WHY FOSTER?
It's incredibly rewarding. Fostering allows you to make a HUGE impact on an animals life! You are able to watch them grow, change and learn, as well as guide them throughout the time they are with you. You are able to watch dogs who may once have been mistreated or malnourished, heal and grow into completely different pets. Opening your home to one animal, also allows the shelter to take in more dogs. So, by fostering one dog, you are saving numerous little lives.
It allows you to become an owner, without the long-term responsibility. Adopting a dog/puppy is a big deal, and a big commitment. Fostering allows you to benefit like you would owning a dog, without the additional costs, commitment and responsibility.
It gives you the opportunity to work with different breeds, temperaments and behaviors of dogs. Every dog is different, and you become far more aware of this once you begin fostering. It's truly fascinating to see and experience the many personalities each dog holds.
It's cheap! All veterinary care, supplies, food and supplements are provided for the dog, so theres's no cost on your part. If financial instability was holding you back from getting a dog/puppy, fostering is a great option to turn to.
It is a great way to get involved. Walkin' 'N' Waggin' Surrender Shelter is also a community, and by fostering, you become a member of it! You are able to take pride in what you do, and know that you are making a generous impact by getting involved.
WHAT FOSTERING ENTAILS:
- Temporarily welcoming a dog/puppy into your home.
- Meeting all care requirements of your foster pet (this may include administering medication(s) and post-surgical care.
REQUIREMENTS:
- You must be within 30 - 60 minutes of Ponoka and willing to provide transportation of your foster pet if need be.
- All other pets in your home must be up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered (some exceptions made).
- Be willing to abide by our force-free training methods (using positive reinforcement as opposed to alpha-based methodology), and use non-aversive tools (choker/prong/shock collars, pet correctors, etc are not permitted).
- Be willing to provide photos of your home, if necessary.
ASSETS:
- Familiar with administering medication(s) and post-surgical care, as well as willing to follow directions for any additional medical care your foster dog/puppy may require.
- Comfortable working with different breeds, sizes, ages and temperaments.
All supplies are provided, including but not limited to:
- Food
- Food/water dishes
- Toys
- Treats
- Bed/blanket/crate
- Grooming supplies
- Leash/collar/harness
All veterinary care is covered through Walkin' 'N' Waggin' Surrender Shelter.
*Please note that not all dogs going into foster homes come up-to-date on vaccinations, dewormed and/or spayed/neutered. To prevent the spread of illnesses, we stress the importance of keeping all other animals in the household up-to-date on vaccinations, dewormed as well as spayed/neutered.