Please review all the foster guidelines (below) that outlines our anticipated foster relationship.
Save A Bow Wow Rescue Foster Parent Guidelines:
By agreeing to foster a dog for our non-profit organization, you agree to the following rules, policies and procedures.
Thank you for considering fostering a dog through Save A Bow Wow Rescue! Fostering plays a vital role in helping dogs find loving forever homes, and we are grateful for your support. Below are the expectations, rules, and guidelines for foster parents:
- Fostering is Temporary: As a foster parent, you are providing temporary care for a dog in need. The dog must reside inside your home and wear a collar or harness with the rescue’s identification tags at all times. If an AirTag is provided, it must remain on the pet. The legal ownership of the dog remains with Save A Bow Wow Rescue, and the dog must be returned to the rescue upon request or demand.
- Spay/Neuter Policy: No dog will be adopted out of our rescue without being spayed or neutered. If a female dog is in heat during the fostering period, her spay surgery will be scheduled between 2 to 7 months after her heat cycle to minimize the risk of internal swelling during the procedure.
- Foster to Adopt Process: Fostering does not guarantee adoption. If you are interested in adopting your foster dog, you must follow the standard adoption application process. You must have fostered a minimum of two dogs through our organization before being eligible to adopt.
- Health and Behavior: While we strive to place healthy, well-adjusted dogs, we cannot guarantee the temperament, health, or housebreaking status of the dog. Fostering may require time and patience as the dog adjusts to its new environment. If the dog exhibits concerning behavior, becomes lost, or requires medical attention, please notify the rescue immediately.
- Behavior and Safety: Animals can be unpredictable. We ask that you exercise caution when interacting with the foster dog, especially around children or unfamiliar guests. If the dog shows signs of aggression or fear, contact Save A Bow Wow Rescue immediately for guidance.
- Return Policy: If at any time you are unable to continue fostering, you must return the dog to Save A Bow Wow Rescue. You are not permitted to give away, sell, or rehome the dog without our approval. In case of any disputes, the dog will be returned to the rescue immediately.
- Foster Parent Support: Save A Bow Wow Rescue is here to support you throughout the fostering process. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure a successful foster experience.
- Photo/Video Release: By fostering, you agree to allow Save A Bow Wow Rescue to use photos and videos of the dog for promotional purposes, including social media, our website, and print materials. These images help raise awareness about animal overpopulation and promote adoption.
- Supplies and Expenses for Fosters: Save A Bow Wow Rescue will provide all necessary supplies for your foster dog upon request, including food, a harness, leash, pet bed, and vaccine records. Please contact your rescue coordinator to request any of these items, and allow adequate time for delivery. Fosters are responsible for requesting any additional supplies. If you purchase food or supplies on your own, Save A Bow Wow Rescue will not reimburse these costs unless prior approval is given. However, any out-of-pocket expenses you incur and have receipts for may be eligible for tax deductions. As we rely on donations to provide food for our foster dogs, we cannot guarantee specific brands or flavors, and the food provided may vary. We kindly ask that you check expiration dates and inform us in advance if you’re running low on supplies so we can arrange for a refill.
- Medical Care: Save A Bow Wow Rescue will cover the cost of veterinary care, including vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and any emergency care required. For non-emergency care, please contact us for guidance and avoid seeking outside veterinary services without prior approval. The rescue has preferred veterinarians and can assist with transportation when necessary.
- Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, Save A Bow Wow Rescue will arrange for immediate medical care and payment. You must provide the necessary care without delay. For non-emergency care, please contact us to discuss next steps and appropriate providers.
- Communication: If your foster dog exhibits concerning behavior, becomes lost, stolen, or misplaced, you must immediately contact Save A Bow Wow Rescue.
- Liability: You will not hold Save A Bow Wow Rescue responsible for any injury to yourself, family members, or guests arising from this foster relationship.
- Patience and Understanding: We strive to place dogs in the best homes and recognize that some dogs may stay with foster families for an extended period until a suitable home is found. It may take time for the pet to reveal its true personality and adjust to its new environment. Save A Bow Wow Rescue cannot guarantee housebreaking upon arrival, and additional training may be required. Patience is appreciated as the pet acclimates.
- Breed and Age Estimates: Breeds and ages are estimated unless we have breeder paperwork or prior veterinary records to confirm them.
- Adoption Process: Any foster parent wishing to adopt their foster dog must follow our rigorous adoption procedures. Save A Bow Wow Rescue reserves the right to refuse adoption for any reason. The rescue is not obligated to discuss any disqualification factors. We want to emphasize that we do not discriminate in our adoption process.
We deeply appreciate your dedication to fostering and helping these dogs find their forever homes.
If you ever have questions or need support, we are here for you!
Thank you for being part of our mission to save lives.
Important Notes for Tentative Foster Parents:
- Fostering is a philanthropic, unpaid act.
- Save A Bow Wow Rescue is not liable for any injuries or damages caused by the dog.
- You agree to follow all guidelines outlined above.