This page explains what you can expect along the road to becoming a canine foster for Second Chance Pet Adoptions, and once your first foster dog is in your home.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the canine foster home application.
- Your application will be screened for the ability to have pets in the home. For example, do you own or rent? If you rent, do you have your landlord’s permission, and is there an applicable pet fee?
- If you currently have animals in your home we will check with your vet to be sure that they all are up to date on vaccines and are spayed or neutered.
- The New Foster Home Coordinator will give you a call and talk with you about fostering. If all parties agree, you will be added to the Second Chance Dogs email distribution list.
- Prior to receiving a foster dog, you will need to meet with the Dog Program Coordinator or Foster Home Coordinator to go over the Foster Home Manual and to sign the Foster Home Agreement.
Congratulations, you are now ready to take on your first foster dog!
All of our dogs live in foster homes. The adoption center does not have permanent living facilities for dogs, so foster homes are a critical component towards saving lives. You may have certain limitations or requests for the type of dog that you are willing or would prefer to foster. That’s OK. If you live in an apartment and there are breed or size restrictions, we understand. If your lifestyle would prefer a dog that is already housetrained, we understand that too. Depending on the frequency of new intakes, and whether or not they are a good fit for you and your family, please understand that it may take some time for you to receive your first foster dog, and we ask for your patience. We take the pairing of our rescued dogs and foster homes seriously and want to do our best to ensure a successful and rewarding experience for you and the dog.
Notifications of Dogs needing a foster home
- Many foster homes have specific requests, and the Dog Program Coordinator will contact you directly if there is a dog who fits the requirements of your home.
- When a new dog comes in to the program and does not already have a foster home, the Dog Program Coordinator will send an email to the Second Chance Dogs distribution list with information about the dog.
- You can offer to foster this dog or not. The decision to foster is always yours.
- If there are multiple offers to foster a particular dog the Dog Program Coordinator will choose the home best suited for the dog.
Once your foster dog is in your home
- Understand that it may take a few days for the dog to adjust to a new environment. Depending on the dog’s history, it could be a longer transition.
- Second Chance provides all food, treats, toys, medication, monthly heartworm and flea prevention. When you pick up your foster dog you’ll be sent home with everything you will need for his or her care. You just need to provide love, attention, guidance, and fun!
- Dog medical clinics are on Tuesday evenings at the adoption center, starting at 6:30 pm, on a first come first served basis. Generally your foster dog be required to attend twice (one month apart), but if he or she is a puppy or ill it could be more often. The Medical Coordinator will email you a few days in advance to let you know when your dog needs to come to clinic.
- Your Foster Home Manual will include instructions for what to do in a medical emergency or if your foster dog gets sick. If warranted, Second Chance will arrange for a vet visit and help you with transportation if needed.
- Dog adoption events are generally once or twice a month on a Saturday from 12 -2 pm. Locations vary around Raleigh and Cary. If the dog is ready, you are expected to attend with your foster, or to contact the Dog Program Coordinator to make other arrangements. The more exposure your foster dog receives, the quicker he or she will get adopted.
- When an approved application has been received for your foster dog, it will be forwarded to you and you will be asked to reach out to the applicant to initiate a discussion and to answer questions about the dog. Should the applicant like to meet the dog you are free to arrange a date and time that is convenient for you both. The first few meetings should be done at the Adoption Center. This way if you have questions, there will be someone present to answer them. Keep in mind that you have some input into who adopts your foster dog. You know your foster best and our goal is to place our dogs into loving, permanent homes where they will be happy and thrive.
- Email and phone support is always available should you ever have any questions about your foster dog, the fostering process, or getting your foster dog adopted.
(Please note that there is an excellent chance you will fall in love with your foster and you may even decide to make him or her a permanent part of your family. Should this happen, please know that despite the common term “foster failure” we do not consider you a failure at all! Formally adopting a Second Chance dog will make you a permanent part of our family as well!)
