FOSTER AGREEMENT & GUIDELINES
β’ Must be at least 25 years of age to foster/trial.
β’ All people residing in the home must agree to have a foster/trial dog.
β’ All Real Good Rescue dogs must continue crate training in their foster/trial homes (crate training info attached). They must be crated safely inside the home when left unattended and the resident dog(s) must not be loose in the same area of the home and/or able to access the crated foster dog.
β’ Foster/trial dog must be crated INSIDE the home only unless approval given by our rescue prior. They are never to be left in a crate outside, unattended.
β’ Foster/trial dogs should not be taken to dog parks, ever. No Exceptions. β’ Foster/trial dog is not to attend doggy day care during his/her stay.
β’ Foster dog is not to be left in the care of any other person and/or left at any other home not previously approved by our rescue.
β’ Foster/trial dogs must always remain on-leash in public places and in private yards that are not fully enclosed by a fence that has been approved the appropriate height by us for the dog prior.
β’ Foster/Trial dogs are only to use collars and leashes provided by and/or approved by RGR β’ Foster/trial dogs may not be left unattended at any time outside, even in a secured yard.
β’ You may not leave your foster/trial dog loose in the house with an accessible doggie door when you are not present.
β’ Foster/trial dog should not be introduced to any other animals without prior assessment from RGR member. This includes pets of friends at or away from your home.
β’ Foster/trial dog is NEVER to be left unattended at any time with resident pet(s) or any animals without supervision. They can be together, supervised, off leash, only after introduction and clearance by RGR as long as all other guidelines are followed.
β’ All new introductions should be discussed with RGR prior to pursuing. For example, if the foster/trial family has a cat they would like to introduce to the foster/trial dog, one of our trainers will need to come out to the home to oversee this introduction.
β’ Foster/trial dog must ALWAYS remain on-leash around other dogs outside of the resident pets.
β’ Foster/trial dogs must have access to fresh water daily and must be fed meals as approved by RGR prior. Some may be on extra feedings initially as will be indicated.
β’ Foster/trial dogs must not be left in temperatures below 50 degrees (F) or above 75 degrees (F).
β’ Foster/trial dogs are only to be fed food/treats approved by RGR prior.
β’ Foster/trial dogs and resident dogs are NEVER to be fed in the same area or allowed to approach when the other is eating. They are also not to be given treats/bones in the same area.
β’ Approved Treats/Toys β Unsupervised: Kongs, Med-Lrg Deer Antlers
β’ Approved Treats/Toys - Supervised: No-Hides, Bully Sticks, other soft-chewable approved treats and jerky. Rope toys, balls, stuffed animals, nylabones.
β’ Treats NOT Approved: Rawhides. NO exceptions.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
β’ Animal Welfare- To provide a patient, loving environment while the pet is in your care.
β’ ALWAYS inform a RGR member in the event that anything out of the ordinary occurs. For example, if the foster/trial dog become sick, they get off leash, they have a disagreement with another dog or any training or behavioral concerns are exhibited. A foster/trial parent is not to implement their own training style or methods without approval from RGR. The rescue will provide suggestions as well as professional training when necessary. We use positive reinforcement for all of our training methods.
β’ Social Media Guidelines- In an effort to avoid disclosing information that could be misinterpreted on social media, we ask that fosters refer all of the questions about their foster dogs to us by redirecting people to our email address hello@realgood.dog. To give you an example as to why, letβs say that someone asks if the dog is good with small children and the foster responds and says βno small children,β when they mean the dog is large and may knock over a toddler on accident. Now when the next potential adopter reads this thread, they will think the dog cannot be around kids and is possibly child aggressive. We have learned from our mistakes in the past and we proceed with caution on all social media sites. We also do not want fosters to post on their personal pages unless it is positive updates ONLY. No negatives such as, βfoster dog is exhibiting food
aggression βorβ foster dog growls at all men.β Please bring the situation to our attention. We want the dog to be adopted and there is a right way and wrong way to talk about certain issues in order to avoid deterring interest.
β’ A foster is responsible for bringing their foster dog to our adoption events when needed and arranged ahead of time.
β’ We try to accommodate all of our fosters by scheduling the dogs vet appointments around their availability, however, every now and again a foster is unable to make a vet appointment so please contact the Foster Coordinator via email to make arrangements.
Foster/trial parents must respond within 24 hours to communications from the Foster Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator and Director.
All potential adopter correspondence should go through the Adoption Coordinator. If someone reaches out to you regarding adoption, please direct them to our email:hello@realgood.dog
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I let my foster dog βdecompressβ and what exactly does that require?
This answer varies depending on multiple factors. We will supply you with separate decompression guidelines based on your fosterβs individual needs and how soon they were placed with you upon exiting the shelter. Your foster has likely been through A LOT and there is still a lot of unknowns that may emerge so taking your time is key. They are safe and comfortable. That is most important. There is no need to rush introductions or boundaries as this can jeopardize their well-being AND life negatively. We have seen it happen one too many times that trust was given far too soon because the foster parent trusted them and wanted them to have freedoms sooner. Please TRUST US and together we will set them up for success.
How can I help my foster dog become more adoptable?
There are two ways to make a foster dog more adoptable. First and foremost is marketing. If no one knows about your foster dog, or how wonderful he/she is, then it will be next to impossible to find them a forever home. In addition to supplying us with great photos and a bio and updating these/us regularly, giving a foster dog additional exposure by telling friends and family about them will help create a βnetwork effectβ and will speed up the process of finding a forever home. Simple steps like taking a foster dog on walks in local parks, outdoor shopping areas and other high-traffic areas will help find potential adopters. We will supply you with an βAdopt Meβ bandana they can wear when out in public.
Secondly, our orphaned dogs benefit greatly from exercise (with the exception of those with some medical conditions), basic training, and the special love and attention you give them. While marketing provides you with applicants, itβs always the dog that βcloses the deal.β Providing a
foster dog with basic training and manners will increase their adoptability. Shy dogs will benefit from your patience, routine and slowly exposing them to new people to build their confidence. Rambunctious adolescents who learn good manners will help show off their trainability and long term potential. And while puppies are adorable, they need a lot of love, attention and hand holding from humans to develop properly and feel secure. Keep in mind that like humans, dogs thrive with structure. While we need to supply them with love and attention to build trust they ALSO need structure, guidance, and alone time. Smothering them with affection and spending 24/7 with them because we feel guilty they had a rough past does not set them up for success and can actually cause negative behaviors to emerge that will them require additional training to correct and affect their βadoptabilityβ. RGR will work with you on how to best set your foster/trial dog up for success and regular communication with us about their progress will allow us to make adjustments as needed.
Am I responsible for finding my foster dog its forever home?
No, but we do need your help. Once a qualified applicant is identified, you will be asked to schedule a meet and greet with your foster dog and the potential adopter. Any animal meets must be facilitated through us. Your quick response and then final input on the potential adopter is critical to finding a great match. Many times a foster parent will find a perfect match through their own network of friends, family and colleagues. Our Rescue greatly welcomes these referrals! If you think you have found a perfect forever home for your foster dog, remember they still must go through the application process and be approved by the director.
Are foster dogs ever euthanized?
Much energy, love, time and vet care is devoted to our foster dogs, and Real Good Rescue is committed to finding homes for ALL of our rescue dogs. If a dog is too injured or too weak to heal and is suffering without a means for relief or is irreparably aggressive, then the Real Good Board of Directors will decide the outcome based on what is best for him/her. Fortunately, most dogs in foster care heal beautifully. On rare occasions, a dog in foster care may start to exhibit potentially dangerous behavior that was unknown or suppressed when the dog was at the shelter. Your safety is our #1 priority. You must always inform the rescue if your foster dog exhibits any aggressive behavior.
Can I take my foster dog to an off-leash dog park for exercise and socialization?
No. You are not allowed to take any foster dog from Real Good Rescue to an off-leash dog park. While these parks can be fun for some dogs, there are far too many unknowns for it to be a safe and healthy experience for a foster dog. Diseases are easily transmitted and the temperaments of visiting dogs are unknown, thus creating a huge liability to Real Good Rescue. Also, taking a leashed dog to a dog park can create barrier frustration and aggression in dogs.
What financial responsibility do fosters have in regards to caring for the foster dog? Real Good Rescue will provide all of the medical care and supplies necessary to foster a dog for us, unless specified otherwise on your foster application, including (but not limited to): dog food, crates, toys, treats, leash/collar, dog bed, etc. Our foster families are MORE than welcome to purchase items for their foster dog and spoil them rotten within the boundaries outlined here.
Enjoy your foster dog and thank you for opening up your home and your hearts!
By signing this agreement all parties agree to the terms as described above. Alterations to this agreement can be made by Real Good Rescue as necessary to ensure the well-being and safety of the Foster Dog, Fosters, and/or Resident Pet(s), and will be placed in writing and notification will be given at the time alteration(s) are to me made.
By signing below the Foster agrees to notify Real Good Rescue in the event that a commitment cannot be met with notification being given prior to deviating from the terms as described above.
By signing below Real Good Rescue agrees to act promptly on any notifications from foster requiring attention regarding the safety and/or well-being of either the Foster Dog, Foster and/or Resident Pet(s). Real Good Rescue will make arrangements based on the earliest availability to address the situation responsibly. By signing below the Foster agrees they will keep the Foster Dog safe and separated in any event deeming it necessary until other arrangements can be finalized.