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What is Fostering?

Fostering a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to make a life-changing impact on an animal in need. When you foster, you temporarily open your heart and home to a dog, providing them with love, care, and stability until they find their forever family. This act of kindness saves lives by creating space in shelters and rescues for more dogs in need, while giving the fostered dog the best chance at a bright future.
Plus, fostering is FREE! We provide food, supplies, and vetting.

Why Fostering Matters...

Fostering is By fostering, you are directly contributing to saving lives in several ways:

Creating Space

Each time you foster a dog, you free up space for shelters and rescues to take in another dog. This ripple effect can save multiple lives.​

Preventing Euthanasia

Many shelters face overcrowding, and fostering reduces the number of dogs at risk of being euthanized due to lack of space.

Preparing for Adoption

Fostering gives a dog time to decompress, learn social skills, and build confidence, making them more adoptable.

Understanding the Dog

By spending time with your foster dog, you’ll help our rescue learn about their personality, preferences, and needs. This information is crucial for matching them with the perfect forever home.

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Fosters Are

the Backbone

of Our Rescue

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Fosters are the backbone to our rescue.

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We cannot do what we do without our fosters as we do not have a physical shelter. Fosters provide safe and loving homes that make it possible to save countless lives. Every foster makes an extraordinary difference by giving a dog a chance to thrive outside the shelter.

How Fostering Works with Waggy Butts & Happy Mutts

At Waggy Butts & Happy Mutts, fostering is a team effort. Here’s how we make the process simple and supportive for foster families:
 

  1. Application and Approval: Start by filling out our foster application here. Once approved, our team will work with you to match you with a dog that fits your home and lifestyle.

  2. Support and Supplies: As a foster, you won’t be alone. Our rescue provides you with the necessary supplies, such as food, a leash, and medical care. We also cover veterinary expenses and are available to answer any questions you may have.

  3. Decompression and Care: When your foster dog arrives, your main goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment. Dogs often need time to adjust, so patience and understanding are key.

  4. Sharing Updates: Regular updates, photos, and observations about your foster dog help us promote them for adoption. This feedback is vital to finding the best home for them.

  5. Adoption Process: Once your foster dog is ready, we’ll handle the adoption process. You can be involved as little or as much as you want. Fosters have the first choice to adopt their foster dog if they fall in love, and we’ll guide you through the process.

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Fostering is for Everyone

It does not matter if you work a little, a lot, live in an apartment, big house, have a yard or no yard, kids, dogs, cats, etc. We will find your perfect match. Any home is better than the shelter, and every foster makes a difference.

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Common Questions About Fostering

1. How long will I foster a dog? Fostering durations can vary. Some dogs find homes quickly and stay only a few weeks, while others may need several months to fully prepare for adoption.

2. Can I choose the type of dog I foster? Yes! We work closely with fosters to ensure the dog’s size, age, and temperament align with your preferences and lifestyle.

3. What if I fall in love with my foster dog? It happens! Many fosters choose to adopt their foster dog, known as a “foster fail.” Fosters have the first choice to adopt, and if this happens, we’ll guide you through the adoption process.

4. What if I need help or can no longer foster? We understand that life happens. If you need assistance or can no longer foster, let us know immediately, and we’ll make arrangements for the dog.

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Ready to Make a Difference?

Becoming a foster is one of the most impactful ways to help dogs in need. Whether you have a few weeks or several months to spare, your kindness and compassion can change a life forever.

Start Your Journey Today:

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Together, we can save lives, one waggy butt at a time!

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