• Are you someone who truly loves and understands dogs, recognizing that rescued pups require extra care to settle into a new environment? If so, fostering could be a perfect fit for you
• Are you ready to provide basic training, such as house-training, if necessary? Your patience and dedication can make a world of difference for a dog in need
• We’re seeking individuals who are committed, patient, and eager to learn, willing to follow our guidelines to ensure the best care for our canine companions
• Living near one of our veterinary partners or having easy access to transport to get to one of our veterinarian partners is crucial, especially considering the dog’s medical needs
  And remember, for legal reasons, foster caregivers need to be 18 years of age or older

Of course! Fostering can be a wonderful experience for families with children. It provides an opportunity for children to learn about empathy, responsibility, and compassion while also helping a dog in need.

However, it’s essential to consider the age and temperament of your children and the foster dog. We’ll work closely with you to ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone involved. Our team will provide guidance on introducing the foster dog to your children and establish boundaries to ensure the well-being of both the dog and your family. 

This depends on the dog being fostered and the individual foster carer. It can be anything from one night to on-going palliative care. Our Team will try and match the dog with your requirements and lifestyle.

On average, dogs stay in foster care for about 2 months, but this timeframe can vary based on factors like age, breed, and size. If you have time constraints, such as being able to foster for only 2 weeks, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements and find another foster home for the dog.

Approximately ten days into fostering, we request that the fosterer completes a Foster Dog Review. This form provides insights into the dog’s temperament and character, assisting us in finding a suitable permanent home for them.

We’ll equip you with the essentials for fostering:

• A crate or kennel for keeping dogs safe and aiding in house-training.
• Comfy bedding such as dog beds, blankets, or towels.
• Food, treats, bowls, collar, leash, and chew toys tailored to your dog’s size and age.
• Poop bags and potty training pads.

It’s true, sometimes we can’t predict everything! Shelter environments don’t allow for testing all scenarios, so it’s okay to embrace a bit of uncertainty before bringing your foster pup home. Rest assured, our team will support you with any questions and provide the necessary resources along the way.

By opening your home to a dog with extra behavior or medical needs, you are making a huge impact in their lives.These dogs tend to be overlooked in pounds so oftentimes we, as a rescue, are their only hope. We simply cannot rescue any special needs dogs without foster homes.

The requirements of fostering a dog with extra behavior or medical needs varies greatly from dog to dog. It can be anything from sessions with our trainers to help your pup on leash to administering meds and/or taking to vet appointments. You will always have the full support of our team!

If you have travel plans while you are fostering a dog, please get in contact with the team so we can find a suitable temporary home for the dog while you are away.

We ask that our foster carers provide us with at least least four weeks notice if you are planning to be away for an extended period of time.

We currently partner with veterinarian clinics across South and North Dublin, Co Meath, Co Kildare, Co Galway, Co Roscommon, Co Wicklow, Co Offaly and Co Laois.

If you’re in a different county or have a preferred veterinarian you’d like us to contact, please reach out to us. Our team will gladly review your request and if your vet is able to work with the Charity will make the necessary arrangements.