Why Foster?
We cannot rescue needy German Shepherd Dogs in shelters if we have no foster homes to house them. Thank you for considering becoming that bridge to a better life. As a foster home, you will provide a loving family environment to German Shepherd Dogs in transition to their new forever homes.
Fostering is an important job. You will get to know your foster dog and by the information you provide as your ‘guest’ settles in, you will assist us in making the best decision regarding the type of forever home your foster dog will need. You will work closely with your SGSDR foster coordinator who will screen and evaluate all dogs before deciding the best foster home for their needs. If there are any problems, she will be available 24/7 to assist.
The foster dog will live in your home. You will help him or her recover from the trauma of being abandoned or neglected by his former family, and the stresses he may have incurred in a noisy, cramped shelter environment. Often the dogs arrive underweight, smelly and sometimes shy. The dog will be bathed, groomed and vaccinated prior to his arrival. After a few days your new dog will start to relax and realize that he is now in a safe environment. You may need to teach your dog how to be comfortable living in a home, how to play, and what love means. Some German Shepherd Dogs may be particularly challenging to foster, and the type of dog that is placed with you will be carefully considered according to your home situation, experience with the German Shepherd Breed, and preferences to ensure that fostering is a rewarding experience.
The primary responsibilities of a foster home are:
- Provide a loving home environment where the dog receives plenty of love, attention and positive reinforcement on a daily basis;
- Provide good quality food, fresh water, exercise, grooming, a secure environment and any veterinarian-prescribed medications (provided by SGSDR) on a daily basis;
- Ensure that your foster dog receives monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventive medication, which will be provided to you by SGSDR;
- Occasionally you may be required to take your foster dog to a vet clinic designated by SGSDR for a follow up visit after surgery or for booster vaccinations etc. SGSDR has accounts with vet clinics across the state. If there is not a clinic near you, we will contact a local clinic to set up an account and make an appointment at a time convenient for you. All vet care for program dogs is billed directly to SGSDR.
More detailed guidelines on how to introduce your foster dog to new situations, training tips, and vetting guidelines will be discussed with you if you wish to pursue an opportunity to foster a dog for Serendipity GSD Rescue.
Please feel free to...
- email serendipity.email@gmail.com, or
- fill out a Volunteer Information Form.
