Traditional Fostering
Fosters with experience in behavioral issues such as prey drive, resource guarding, fear-based behavior, stranger danger, and/or dog reactivity are often needed so that dogs who are struggling in a shelter can decompress and prepare for adoption in a real home.
When a dog can avoid a shelter and live in a home instead, it’s often life-saving. Most dogs do not do well in a shelter, which can be busy, loud, and scary. The overload of stimulation may cause behavior that would never be seen in a home setting.
Please complete the Adoption/Foster Application and indicate that you are interested in Fostering a Dog in Need. For more information contact arkonnection@yahoo.com.
Short-Term Fostering
Can’t foster in the traditional sense? That’s OK! Check out these short-term opportunities:
- Day Fostering. A day foster takes a shelter dog out for an afternoon of fun, exercise, and socialization. These outings have shown improved shelter behavior and thus improved chances for adoption. Once a week or more, any time being a normal dog is beneficial.
- Summer Fostering. Many dog lovers, such as teachers, have the summer off. This is a great time to lend a paw. Fostering is not always long-term, plus you can ask how to network your foster to improve his/her chances for a timely adoption.
- School Year Fostering. This time to foster is best for those who travel in the summer but are able to assist dogs during non-summer months. This type is similar to traditional fostering but the rescue or shelter staff understands a new foster family must be found once summer approaches.
- Short-Term Fostering. When perfectly nice dogs have been in a shelter for a long time and euthanasia is nearing, you can become a short-term emergency foster until a rescue, long-term foster, or adopter can be found. You will save a life!
For more information or to share your own fostering ideas, please email
arkonnection@yahoo.com and include your knowledge and experience with dogs!