What to expect being a foster parent

As a registered foster, you have access to see on our website who need placement. If any catch your eye, you have the ability to submit interest in fostering specific pups! Our team will then take a look at your requests to ensure that it is a good fit based on your foster profile. Or, our team can strategically match you with a foster dog based on your registration information and submitted availability. We take your preference for age/breed/size in consideration before matching you with a dog. With either option, our ultimate goal is to find the best foster home for our dogs in need.

The truth is, we just don’t always know!  It’s important to be comfortable with a bit of uncertainty before bringing your foster pup home. Remember, we  will be there every step of the way to guide you through any questions and to point you in the direction of appropriate resources you might need. We will provide you with all the information we have. 

You should have a crate, wholesome food, treats, toys, and pee pads and poop bags on hand when you foster a dog. You should also have water bowl and bedding. You might consider kiddy gate or puppy pen if interested in containing in certain areas. Check out our foster shopping list to learn more. 

Our foster dogs become adoptable at different times depending on their age and medical or behavioral status. Most dogs get adopted within a few weeks to a few months. Please note that all adoptable dogs may not go online at the same time. Once a dog is available for adoption, fosters are expected to bring them around to get them noticed. 

We can’t always predict what care a dog may need, but there are some things that most, if not all, of our pups receive while in foster care. This includes basic oral medications that they will receive at home,  monthly preventatives. Our pups will also generally receive at least one vaccine while in foster care, with some puppies requiring several. In order for your foster dog to receive their vaccine, we will ask you to commit to bringing them to the vet for their scheduled appointment. If your dog needs to visit the vet while in your care, we will do our best to schedule an appointment with whichever of our vet partners is closest to you. If you cannot bring your foster dog to their appointment, we are lucky to have volunteer drivers who can help transport dogs back and forth. All veterinary care must be approved by Paws Path To Furever staff. Unapproved veterinary appointments will not be paid for by Paws Path To Furever.