at our kennel if you are heading out for a holiday or just need to have a break for the weekend.
• Should a behavioural problem arise we will support you with a trained professional.
• You are a valued member of our team and we will involve you (if you want) in any vet visits with your foster dog.
• Constant support and communication, including foster families (if they choose) to be part of the selection process when placing our animals with their forever family.
What kind of dogs need fostering?
All kinds! We get dogs of all sizes and ages in our care. Little tiny babies, older pups, teenage goofballs, couch potato mature dogs,... We welcome all foster applications. Although we don't always know much about the dog's history, we are committed to matching you up with a dog who is likely to fit your lifestyle. Some dogs can go into a foster home with children or other pets, others thrive better by themselves. Some foster dogs are okay being home alone while their foster parents work, others need someone around often. Some foster dogs might be just fine not having access to a private yard, for others it's a must.
Isn't it difficult when my foster dog finds their forever home and I have to say goodbye?
Many people think that they cannot foster because when it is time for the pupper to go their forever family, they will feel sad. It is true this moment can be challenging, but here is how one of our foster moms looks at it:
“It can be tough and painful when it is time for the dog to leave your home and there is no getting around that. What I find helps with that sadness is knowing I helped save this little life, helped him/her heal their challenges and prepare them for a healthy, beautiful life with their wonderful Forever Family. The feelings of sadness when it is time to say goodbye don’t last because I know that if I hadn’t been willing to endure that sadness, that dog would not be going on to lead a healthy, wonderful life full of love and happiness with his new family. Imagining that moment was not how it was in reality. Both my husband and I were sad, but it quickly left as I knew I helped FERN do a great thing saving a life and I knew (and felt) being a foster is very important. There are always going to be dogs coming into care, without fosters and their families, it is not possible to keep rescuing animals. Despite feeling sad I felt wonderful to be part of the solution to such a huge crisis. TBH it wasn’t 15 min later when we were wondering what pup was coming next. You will never regret fostering.“ ~L.F.
What if I want to adopt my foster dog?
Well, there's a term for that! It's called "foster failing". This does NOT mean you failed. This simply means that faith decided that the dog who you thought was going to be in your life temporarily, decided that it's a forever match instead. We look at each adoption on an individual basis. However, typically, if everyone vibes well together, foster families have first dips on their foster dog if they'd like to turn it into an adoption. We can't always choose who we fall in love with!
Okay, I'm sold! Let's do this! How do I apply to foster?
Yay! We look forward to hearing from you! You can fill out a foster application right here!