How to Find a New Dog by Fostering

Aside from the obvious benefits of fostering a dog (like saving a life and providing a home), it's also a great way to find a new pet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• time to spare
• patience
• affection

1. 
    
   Samara from Hopalong.org

   Set up an appointment with a fostering organization near you.
   (Pets911.com has an extensive database of listings all over the country.)

2. 
    
   Manfred from Rocketdogrescue.com

   Decide what type of dog you want. Big or small? Active or lazy? Sporty or sleepy? If you don't know,
   try researching various breeds to get a reference point. This will help the foster liaison determine a good match.

3. 
    
   Steve from Chicagocaninerescue.com

   The liaison will come over and meet you at your home. During this meeting you'll cover everything from dog-proofing y to helping a foster adjust. Most importantly, this is when you'll tell the liaison what kind of dog you're looking for. The more specific you can be, the better match the liaison can make.

4. 
    
   Columbus from Smileydogrescue.com

   Prepare your home for your pet. Usually, during the first day or two your dog will be fairly shy and reserved as he gets adjusted to the new environment.
   But one of the great pleasures of fostering is witnessing your dog relaxing for the first time since the shelter. It's after this relief that his personality really starts emerging.

5. 
    
   Brody from Dogsaver.org

   Play with and pay attention to your dog. Is he a barker? A cuddler? Now's the time to evaluate and enjoy spending time together.

6. 
    
   Mota from Strayfromtheheart.org

   Keep in touch with the liaison, and let her know how your dog is fitting in with your needs. This will help inform her for your next foster, getting you closer to the perfect match.

7. 
    
   Danny from Littleshelter.com

   If you think this might be The One, let the liaison know as soon as possible. She'll usually let your dog skip a few adoption events and interviews, providing you with a little more evaluation time.

8. 
    
   Larry from Ringdogrescue.com

   Let her know as soon as you've decided: If this isn't the one for you, it's best to get him adopted as soon as possible (allowing you to rescue—and meet—another shelter dog). If you've fallen in love, you'll need to sign papers and take him off the listings.

9. 
    
   Carmen from K9lifesavers.org

   Congratulations! You've found the love of your life!

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't stand your pet, let the liaison know. Part of the liaison's job is to keep the foster families happy, so don't keep your mouth shut. After all, what's intolerable to you might be endearing to another.
• Enjoy and spend time with your dog! Even if you know this might not be "the one", it's still the only time you'll be her caretaker.
• Try to foster at least 2 dogs before choosing one to keep. It's easy to fall in love with the first one, so a few more will help gain perspective. (Not to mention, it saves 2 more dogs in the process!)