Superheroes come in all different shapes, sizes, ages, and personalities. And although you might think these differences make them hard to recognize, IN the dog-rescue world, it’s easy.
We call them FOSTERS!
Without fosters, we couldn’t bring all the tail-wagging-happy-ending stories to well-deserving pooches across Central Florida.
And that’s where YOU come in.
If you’re ready to put on your “superhero cape” and positively impact the lives of homeless dogs, then here’s what you need to know.
(The application is at the bottom of this page.)
FAQs For Fostering With PPR
1. Why do we need fosters?
PPR does NOT have a facility. We wholeheartedly believe in the healing power of a home and a family. All the dogs that come into our care, whether healthy, young, old, traumatized, or special needs, require a soft place to land until they find a “furever” home.
Setting them up for success, regardless of their past, is best accomplished in a warm, loving environment. Unfortunately, although safer than the streets, kennel life often triggers a downward slide in a dog’s emotions, behaviors, and overall health.
That’s why FOSTERS are the foundation for our ability to change sad stories into AMAZING stories.
2. Is there an age requirement to foster?
You must be at least 21 years old to foster. It’s totally fine to have younger people in your household, but please be sure to always watch young children with ALL dogs brought into your home. We often don’t know a dog’s history with children, so it’s just wise to supervise.
3. Do you only accept local fosters?
We love that you have the heart to help!
However, we can only work with fosters in the Central Florida area. Often, our pooches need to go to follow-up appointments at the vets we partner with— located close by.
Additionally, our adoption events and potential adoptees are in Central Florida, and our pups need to be easily transported to them. As the foster mom or dad, this responsibility will fall on you, so it’s essential that you are local.
If you are NOT located in Central Florida but have a heart set on fostering, we encourage you to search YOUR local area for other RESCUES. There is a desperate need for volunteers in this space and your passion for homeless pets can be put to good use.
4. What if I have my own pets? Will I still be considered?
Absolutely! We require that your pets be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on their shots. We want to keep everyone safe and healthy. If there is a medical reason that your pet is not, then please explain the reason, and we will take it into consideration.
5. What responsibilities does a foster parent have?
As foster parents, you get a “front-row” seat to what is often a marvelous transformation.
Here are a few foster RESPONSIBILITIES that make the journey smooth and successful:
* Taking your foster pup to any follow-up vet appointments
* Giving regular updates and sending pup photos to your Foster Coordinator
* Communicating clearly any concerns, behavioral issues, questions, progress, etc. Remember, our team is here to SUPPORT you.
* Matching a pet with “best-fit” applicants (provided by PPR) and performing the meet & greets with potential adopters
6. Are there any “deal breakers” for fostering?
If your lifestyle requires a foster dog to be in a crate for 8+ hours/day, this position is not a good fit for you. Our goal is to get these pups on the road to living their best life, and being confined to a crate for that long is not fair to them.
If your job or activities keep you away from home for extended lengths of time, you might be able to volunteer in other ways. Click here for more opportunities to help Poodle and Pooch Rescue.
Finally, this may go without saying, but we need 100% honesty when filling out your application. Our success in saving “the leftovers” is the result of the hard work of an entire team. Trust, compassion, and transparent communication are at the core of all we do together.
7. What can I expect AFTER I get approved to foster?
As a FOSTER parent, you are part of a well-organized TEAM! And in case you have any concerns, let us assure you. You get to choose WHEN and WHICH pups fit into your schedule and lifestyle.
Here’s the “10,000-foot view” of our tried and true process:
* A Foster Coordinator (FC) is assigned to you and will be your main contact person. He/She will guide you from beginning to end with any and all foster dogs you take in.
* You will occasionally receive emails with foster opportunities. These emails give you the info we know on a dog when it comes into our care, with a recent picture. If there is one that might be a good match for your home, reach out to your FC to check availability and arrange pick-up.
* PPR will post the pooch on the website when it is adoptable, but you will have the opportunity to impact the bio that is attached to the dog.
* PPR will send you approved applicants to look over. Based on what you have learned about your foster dog, you choose which applicant to do a meet and greet with. You have the final “say” on which home to place the dog in.
All other specifics of fostering are included in our helpful email sent once a foster application is approved.
Are YOU Ready to Wear Your Super-Hero Cape?
We hope that we’ve given you a good glimpse into what the rewarding role of fostering looks like. If you’re ready to take the next step, please fill out the application below.
Thanks for your time and heart to help!