FOSTER

Why foster?

Fostering a dog saves lives by creating space in shelters, allowing more animals to be rescued. It also gives dogs a chance to de-stress in a comfortable home environment, which improves their health and makes them more adoptable. Fostering provides benefits for the dog, the shelter, and the foster parent. 

Benefits for the fostered dog

• Reduces stress: Shelters can be loud, crowded, and stressful environments. A foster home offers a calmer, safer space where a dog can decompress and adjust to living in a home.

• Provides individualized care: Foster parents can give a dog one-on-one attention, which is crucial for puppies, senior dogs, and those with medical or behavioral needs.

• Teaches socialization and manners: Fostering helps dogs become socialized with people, other pets, and a family environment. Foster parents can work on house training, basic commands, and other skills to prepare the dog for a permanent home.

• Reveals their true personality: A dog's true temperament may be masked by "kennel stress." When relaxed in a home, their personality can shine, helping shelters find a better match with potential adopters. 

Benefits for the shelter or rescue group

• Frees up space: Every dog in a foster home opens up a spot in the shelter for another dog in need. This is especially critical during periods of overcrowding.

• Increases adoption rates: Dogs who have spent time in a foster home are often more relaxed, socialized, and ready for adoption, which significantly increases their chances of finding a forever family.

• Saves more lives: By providing a temporary home, fosters enable rescue organizations to save more animals than they could with kennel space alone. Some rescue groups operate entirely with foster homes.

• Gathers valuable information: Foster parents provide detailed insights into a dog's behavior, habits, and personality, which helps shelters match the dog with the most suitable forever home. 

Benefits for the foster parent

• Temporary commitment: Fostering is ideal for people who want to help an animal but cannot make a permanent, long-term commitment. It's a temporary arrangement that can last from a few days to several months.

• A "trial run" for adoption: If you are considering adopting, fostering is a great way to experience pet ownership without the lifetime commitment. Many fosters end up adopting their foster dog, which is called a "foster fail".

• Companionship and emotional fulfillment: Caring for a dog can help with loneliness and provide a sense of purpose. It is a rewarding experience to watch a dog blossom and know that you are saving a life.

• Low financial cost: We cover all expenses, including food, veterinary care, and supplies.

• Skill development: Fostering provides hands-on experience in dog care, training, and rehabilitation. It can also help children learn about responsibility and compassion. 

To become a JCHS foster, apply here:

https://form.jotform.com/jaspercountyhumanesociety/foster-application