Please complete and submit your report within 3 days of the foster home visit.

Introduce yourself and give the foster family a brief summary about you and how you got involved with MLRR as a foster. Discuss the reasons why they want to foster.

 

In reference to their application, please share detail on the topics below and ask them for more input:

Dog Preferences:

Explain where MLRR gets their foster dogs. What preferences do they have for taking in a foster? (Age, size, owner surrender, shelter/stray, housebroken, energy level, medical issues, etc.) What is a good fit for their family and household environment?

 

Home Environment -

Walk their house with them. Look for any items or spaces that could be unsafe for a new dog or things they may want to secure or move with a new dog arriving. (Open garbage cans, small toys, shoe bins, stuffed animals, etc.)

Where should they put the dog’s crate; give them ideas if they are unsure. Talk about crate training and use of gates if they want to contain them to certain areas of the house. Where will the dog sleep at night?

Check backyard to make sure fence is secure and in good condition. If no fence, make sure they understand that the dog has to be on leash at all times. MLRR will provide them a harness, discuss the benefits of using a harness and MLRR's strict policy of no pinch, choke, prong collars or electric fences.

Family -

What is their daily routine like? If they have young children, discuss rules of not allowing them alone with the new dog at any time, not to put their face up to the dog’s face, grab them around the neck, better to pet them under the chin rather than over their head at first, approach slowly, etc. Be mindful of opening doors or gates when foster dog is near so they don’t run, when new guests come over, loud noises, etc.

Other Animals in the home -

Discuss how to make initial introductions, what to do if they see signals of aggression or distress by foster or their own dogs (do they know what those signals are), feeding of multiple dogs, if one shows signs of dominance, how to break up an encounter. Importance of acknowledging their pets first when feeding, giving attention and handing out treats.

Exercise -  

Stress importance of this with family. This will help to reduce anxiety, energy and stress in a dog. Socializing dogs in open areas.  Dog parks are stricly prohibited for foster dogs.  The importance of strict exercise limitations for heartworm positive foster dogs. 

   

Food -  

Discuss that MLRR does provide free food and that we prefer they feed only high-quality foods and treats. Do not feed from table. Mention foods that are dangerous to dogs. Watching small children if they have food in their hands. Amount to feed the dogs, keep them on a schedule, how to feed if there are multiple dogs in the house.

Medical -  

Discuss basic vet care for each dog that comes in. Identify MLRR partner vet closest to them. Common issues we see in most fosters. Are they willing to take on any special cases if they arise? What they do in case of a medical emergency. Who do they contact? 

Training -  

Discuss that most dogs will come with very little training if a stray or from a shelter. Important for foster family to be consistent with training and positive reinforcement. Not to use crate as a punishment. MLRR will provide handouts and videos to foster families. If the family does see a major behavioral issue such as fear, toy/food aggression, to reach out to MLRR's Training Coordinator ASAP for help, don’t let it go.

Process -

Talk through any concerns and answer their questions. You complete the home visit report and send to FH Coordinator and MLRR Board for approval. Family will be notified of approval and will then be put on the active FH list. Available dogs will be posted on Facebook Foster Home group page or sent to FHs via email/message for interest. Once they confirm a dog, what happens? Dog is tagged for rescue, they are transported from shelter or owner to vet, examined, spay or neuter if needed and then transported to their home or they can pick up from vet. If they would like to have an experienced foster help them on day of arrival, we will arrange that.

Average Time for Fostering a Dog -

2 Week minimum assessment period to see their true behavior. After assessment period, if they feel they are ready to be placed for adoption, discuss with FH Coordinator.  If ready to move forward, write a bio, send in to Marketing Coordinator with a nice, clear photo. Dog will be placed for adoption. FH will receive applications from Placement Coordinator on adopters who are potential matches for their dog.

Adoption Process -

FH reviews application and contacts adopter with information on the dog. If adopter is interested, set up a meet/greet at the FH’s house. Adopter does need to bring any other family pets and as many family members as possible. Talk through this process, forms to complete, payment, submitting signed documents online, providing the adopter with any vet records and other information on dog. If FH approves and feels good about the family, they can adopt and take home dog that day. If FH has concerns, talk to family about arranging another visit, discuss concerns with Placement Coordinator. If adopter wants to think about it, ask them to get back to you within 24 hours. If they decide the dog is not the right fit, we just put the family back in the rotation for other dogs and they move on to the next application.

Adoption Eligibility -

Review policy of foster homes' eligibility to adopt MLRR dogs (including their current foster dog).  They must be an ACTIVE foster home for a minimum of 12 months before they can adopt.  Do they understand and agree?

Recommendation -

Would you recommend this family to become a foster home for MLRR?  Enter relevant comments, including details on how you reached your decision.  Please also include any concerns or special considerations.

Thank you for voluteering for MLRR!