How do you get involved in fostering??? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

chandracz · 03-11-2010, 11:33 AM

How do you get involved in fostering??? And how would I introduce my new little one to Bailey IF it's something I decided to do???

BonBon · 03-11-2010, 11:39 AM

If you think you might want to foster, go to the website of the rescue group you want to work with and there should be an application there. The reputable rescues (like Yorkie Haven Rescue, YTNR, etc.) will do a very thorough check ....veterinary history, home visit, etc., before approving your application.

I just started fostering for YHR a few months ago and I am loving it. But, I don't have much experience yet so I don't want to advise you incorrectly about making introductions. There are very experienced rescue workers on YT who'll be a great help to you, and your rescue group should also assign you a mentor who will be glad to help you with any questions, concerns, etc.

Good luck!!!

chandracz · 03-11-2010, 11:41 AM

Great! Thanks!!!

jencar98 · 03-11-2010, 12:54 PM

Bonny gave you a good answer about how to become involved. I can tell you how I introduce a foster into our home. First off, a foster is always quarantined in a separate bedroom contained in an ex-pen, for several days. I have to do this, bc of past experience and having my kids getting sick from a foster.....I can't risk my dogs health. The only times I haven't quarantined is when I've been 100% certain the foster dog is completely healthy.

After the quarantine period, depending upon the foster dog, I do different things. If it's a dog within the same size range as mine (5-6lbs) and their temperament seems sociable, I'll let them be with my dogs. If they are larger, or seem frightened or even a little aggressive, I'll keep them in an ex-pen in the living room for a couple of days. This way, the foster gets used to us and daily life here in small increments. I'll observe their behavior towards my dogs and cat and proceed from there. I've never had one stay in the ex-pen more than a week....we've been very fortunate!

chandracz · 03-11-2010, 12:57 PM

Thank you for the advice... As far as quarantineing (sp) the foster how can you be sure they are safe? Is it that you take it to a vet and then you are sure? I could never ever risk Bailey's heath!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jencar98

Bonny gave you a good answer about how to become involved. I can tell you how I introduce a foster into our home. First off, a foster is always quarantined in a separate bedroom contained in an ex-pen, for several days. I have to do this, bc of past experience and having my kids getting sick from a foster.....I can't risk my dogs health. The only times I haven't quarantined is when I've been 100% certain the foster dog is completely healthy.

After the quarantine period, depending upon the foster dog, I do different things. If it's a dog within the same size range as mine (5-6lbs) and their temperament seems sociable, I'll let them be with my dogs. If they are larger, or seem frightened or even a little aggressive, I'll keep them in an ex-pen in the living room for a couple of days. This way, the foster gets used to us and daily life here in small increments. I'll observe their behavior towards my dogs and cat and proceed from there. I've never had one stay in the ex-pen more than a week....we've been very fortunate!

hartygirl · 03-11-2010, 01:00 PM

All of that is great advise!

I foster for YHR also, and I have been very blessed to be associated with such a wonderful group. When I got my first foster pup I had so many questions about feeding, vetting, etc.... I can't tell you how much it helped to be able to just pick up the phone and call my "rescue buddies"! They had a wealth of knowledge and talked me through a lot, any time day or night.

If you are reading this you know who you are

Thanks ladies!

jencar98 · 03-11-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chandracz

Thank you for the advice... As far as quarantineing (sp) the foster how can you be sure they are safe? Is it that you take it to a vet and then you are sure? I could never ever risk Bailey's heath!

If I cam across a dog with what appeared to be a serious problem I would never bring him home before going to the vet. What I've dealt with mostly is worms, fleas, coccidia, and giardia, none of which are usually life threatening, but I still don't want anyone else here to get sick. Being kept in a separate bedroom I'm able to observe for any illness, keep their area disinfected, and make certain their illness is treated before introducing them into the rest of the house.

I still take a chance with each foster, but I do try to be as careful as one can be. I don't wear my "rescue" shoes into the house, I always change clothes before handling my dogs after I've picked up a rescue. And, I'm always washing hands after petting the rescues.

As I mentioned, we've been lucky and had only one case of kennel cough brought in and only one of my dogs caught it.

Rizzo's mom · 03-11-2010, 08:27 PM

I just started fostering for YTNR here in California and they will do a thorough check on your application. You can go to their website. I just got my first foster which I rescued out of the shelter and I am so glad that I am doing it

It is a blessing.

Foster mommy to Rocco

llcornell · 03-11-2010, 10:16 PM

Looks like you have gotten some great advise...Im a foster mom in san diego with YTNR...its the best thing Ive ever done...I love it. I have 2 of my own dogs so like others have said I usually introduce differently depending on the foster. Most often I take them for a walk together to get used to each other.

03-11-2010, 11:33 AM	#1
chandracz ♥I Luv my BaileyBlue♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,855	How do you get involved in fostering??? How do you get involved in fostering??? And how would I introduce my new little one to Bailey IF it's something I decided to do??? __________________ Chandra, Bailey Blue's mama

03-11-2010, 11:39 AM	#2
BonBon Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: With my yorkies Posts: 10,350	If you think you might want to foster, go to the website of the rescue group you want to work with and there should be an application there. The reputable rescues (like Yorkie Haven Rescue, YTNR, etc.) will do a very thorough check ....veterinary history, home visit, etc., before approving your application. I just started fostering for YHR a few months ago and I am loving it. But, I don't have much experience yet so I don't want to advise you incorrectly about making introductions. There are very experienced rescue workers on YT who'll be a great help to you, and your rescue group should also assign you a mentor who will be glad to help you with any questions, concerns, etc. Good luck!!! __________________ He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -- Author Unknown

03-11-2010, 11:41 AM	#3
chandracz ♥I Luv my BaileyBlue♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,855	Great! Thanks!!! __________________ Chandra, Bailey Blue's mama

03-11-2010, 12:54 PM	#4
jencar98 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 6,435 Blog Entries: 3	Bonny gave you a good answer about how to become involved. I can tell you how I introduce a foster into our home. First off, a foster is always quarantined in a separate bedroom contained in an ex-pen, for several days. I have to do this, bc of past experience and having my kids getting sick from a foster.....I can't risk my dogs health. The only times I haven't quarantined is when I've been 100% certain the foster dog is completely healthy. After the quarantine period, depending upon the foster dog, I do different things. If it's a dog within the same size range as mine (5-6lbs) and their temperament seems sociable, I'll let them be with my dogs. If they are larger, or seem frightened or even a little aggressive, I'll keep them in an ex-pen in the living room for a couple of days. This way, the foster gets used to us and daily life here in small increments. I'll observe their behavior towards my dogs and cat and proceed from there. I've never had one stay in the ex-pen more than a week....we've been very fortunate! __________________ ~Ruby, Reno, Razz, & Jack~

03-11-2010, 01:00 PM	#6
hartygirl megan - g Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,324	All of that is great advise! I foster for YHR also, and I have been very blessed to be associated with such a wonderful group. When I got my first foster pup I had so many questions about feeding, vetting, etc.... I can't tell you how much it helped to be able to just pick up the phone and call my "rescue buddies"! They had a wealth of knowledge and talked me through a lot, any time day or night. If you are reading this you know who you are Thanks ladies! __________________

03-11-2010, 08:27 PM	#8
Rizzo's mom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Campbell, Ca. Posts: 132	Getting started in fostering I just started fostering for YTNR here in California and they will do a thorough check on your application. You can go to their website. I just got my first foster which I rescued out of the shelter and I am so glad that I am doing it It is a blessing. Foster mommy to Rocco

03-11-2010, 10:16 PM	#9
llcornell Stop Puppy Mills Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: california Posts: 1,152	Looks like you have gotten some great advise...Im a foster mom in san diego with YTNR...its the best thing Ive ever done...I love it. I have 2 of my own dogs so like others have said I usually introduce differently depending on the foster. Most often I take them for a walk together to get used to each other. __________________ Proud mom to Sam & Daisy