You have decided that you would like to foster a dog! Great! There are so many rewarding benefits to fostering a dog! Now its time to start preparing for your foster dog to arrive that includes getting fit to the right dog. What do you need to consider on your list of what you are not comfortable dealing with in your foster dog. Also, how to prepare your home and your personal pets!
Fitting to the Right Foster Dog
There are a few things that you must consider when being fit to the right dog for you and your family. First and foremost, how much time do you have to devote to this dog? If you are gone many hours of the day it is important to be fit with a dog that does not require as much attention. Also, some dogs need a foster parent to be home more hours of the day to provide medical care for any possible health issues. Finally, are there any behavioral problems that you are not comfortable dealing with? If you have children, you would not be comfortable having a dog that is aggressive towards children.
Preparing your Own Dogs
Before bringing a foster dog into your home with your current pets there are a few things that you need to do. One of those things is to make sure that your dogs are up to date on their vaccinations. You never know what the foster dog has been exposed to including upper respiratory infections, parasites, and infections.
Preparing your Home for a Foster Dog
When your foster dog arrives, you will want to have your home ready. Never underestimate what a foster dog is capable of getting ahold of or what they can get into. If you don’t want to lose it, put it away. The foster dog also needs its own designated area where it can feel comfortable and at ease. Make sure that this area is a space that is easy to clean up and has nothing that you do not want to lose in it.
Tips
- Keep these items away from pets
- Electrical cords
- Toxic plants
- Toxic chemicals
- Medications
- Cosmetics
- Lotions
- Trash cans
- Keep washer and dryer unit lids closed
- Keep toilet lids closed
- Block any spaces where your vacuum cannot fit but your foster dog could
- Use child proofing latches to secure cabinets and doors
Now that you have know a little more about preparing for your foster pet you are almost ready to begin your rewarding journey.
For more information on fostering a dog for New Leash on Life, please visit our Foster page and complete an application.
For more information on preparing to foster a dog visit:
https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/fostering-dogs/best-dog-foster-care/
https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/fostering-dogs/preparing-to-foster-a-pet/