Curious the process? Well, buckle up and dive into this handy guide!...

What is fostering a dog?

Fostering a dog at Lucky Paws is like running a dog bed and breakfast! You provide a cozy spot for pups in need while they wait for their forever homes For many dogs, fostering is their ticket a future, complete with belly rubs and treats. Not only is fostering rewarding, but it also boosts the dog's adoption chances by helping them show off their true charm and wagging tails.

Is fostering a dog free?

One of top questions from dog foster parents is whether fostering a dog costs money. Well, good news! Fostering a dog is usually free if the dog is already in the UK. We'll take care of all the vet bills, but you'll be responsible for food, flea and worm treatments, and any extra like toys or grooming supplies. Occasionally, might be able raise funds to bring a dog over from North to the UK for fostering. So you get to welcome a furry friend without breaking the bank!

Will I get paid for fostering a dog?

Fostering a dog is like being a superhero, but without the cape and the paycheck. Sure, you won't be rolling in dough, but you'll be rolling in dog hair and love! The real perk is knowing you're giving a dog a cozy, temporary crash pad while they wait for their forever home. Plus, the emotional highs are off the charts! So, if you're ready to open your heart and home, get ready for a tail-wagging life-enriching adventure.

What are the criteria for fostering a dog?

To become a fosterer, you need to meet certain criteria. If you have kids between four and twelve, we will only allow you to foster a dog who has passed the child-test. But hey, if you're a rescue dog whisperer, your application will be considered on a case-by-case basis!

 THE FOSTERING PROCESS

Step 1: Fostering a dog starts with the all-important application form. It's like a matchmaking questionnaire but for dogs! We'll ask about your doggy expertise and your current living situation.

Step 2: A member of our team (your admin contact) will be in touch; we aim to contact you within 48 hours.

Step 3: Home check - This provide us with the opportunity to meet you and ensure that we are rehoming our dogs to the most suitable home. These home checks are conducted virtually unless you live near one of our admin team members who will conduct the home check in person. We also require proof of address and a form of photo I.D. 

Step 4: The information from your application form and home check results are considered along with the foster dog's needs to ensure you are suitably matched. 

Step 5: We will ask you to sign a fostering contract.

Step 6: We will coordinate with you the dog's transport and pick the perfect date and time to welcome your new furry friend.

What support will I receive?

Here at Lucky Paws, we will provide you with continued support and are always on hand to answer any questions you may have:

Once we have reviewed your application and home check we will add you to our fosterers chat (Facebook) so that you have access to continued support.

How long do I need to foster for?

The length of time a dog spends in foster care is like a mystery novel – you never know how long it will take to reach the happy ending. Some dogs might find their forever homes in just a few weeks, while others might need an extended stay due to medical or behavioral plot twists. We can't predict the exact timeline for each dog's foster journey, but we do our best to make sure every pup gets the care they need.

Understanding "Failed" Fosters

If you choose to adopt the dog you're fostering instead of letting someone else take them, it's called a "foster fail." Despite the name, fails are actually a win-win for both you and the dog. It means you've fallen head over paws for the dog and decided to make them a forever part of your family. Foster fails are celebrated as the happiest of endings.

Conclusion

Fostering is like being superhero! You give dogs the love, care and stability they need to become their best selves. By opening your home to a foster dog you're not just saving a life, you're making a world of difference in animal welfare. If you want to join our league of foster parents or have any questions, please reach out!