Foster FAQs

Fosters play a crucial role at Tails of Hope because we do not operate a shelter facility. We rely on committed fosters to provide temporary, in-home care for animals until they find their forever homes. Without fosters, we wouldn't be able to rescue as many animals. Shelters often face the heartbreaking reality of euthanizing healthy and friendly animals due to limited resources or space. Fostering gives animals from various backgrounds a chance to find a loving home.

Fosters at Tails of Hope provide temporary, in-home care for animals. In addition to regular daily care like feeding and exercise, fosters are responsible for basic training (e.g., housetraining, crate training, leash walking), behavior modification, socialization, and temperament evaluation. Fosters may also need to provide medical care, such as taking the animal to vet appointments and administering medication. Taking the foster animal to adoption events and ensuring plenty of playtime and snuggles are also part of the fostering experience. Mentors are available to provide guidance and support throughout the process.

While Tails of Hope is primarily known as a dog rescue, we have also extended our assistance to other animals over the years. We have helped cats, pocket pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice, as well as farm animals like mini horses, pigs, and roosters. If you are open to fostering animals other than dogs, please let us know when you apply!

Tails of Hope assumes responsibility for all necessary expenses related to the animal's well-being, including food, crate/kennel, collar, and leash. While many fosters generously provide additional items like food, toys, and other supplies as a donation, it is not required. Veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, flea/tick treatments, medications, and emergency care are covered by the rescue. Donations of various items like toys, dog beds, treats, blankets, and preventatives are distributed to fosters, as available.

Absolutely! Fostering can be a great way to provide socialization for your pets and give them a playmate. Tails of Hope requires that your current pets are up-to-date on all vaccinations. Since some rescue animals may arrive with health issues, fosters should be prepared to quarantine their foster dog if necessary. Tails of Hope is not responsible for any illness or injury to your pets caused by a foster animal—fostering is done at your own risk.

Fosters must have the dedication to care for the foster animal until it is adopted into a forever home. The time required can vary, ranging from a few days to several months or more. Some animals may need an extended period of time to overcome injuries, illnesses, or find a suitable home, especially senior animals or those with special needs. Tails of Hope works diligently to find carefully screened permanent homes for animals in a timely manner.

Yes! Tails of Hope often needs fosters who can provide short-term care, such as while a regular foster is on vacation. If you are interested in being a temporary foster, please indicate "Temp Foster" on your application.

Fosters who wish to adopt their foster animal or another animal from Tails of Hope must follow the standard adoption process. This includes submitting an adoption application, undergoing a veterinarian reference check, and paying the full adoption fee. Adoption applications are considered in the order they are received, and Tails of Hope reserves the right to deny an application for any reason they deem fit.

To become a foster, finish reading the foster FAQs, and then complete the foster application. After reviewing your application and conducting reference checks, a foster mentor will be assigned to you. They will contact you to further discuss your interest in fostering and schedule a home visit., which is an informal meeting in your home to address any questions and assess your suitability as a foster. Throughout your fostering experience, your foster mentor will provide ongoing guidance and support.