Are you cut out to be a Fosterer?

Labradoodle Rescue are looking for short and long term fosterers who are willing and have the time to offer a temporary home to a rescue dog. Fosterers play a crucial role in helping us with the process of assessing and re-homing doodles that come into our care. The main requirements are a loving, dog friendly home and a secure back garden.

Dogs go into foster care in order that they can be assessed for temperament, training level, and any health problems. The fosterer’s role includes introducing the new family to the dog to be adopted, seeing how any children behave and the way in which any existing dog reacts.

Fostering can be a very rewarding experience and we appreciate all the time and help our volunteers give. We have set out a few guidelines which we hope will be of help.

1. It is vitally important that all information regarding rescue dogs is kept in strict confidence. No information, or photos of foster dogs should be posted on ANY forums, nor must issues relating to a foster dog be discussed on forums or with anyone outside of Rescue.

2. Unfortunately it is not an option for fosterers to keep any dog in their care, nor are we able to give priority to friends or family of fosterers who may have taken a liking to a particular dog. Rescue has a waiting list and some prospective owners wait a long time for the right dog for their family. We have to be fair, and of course put the dog’s interests above everything else. However, anyone can apply to adopt a dog by filling out the application form and forwarding it to us for consideration in the usual way. Details at www.labradoodle-rescue.com/adoptionprocedure.html.

3. Not all dogs coming through Rescue will be easy to deal with. A foster dog can be very time consuming and turn your life upside down if there are behavioural or health issues. Some dogs are not housetrained or can be destructive. We will always give the fosterer as much information as possible about the dog, but we can only go by the information supplied by their previous owner. (Fosterers with young children will not be asked to deal with dogs who have shown any hint of aggression or who are given up to Rescue as being out of control).

4. The Rescue Co-ordinator is on hand to offer any advice and deal with any problems you may be having with a dog in your care. She will keep in touch with you to check on the dog’s progress and help with any concerns you might have. We also have a dog trainer on hand who is happy to give advice regarding any training or behavioural issues you might encounter. Please liaise with the Rescue Co-ordinator if you require help in this way.

5. Fosterers will be required to see the dog through the neutering process to ensure he/she cannot be exploited in the future. Labradoodle Rescue will of course pay for this.

6. Any veterinary treatment should be discussed with the Rescue Co-ordinator in advance, except of course in the case of an emergency. Please keep all receipts and invoices for veterinary care as these will be required in order to reimburse you.

7. It is advisable not to encourage foster dogs onto sofas and/or beds. Whilst this may seem harsh if you allow your own dogs to do this, we have to consider that the dog might not be allowed onto furniture when they move to their permanent home. It will make life much more pleasant for the dog if they have not been encouraged to do this in the first place.

8. Foster dogs must wear an ID tag at all times. Tags will be supplied by us and will have your name, address and telephone number on one side and Labradoodle Rescue details and telephone number on the other. Please remember to remove the tag when the dog goes to his new home so that you have it available for future dogs you may foster.

9. We will supply Burns complete food as required and this will be delivered to you direct from Burns. Please liaise with rescue in plenty of time to ensure you have enough food. Some foster dogs arrive with their own food and any change in diet should be made gradually over a period of several days where possible, in order to avoid an upset tummy. Should you decide to feed an alternative food, ie, the same food as your own dogs, that is ok but unfortunately we cannot pay for this unless there are special diet requirements for a particular dog. Special diet needs on the grounds of health etc can be discussed with the Rescue Co-ordinator.

10. If there are any additional items you feel are essential for the dog, ie, collar, lead, toys or training aids, please discuss this first with the Rescue Co-ordinator to ensure the correct items and training aids are purchased. Again, please keep all receipts.

11. Labradoodle Rescue have public liability insurance in case the dog causes an accident, but of course, scrupulous care must be paid to avoiding accidents by keeping the dog on the lead near roads etc. In any case, a foster dog should not be allowed off lead until they have had time to adjust and get to know you.

12. Some dogs arrive with all their worldly goods and others have nothing. It is advisable not to wash a dog's bed and belongings when they first arrive, even if they are grubby or a bit smelly as these smells will be familiar to the dog and will help him settle. By all means bath the dog if necessary using an appropriate shampoo. If the dog's coat is matted and you are unable to deal with this, please speak to the Rescue Co-ordinator to arrange professional grooming.

If you are interested in becoming a fosterer please PM Labradoodle Rescue or telephone Katherine Wallace, Rescue Co-ordinator, on 07789 141941 or email us for more information. Thank you.