The Foster Experience

Open Your Heart And Home

Online Foster Application

One of our most precious resources are our foster homes. Without an adequate number of foster homes we are limited in how many goldens we can take in at one time.

The principle behind fostering is to provide a home environment in order to evaluate the dog’s habits and behavior as well as any other information that will assist the new owner.

GRRMF needs caring, responsible golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their hearts and homes to our rescue goldens. Below are frequently asked questions about our foster program. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at info@grrmf.org.

What will I need to do as a foster parent?ReneeSurferGirlsmall

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog. This includes feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, and reinforcing basic obedience commands. You will also be observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament and of course, providing love and security to a special Golden during a major transition time in their life.

How long does a dog stay in foster care?

The foster stay varies with each dog. All GRRMF foster dogs stay in foster care at least two weeks. Many need more time in foster care, and dogs with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual dog.

Do I have to be home with the dog all day?

No.  Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require you to ensure the dog has a safe area while you are away from home or when the dog is unsupervised to avoid property damage and potential issues with other pets.  Acceptable methods of providing a safe area include using a crate, baby gate, or separate space inside the climate controlled foster home.  This results in a safe, secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family’s safety and home in the forefront.

Do I need a fenced yard?

A fenced yard is preferred. Your dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. The golden may be exercised off leash only in a securely fenced yard. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times. If you do not have a fenced yard, the minimum age of the dog to be placed in your foster home would be 5 years old.

May I choose which dogs I foster?

The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. You may always decline a dog and if your foster dog proves too much for you to handle and we can place them elsewhere.2_February_TristanHolliday

How much does it cost?

Lack of funds should not prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses such as quality dog food, dog bowls, toys, dog beds or anything else you choose to purchase for your foster. Necessary veterinary care is provided by authorized veterinarians and paid for by GRRMF. Medications including monthly heartworm preventative are provided as well.

What happens if I have questions or problems with a foster dog?

All foster families receive our “Foster Home Manual” and access to other reference information located in our Foster Library which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering.  Each foster home is assigned to a GRRMF Foster Coordinator for mentoring and guidance. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding.  Most rescue dogs are already housebroken or quickly learn good habits. Some may be ill or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance, these dogs not only improve, they flourish in foster care.

What if we want to travel?

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster dog can be returned to the foster coordinator’s care while you are away. Just arrange in advance as soon as you know and we will reserve a spot.

Will I become attached to my foster dog?

Yes, of course. But, when you meet the new family who is ready to provide a permanent loving home you will feel more than satisfied to see your foster move forward to begin their new and better life your love and care prepared them to receive. 2009april didi gibbs

What if I want to adopt the golden I am fostering?

Please remember that many families have filled out their application and are waiting for our call.  Most of our foster dogs are matched with approved adopters while the dog resides in your care.  Fosters who  want to adopt need to be on our approved adopters waiting list to be eligible to be matched to a dog for adoption.

I would like to foster. What do I do next?

If you are interested in fostering, please fill out  our foster application.

BEFORE you start the application to save you time, please collect 4 photos we will be asking you to attach to the application:
-Photo standing at your backyard door where the dog will be exiting. Be sure to capture your pool and fence if you have one on the property.
-Photo of where your GRRMF rescue dog will be spending most of their time with their family.
-Photo of where your GRRMF rescue dog will sleep at night.
-Photo of dog(s) in your home or if no dog is currently living in the home, a photo of your kitchen where your GRRMF rescue dog will be waiting for special treats and meals!

PLEASE NOTE: there is no application fee required for foster home applicants.

Online Foster Application
or
Download & Mail In Your Application

GRRMF
PO Box 1449
Goldenrod, FL 32733
FAX: [Toll-Free] 1-888-408-5520

Thank you for raising your paws to become a foster home for GRRMF!

We look forward to receiving your application.

 

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- Want To Adopt -

If you are writing us about adopting a dog and do not have an adoption application on file with us, use this link to review our policies and process and complete an application.

If you have completed our adoption application, and/or have another inquiry, please use the email link to contact us.

Adoption Application Email Us