Become a Foster Family
Our #1 need at Reach Rescue is…foster families!
Reach Rescue is in constant need of new foster homes for homeless dogs. As a foster-based organization, we can only save as many animals as we can house in foster homes. As a foster parent, you provide the stability of a temporary home to a helpless animal. Reach Rescue is responsible for necessary food and supplies — you provide the love!
Why foster homes?
Reach Rescue utilizes approved foster homes as the foundation for caring for the animals that we rescue. A foster home environment allows each animal to have an opportunity to be socialized more quickly, assisted in overcoming issues related to their past life, and cared for in a home environment. We also get to assess them with children, other pets, and better determine their needs in a forever home.
Fostered animals respond more quickly to training, family life and affection than animals that continue to be sheltered after being rescued. They are healthier because they are not being exposed to new shelter dogs on an ongoing basis. Most importantly, our fosters gain invaluable insight into the personality, temperament, needs and any “baggage” that comes with a rescued animal. This knowledge is shared with our adopters, giving the adopting family some guidance as to how they might best continue with their new pet’s training and adjustment to a new home.
Fostering FAQs
What is involved in being a foster family?
It’s pretty simple:
Provide a safe, caring home for the dog where they can start to prepare for life in a loving forever home.
Communicate with Reach Rescue directors regarding the dog’s health and behavior as well as help assessing the fit of possible adopters based on your understanding of the dog’s needs.
Bring the dog to adoption events and meet-and-greets so they can socialize and meet their future families.
Keep their online profiles updated so that they have the best chance of finding the perfect forever home.
Do I need to buy food, toys and other supplies?
Nope! Reach Rescue will provide everything you need, you just provide the loving home.
What about medical care?
Any medical care the dog needs upon arrival is provided by the rescue. Care that can’t be provided by our trained volunteers will be done at one of our veterinary partners at no cost to you. As a foster family, your job includes making sure the dog gets all medications, monitoring the dog for any signs of illness or injury, and caring for the dog while they recover from any care needed.
Don’t the dogs stay in the shelter or in kennels?
Nope. Reach Rescue is an entirely foster-based rescue meaning all of our dogs live in someone’s home while they wait for their forever family to come along. Fostered animals tend to respond more quickly to family life and maintain better health than shelter dogs. Plus, the foster family gets to know the dog to help make sure they find the perfect family based on each dog’s needs.
How do I stay in touch?
Information will be provided to you at the time you pick up your first foster dog. You’ll receive contact info for our volunteer team, a foster informational packet, and any supplies you need. You can also keep in touch with the directors and other foster parents in the Facebook group, Reach Rescue Volunteers.
Can I foster a dog to decide if I want to adopt it?
All our dogs already have an established foster home. At all times, we are searching for a forever family for a dog to enter right from their original foster family to reduce the amount of environments they need to acclimate to. Therefore, the only time we choose a foster-to-adopt is for dogs who may need extra help and time with behavioral or severe medical issues. We are always looking for new foster homes to join our Reach family and play a part in rescuing dogs!
If I foster, can I adopt the dog?
Reach Rescue has a 5-dog-foster rule. This means new foster families need to foster at least five dogs before being allowed to adopt. This rule was established to prevent people from “fake-fostering” just to adopt. We really need devoted foster families in order to save lives! We know it’s hard to give them up, but every time you do, you save another- and they really deserve to be saved.