The ins and outs of fostering for SCD
What is fostering?
As a 100% volunteer run, shelter-free rescue, we would be unable to save these beautiful dogs and give them the life and forever families they deserve without the most essential part of rescue- our amazing foster families.
Offering rescue cross country is a very big responsibility and we're always looking for new fosters. Fostering saves lives! Not only the dog being pulled from the shelter, but the next one coming into the shelter. Foster parents provide temporary homes to help our pups transition from their previous life on the streets or in shelters to forever homes. You provide the love and basic care, we cover everything else.
Where are fosters needed most?
While we are incredibly appreciative and humbled by the amount of offers to foster future rescues across the country, there are specific locations we are in desperate need for more fosters.. There is an overwhelming amount of Carolina Dogs sitting in shelters with unknown fates in Texas, specifically, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
We also receive many rescue pleas in the following states and would love more foster families in these locations to save even more beautiful Carolina Dogs:
- South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Louisiana
Even if you don't live in these areas, we still encourage you to submit a foster application as we are sometimes able to arrange transport via volunteers to available foster homes. Additionally, we often receive rescue pleas for owner surrenders in various locations. We never want to see a loving pet, accustomed to warm beds and companionship, be left scared and alone in a shelter because we don't have a foster home available in their area.
Foster Responsibilities
What costs does SCD cover?
SCD will pay for all medical care, including spay and neuter procedures , and any supplies needed. Since we do not have a physical facility, all supplies and food are shipped directly to you or our rescue director will place an order for local store pickup so you are all set for your foster's arrival. (We frequently use Tractor Supply Company for local store pickups)
While we will provide any and all essentials you need to properly care for your foster dog (crate, food, bowls, puppy pads etc), you will be put in contact with a foster coordinator regarding specific items you need and they will create an Amazon wishlist for your newly rescued foster. The generosity of our community members is truly overwhelming and your foster will be showered with more love, essentials, toys, and treats than they can imagine! When we find a perfect match for your foster, they get to take all of their familiar "welcome to rescue!" gifts (that weren't gobbled up or destroyed in search of squeakers) to their forever home for a smooth transition.
What are my responsibilities as a foster?
Depending on the situation, you may be required to “break out” your foster from the shelter they are being held and give them the best car ride in existence: a freedom ride!
You will schedule and take your foster to any vet appointments. Vet appointment costs are either taken care of by the rescue director setting up payment with the clinic prior to appointment or will be reimbursed to you via PayPal. While we do not require specific clinics be used, we do have accounts and discounts provided for our fosters through nationwide clinics, such as, Banfield. Additionally, we have standing accounts with various clinics throughout Texas and areas we frequently have fosters that we can recommend to you.
You are responsible for all care, safety, and security of your foster as well as helping them get accustomed to the joy of domesticated dog life in a loving home.
We also require you to keep in communication with our team and submit your foster's initial bio, photos, and videos to our Communications Director within the first 2 weeks of fostering.
What should I be prepared for as a foster?
Every dog is different and there truly is no dog more predictably unpredictable than a Carolina Dog. However, the love and gratitude they give for saving their life is insurmountable. Many of the dogs we rescue haven't had a great start in life and, typically, we don't know any of their history prior to their arrival at a shelter. Some dogs need more quiet decompression time, while others take all of 10 seconds before showering you with kisses and frolicking in the yard. Many times a dog's behavior in a shelter is completely different than their behavior in a home which is why fostering is so essential for any rescue.
Your foster may need help with house training, crate training, chewing, or separation anxiety just like any new addition to your home. Fostering is a commitment but we are here to help, advise, and support you every step of the way.