faqs and application for fostering and fostering-to-adopt
So, after reading about our wonderful Underdogs, you're ready to consider fostering or fostering-to-adopt. That's great! The application can be downloaded as a PDF to be printed and completed in hard copy and sent to us by surface mail at Upstate Underdog Rescue, Inc. 1915 Highland Avenue, Troy, NY 12180.
Some FAQs about Fostering and Fostering-to-Adopt:
What is fostering? Foster families make a place in their homes and their hearts for Underdogs before they find their forever families. Underdogs in foster families may be working on the skills that are needed to be successful members of families for the long haul, or they may be ready for adoption and just waiting for the right family.
What are the responsibilities of a foster family? Foster families provide the same levels of love and support that would be present in any good family, plus a few more. Foster families agree to:
What is foster-to-adopt? UUR wants to make certain that adoptions are successful and adoptive families have all the support they need when your new family member joins you. Because we know that making the right connection with a new family member is critical, UUR requires that adoptions be "foster-to-adopt" situations for a minimum of two weeks.
What is UUR's responsibility to foster families? During the fostering period, UUR provides:
Some FAQs about Fostering and Fostering-to-Adopt:
What is fostering? Foster families make a place in their homes and their hearts for Underdogs before they find their forever families. Underdogs in foster families may be working on the skills that are needed to be successful members of families for the long haul, or they may be ready for adoption and just waiting for the right family.
What are the responsibilities of a foster family? Foster families provide the same levels of love and support that would be present in any good family, plus a few more. Foster families agree to:
- Make a commitment to the dog; this is not a weekend sleepover.
- Keep the Underdog safe, both in a physical sense and by creating a space in which the dog can learn how to interact safely with his or her environment.
- Care for the dog's needs (good nutrition, exercise, love and attention, et cetera).
- Make the dog a part of the family.
- Be an advocate for the dog, and for UUR, in the community.
- Bring the dog to appropriate classes (provided by UUR).
- Follow through at home with training protocols learned in class.
- Spend quality time with the dog, enriching the dog's environment and engaging the dog in intriguing play and activities.
- To the extent practical for the dog and the foster family, bring the dog to adoption events.
What is foster-to-adopt? UUR wants to make certain that adoptions are successful and adoptive families have all the support they need when your new family member joins you. Because we know that making the right connection with a new family member is critical, UUR requires that adoptions be "foster-to-adopt" situations for a minimum of two weeks.
What is UUR's responsibility to foster families? During the fostering period, UUR provides:
- Supplies (food, medication if needed, crates, bowls, harnesses, et cetera)
- Training (options might include Agility, Rally, Obedience, Scent Training - all depending on where the Underdog is with skills and what the Underdog is interested in doing)
- Veterinary care, if needed
- Problem-solving and behavioral support as needed
