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Step 1
Before agreeing to care for dogs for someone for a limited amount of time, invest sometime in taking a good inventory of your situation. Ask hard questions such as "Do I have the time, space, and resources to do this?" If you don't get a resounding, "Yes," in response, reconsider!
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Step 2
Begin that inventory by considering the time you have to give with these guests you will have in (or at) your home. Do you have a full or part time job? Do you keep "regular" hours? Are you home allow for walks and time outside for essential potty breaks, exercise, etc.? Do you have time to sit, work, or play with your temporary pets? Ask the owner before committing to the task how much daily exercise or hands-on attention the pets require.
Space requirements should be pretty easily determined. The dachshunds we took in require very little space of their own. Their crate, which they brought with them, measures 2' x 4' and sits easily in a spare room. Time outside the crate is usually spent in our laps or alongside my husband and I in our favorite spot on the couch or in our favorite chairs. Another question: Do you object to pets on the furniture? Are they accustomed to that being OK in their fulltime home? Space considerations will be more significant for larger animals. For example, although I would be in doggy heaven with huge, fluffy companions, we simply could not take in a Great Dane or Bull Mastiff ... our house just isn't big enough.
Finally, with regard to space, do you have a fenced area for the animals to go outside without you while they are off-leash? If not ... we're back to time: Do you have the time for all those walks that mean YOU also must walk with them? Safety, such as that offered by an fenced area is key to you being comfortable and with the animals' owners being able to know his or her animals are safe in your care.
The main other "resources" that come to mind for consideration up-front are mostly financial in nature. Daily and weekly basics like food, treats, and toys may not be cheap. Is the extra expense manageable? Conversations are essential before the pets move in about the responsibility of significant expenses. There's no right or wrong answer; it only matters that you and the pet owner agree and understand clearly what each other's expectations are with regard to pet expenses over the time of the "visit." If vet visits are required, either routine or due to illness, who will be responsible for that bill? If this is to continue more than from one to several months, will you be purchasing supplies such as flea medicine, heartworm preventative, other medicines or supplies? Again, it matters not, but be clear up front so there are no hard feelings or erroneous assumptions made later. -
Step 3
Before you bring someone else's pet into your home, do your homework. Ask every question that comes to mind. No question should be off limits. Ask about routines, special needs, habits (good and bad)! Be open and honest. One last word about fostering: it's temporary by design. With any luck, your guests will steal your heart quickly. Love them, but don't forget they're in your home for a limited time and they are going home.
