Frequently Asked Questions About Fostering
Fostering is an extremely fulfilling and rewarding experience. It is also integral to the function of our organization. Without loving foster homes, we could not continue to rescue more pets in need! We are grateful for those who chose to open their home to a foster and help a rescue dog in need. Fostering helps save lives!
1. How do I apply to foster?
To apply to become a foster parent with Coveted Canines and Creatures, please fill out our online Foster Parent form here!
Please note: Currently we cannot take on families with children under 12 in the home, those with allergies to dogs, or homes outside of the Toronto area. We are especially looking for fosters who have their own form of transportation (to take your foster to vet appointments and adoption events), those who have prior dog/rescue experience, those who live in a home with a yard and fosters that can take on large dogs.
For further questions please e-mail foster@covetedcanines.org. The Foster Applicant Manager reviews each application, and if it looks good on paper, we proceed. Each applicant must have 3 personal references, as well as a vet reference for any past or current pets. We will contact each one. After these references are complete (and deemed satisfactory) a home visit will be scheduled with a volunteer. Every member of the home must be present. If all goes well, you will be approved to foster!
APPLY TO BECOME A FOSTER HERE! Email US with further questions at foster@covetedcanines.org.
2. What happens after I'm approved?
The Foster Manager matches each approved foster with dogs coming into the rescue based on needs of the dog and the foster. It will not be dependent on breed, but more on personality and unique history of the dog. Requesting a specific breed or hypoallergenic breeds means that we cannot place a dog with you very often, and other dogs who are in need cannot be saved. Keep in mind photos and info on dogs will not be released to fosters until after we have matched you with that dog. You will also be required to sign our foster contract before a dog is placed with you.
3. What is covered by Coveted canines and creatures rescue?
We will supply you with any required supplies for your dog: food, treats, toys, leash, martingale collar, harness, crate and bed (if needed and in our current supplies). We also cover any vetting needed. All dogs are fully vetted before entering fosters' homes. However, any vetting or emergency care that results from the negligence of a foster will be the foster's responsibility.
4. Will I be supported through my fostering experience?
Of course! Each foster is matched with a Foster Support who will be your point of contact and support throughout your entire foster experience. We work with several different trainers, and while they may not always be able to provide one-on-one support, they provide us with pamphlets and training tips to help ease transitions for dogs who may have never known life in a loving home before. Our Foster Manager is just an email away, and they check it frequently! We want the foster experience to be a fun and rewarding time for all involved.
5. I have a cat. Will that be a problem?
Having a cat is not a deterrent for us to place a dog. We make sure the dog is compatible by either having them previously cat tested and/or being present for the cat test between your cat and dog. If we cannot be there in person, we provide you with the tools to assess the situation yourself, along with tips to keep both animals safe.
6. How long should I expect a dog to stay with me?
We aim for a turn around time of approximately 3-4 weeks in foster care. It helps to iron out some basic training and get the dog settled in their environment. We aim for that time period so that the dog doesn't become too attached to the foster home and have a hard time adjusting to their forever home. Some puppies may stay for a shorter period of time, and in other cases, especially if there is a medical or behavioural case, foster dogs can stay much longer. It's entirely dependent on adoption interest in the pup, so go ahead and post your dog on social media - just make sure to direct any interested applicants back to us. It's important that we facilitate any and all adoptions.
7. I am interested in adopting my foster. Is that possible?
Yes! We love #fosterfails. However, we ask that you decide early on, preferably before the dog is posted for adoption, as once we receive great adoption applications for the dog in your care, we will pursue them. If you decided to foster because it is not a good time for adoption or financial constraints cannot allow you to adopt a dog, we keep that in mind when making final decisions on adopters. Every time a foster adopts, we usually lose that foster and therefore have to work hard to find more foster homes, so if at all possible try not to get caught up in those puppy eyes and continue to foster a few more times! We also ask fosters to not adopt their first foster dog.
8. Are there any other commitments associated with fostering?
Yes! We ask that you bring your foster dog to adoption events in order to stir up interest! We have discovered that more adoption applications come in from meeting a dog first-hand than seeing a photo on social media. So it's imperative that you arrange to bring your pup to these events. They are located at various Toronto pet stores, and always on weekends because we know the TTC struggle all too well (animals are allowed all day Saturday and Sunday on the TTC, rejoice!). We most often hold adoption events at Pet Valu Laird in Leaside whom we are partnered with.
Also, if vet appointments are required for your foster dog, you must arrange to bring your foster pup to those appointments yourself. We will of course make the appointment with your schedule in mind! Our primary vet clinic is Downtown Animal Hospital (located near Church-Wellesley).
9. Do I have a say in who I feel is the best applicant for my foster dog?
Yes! You know the dog better than we do, so your input after meet and greets and impressions of applicants is important when deciding on an applicant. However, we know more about the adopters based on references, home visits and their applications, and are experienced with placing dogs in homes so please be accepting of the Adoption Team’s decisions.
10. Can I keep in contact with adopters after the adoption is complete?
If they have no problem with it, neither do we! However, in order to integrate into a new home, visits with fosters should only occur at least a couple weeks after adoption - not before. The visits should not be too frequent either as your former foster needs time to build a relationship with their new family, and your presence can be distracting.