FOSTER FAQs

How long are animals in their foster homes?

The length of an animal’s stay in a foster home varies significantly, and there is no way to determine how long the animal will need a foster.  Animals may stay in foster homes anywhere from a few days to several months.  If at any time you need assistance with taking care of your foster animal (going on vacation, etc.), we will provide them with a place to stay while you are gone.  Additionally, if you can no longer foster the animal for any reason, we will provide a new foster home as quickly as possible.

What does ALIVE Rescue Memphis provide?

ALIVE Rescue Memphis covers all financial obligations.  We pay for all the animal’s medical and veterinary expenses, food, supplies, a crate, collar, and leash.  Additionally, we will provide support and guidance on training and the behavior of your foster animal.

What if I can no longer keep my foster animal?

We understand that life events may happen that require a dog to be moved immediately, but please try to give as much notice as possible if you are no longer able to foster so that we can prepare for the animal’s transition.

What if I want to keep my foster animal forever?

If you decide to adopt your foster animal, you will go through the same adoption process as all other adopters.  You can read more about our adoption procedures here: http://www.aliverescue.org/adoption/our-process/

What if my foster animal needs to go to the vet?

If your foster animal needs to go to the vet, ALIVE Rescue Memphis will cover all veterinary expenses.  More details on this will be provided to you if you become an approved foster home.

What if I need help with training my dog?

Taking in a foster dog can be hard work.  Dogs that come into ALIVE Rescue Memphis are on a wide spectrum of training.  Some dogs require little to no training, while other dogs (especially very young dogs or dogs who have never been family pets) require more training.  The foster dog’s foster coordinator will be there to provide guidance and support on training your foster dog.  If more expertise is needed, we have trainers with whom we will put you in touch. We know that foster families have different abilities in regards to time and commitment, and we ask that you put in as much time as possible training your foster dog as this makes them more adoptable.

What if I already have a pet of my own?

Many people who currently own pets foster with ALIVE Rescue Memphis.  Your current animals must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and be spayed/neutered.  Exposing your pet to other animals is always a health risk, whether that be on walks, in the park, or at the vet.  If you pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and is healthy, the risk is minimal.

Will I be responsible for getting the foster dog adopted?

No, but we do need your help.  Foster dogs need to be made available for adoption events and introductions with qualified applicants.  We do not ask that you have these introductions in your home, but we will need to be able to pick up the dog and take it to the introductions and events. By providing quick responses to inquiries about schedules, you will help make the dog’s adoption go more smoothly.

What are my responsibilities as a foster home?

As a foster home for ALIVE Rescue Memphis, you will need to provide space, meals (food provided by ALIVE), basic training, exercise, and love for the dog.  We will provide you with everything else you need.  We ask that you provide us with regular updates on your foster dog so that we can use this information to find it a suitable forever home.

What do I do if I need to go out of town?

We will always find a place for your foster dog to go, while you are on a well deserved vacation or emergency trip. You will contact your foster coordinator, Raegan, and we will set up a place for your foster dog to crash.