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Fostering saves lives!Every dog that goes into foster allows front line rescuers to pull another dog from a kill shelter. We make every effort to ensure that the foster dog matches your lifestyle and is compatible with your family and pets. Depending on your comfort zone, you could foster dogs coming from a shelter or after they have completed the quarantine period and have been evaluated by an experienced foster. Spending time in a foster home will provide a smooth transition for a dog into their "forever home." While the dog is with you, your input will help rescue volunteers find the best possible family match for the dog. online Foster ApplicationWhat to ExpectFoster care is critical to saving the lives of dogs. Dogs must be pulled from shelters where the time limit can be as little as three days before euthanization. Foster homes can be short term (a few days to weeks) or long term (several weeks or months). Ideally, the dog should stay in the same foster home until adopted. Preparation
Arrival
In the Home
Moving On
What are my responsibilities as a foster?
How do I get assigned a foster Pyr?We match fosters based on their temperaments and your situation; for example: whether you have cats, birds or other pets, the disposition and age of your own dog(s), the age of your children (when applicable), the height of your fence and your experience with Pyrs. Where will my foster dog come from?Your GPRM representative will tell you more about the dog you will be receiving. Dogs come primarily from Montana, Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming. Does the dog come to me straight from the shelter?It depends. If you do receive a dog directly from a shelter, it is a good practice to quarantine the new dog from your other dogs. All dogs coming into rescue should be seen by a veterinarian, whether before coming to you or soon afterward. How does the dog get to me?Pyrs are often transported by a network of volunteers; each situation is different. What should I feed her/him?Please ask your GPRM representative what the foster is being fed. Getting a small bag and transitioning gradually will reduce stomach upset. Do I need to have the foster spayed/neutered?Rescue Pyrs are often altered before traveling to their new foster home. If you are interested in fostering very young puppies, sometimes they can be sent prior to being altered if you are able to obtain discount vet services and are willing to arrange for the surgery and post-op care. Do I need to crate?Crating is not required, but access to one is recommended in case of chewing or housebreaking issues. Crates for x-large breeds are very pricey. If you need assistance obtaining one, we ask that you look for a used one to help with the expense. They can be found on craigslist, ebay and other recycling resources. You can also check with your local SPCA. Can I use my vet?You first need authorization to see a veterinarian, except in emergency situations. If you are authorized to use a local vet, we do request that you look for low-cost options in your area. Some local shelters and SPCAs offer discount veterinary services. Please ask your vet if they will give a rescue discount; we can provide proof of non-profit status if necessary. Do not purchase medications from your vet without prior authorization. In some cases, medications can be sent to you in lieu of a vet visit. Please remember to get advance approval for non-emergency vetting. What expenses are tax-deductible?Anything that you purchase for your foster may be deductible as a charitable expense. If you are willing to donate towards a medical or other expense that totals $250 or more (single expense not cumulative), the IRS requires a receipt from the organization. For information see IRS pub 526. What is the adoption process?Applications are forwarded to GPRM for the initial interview and vet check. If all goes well, you may be asked to contact the applicant to tell them more about your foster. They may or may not choose to meet the dog depending on whether they are local to you. If they would like to meet the dog, this can be done wherever is convenient to both of you. A home visit is then done to evaluate the adopters and the living area. Once approved, arrangements will be made to transfer the Pyr to the new family. What if I need to travel and can’t take my foster dog?Please let your GPRM representative know well in advance of your planned travel in order to discuss available options. Online Foster Application |