Important information for fosters

1) Complete a foster contract. Ensure you, and everyone in your household, understand the commitment you are making to both the dog and Arf-Anage Dog Rescue.

2) You get to name the dog(s) you are fostering, unless they have been previously provided a name. As soon as you decide on a name, please email with the dog’s ARF ID number, new name, and updated pictures to arfanagerescue@gmail.com or provided foster mentor.

3) When ready for adoption you have several options:

• Adopt the dog yourself - simply let a leader know you are ready to adopt and the contract will be sent through Shelterluv. Please note: we do not provide discounts for fosters who adopt.
• Adopt the dog to someone you know - the adopter will need to submit an adoption application and submit payment.
• Post the dog on social media, including Arf volunteer FB page, and conduct meet & greet sessions with potential adopters. Once you have selected someone you think is a good fit, ensure the adoption contract is completed, and contact an Authorized Shelterluv payment volunteer to ensure payment is made before turning the dog over to the adopter.
• Bring the dog to adoption events. Reach out to event leaders or post in the FB group to determine which event works best for you. Typically, these events are held on weekends and the times vary. Everything is posted within the volunteer FB group. You do not need to stay at the event with your dog the entire time, but you do need to ensure they are dropped off and picked up on time.

4) Once your foster is adopted, all paperwork will be housed in ShelterLuv. Records will be emailed to the adopter.

5) Get ready to do it all again - there are always more dogs that need fostering.

1) The dog(s) you are fostering may have been through a lot in a very short period. As such, it’s important that you give them time to decompress and adjust. We recommend a bathroom or spare bedroom be set up for the dog(s) for the first few days.

2) We treated the dog(s) for fleas/ticks before placing them with you. However, you may still find them. Do NOT give them a bath or another flea/tick treatment. Instead, simply remove the fleas/ticks as you find them. We recommend washing all bedding the dog(s) is using in hot water with bleach after use.

3) Ensure the dog(s) always has access to fresh water and high-quality dog food. Please allow the dog(s) to free feed if possible. Food is provided by the rescue unless previously approved.

4) Never allow the foster dog(s) to interact with other animals or children unsupervised. We do not know the temperament of these animals, and trust that you will exercise good judgment.

5) Almost all dogs will be sent to their first foster with deworming medicine. Please give each dog the following:

• Panacur: liquid - once/day for three days.
• Other - if needed

1. Take your foster anywhere other than the inside of your home and backyard – no walks, front yard, PetSmart, etc.
2. Skip the deworming medicine or any medicine given to you by the rescue.
3. Bathe your foster within the first 5 days. You can use baby wipes to clean up any messes on their paws.
4. Take your foster to the vet unless instructed by an Arf-Anage staff member – the foster is not your personal pet and needs our permission for any treatment. Any charges that some from taking a foster to the vet without permission are your responsibility.
5. Euthanize your foster. If you choose to do this, you will be responsible for all vet bills and will be charged the applicable adoption fee for your deceased foster.
6. Miss a vaccine or spay/neuter appointment. There will be a $50 charge for any missed appointment.
7. Sell, gift, or give your foster to anyone not appointed by the rescue.
8. Have play dates with other dogs, even if they are vaccinated.
9. Show up at the Paw Wash without an appointment.

1) Your dog may have just weaned her puppies, in which case she is probably going to be exhausted. We recommend feeding her puppy food or other high-quality dog food.

2) She may still be producing milk - it’s ok, it will dry up in time.

3) She may seem a little sad or depressed. Just give her plenty of love. She may also like having stuffed animals to snuggle with.

4) After being spayed, she may not want to eat for a few days. This is normal, if it lasts longer than 3 days contact Cathy or Andy. 

1) Most likely, you will be required to foster puppies in groups of two or more. We recommend you keep them together in one large crate or puppy pen. They should not be separated for any period of time.

2) It is likely your puppy will have yucky poops for a few days. This is OK, but you will need to keep an eye on it.

3) If your puppy seems lethargic or does not want to eat, you need to let us know IMMEDIATELY! Parvo is possible in these puppies, and the sooner we treat them, the better chance they have of making it. Common symptoms of Parvo:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, often bloody
• Fever
• Lethargy or tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Sad/droopy face

4) Remember – puppies need safe places to play and interact – so you will need to puppy-proof any area that they have access to.

5) Start training as soon as possible. Puppies are always easier to adopt if they are crate trained, potty trained, etc.