Foster Application

Thinking About Fostering? Or Adopting? Let’s Make Sure You Pick the Right Form!

We know our dogs are adorable — so adorable that sometimes people who want to adopt accidentally fill out the foster application. It happens all the time! But fostering and adopting are two very different paths, and each has its own application.

Here’s the fun, simple way to think about it:

Fostering = Temporary Teammate
Fostering means you’re opening your home to a dog who’s still in “mystery mode.”
These pups often come straight from shelters, and all we know at first is what we see during a quick evaluation — things like:

Dog‑friendly
People‑friendly
Safe to handle

But we don’t know yet:

House‑trained?
Crate‑trained?
Kid‑friendly?
Chews shoes or prefers toys?
Your job as a foster is to help us discover who they are.

Foster‑to‑Adopt (FTA) = A Special Kind of Foster
We DO have a Foster‑to‑Adopt program — and it has its own application.

FTA means:

You’re willing to foster a dog with unknown history
You understand there’s no guarantee about training level or behavior
You’re ready to help them settle in and learn the ropes
You’re open to adopting them if it’s a great match
It’s perfect for families who are flexible, patient, and excited to help a dog blossom.

Adopting = Forever Family
If you’re looking for your new best friend and want to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle, please complete the Adoption Application, not the foster form.

Quick Guide
Want to adopt? → Adoption Application
Want to foster? → Foster Application
Want to foster and maybe adopt a shelter dog with unknown history? → Foster‑to‑Adopt Application

Personal Information

Applicant's Name*

First NameLast Name

Age:*

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

area codePhone Number

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Place of Employment

Job Title

How many hours out of the home on a work day?

Co Applicant's Name

First NameLast Name

Age:

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number

Place of Employment

Job Title

How many hours out of the home on a work day?

Household Information

Adult residence in the home other than applicants*

Type of Dwelling:*

Do You Own or Rent*

OwnRent

# of steps to enter /exit the home?

Front/Back

If You Rent..

Have you received permission from your landlord to have a dog?

YesNo

Is there a weight limit on dogs in your rental property?

YesNoUnsure

What is the limit?

Is your yard fenced?*

YesNoWe do not have a yard

Describe the type/style and height of fence:

Please include material and height

Are there any gaps or low areas in the fence?

YesNo

List all of the residents of your household other than yourself and Co applicant.

Residents:

Please let us know how the children in the home respond to dogs. ( If Applicable)

Is there anyone in the household uses devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, scooters...

YesNo

General Questions

Please be thorough and use multiple sentences for the following section.

Please explain why you believe fostering will be a positive experience for you and your family.

Please explain the family dynamics in the home and what a typical work day and weekend looks like . *

How many hours will the dog be left alone during the day? (If longer than 5-6 hours, how will you provide a break for the dog?)*

Where will the dog be kept during the day and night?*

How do you feel about crating?*

How do you plan to exercise your foster lab?*

I am willing to foster the following*

Pet Care Experience

Please explain your experience owning or caring for dogs.*

Please explain your comfort level when it comes to basic dog training*

Please list the tools you use or plan to use when training your foster dog.

Have you ever house-trained a dog before? *

YesNo

Please Explain your house training methods:*

Have you ever crate-trained a dog?*

YesNo

Have you ever obedience trained a dog before?*

YesNo

Did you do so on your own or with a professional trainer?

How would you train a dog to walk on a leash?*

How would you correct a dog that jumps up on people?*

How would you work with a timid/shy dog?*

How would you handle a dog that play bites (mouthy)?*

Please list all pets that you have owned in the past five (5) years:

Pets:

Describe the personality of your current dog (s). And let us know how they get along with other dogs.

Do any of your personal dogs have any resource guarding behaviors? If yes, please explain.

Have you ever had a pet die at an early age due to an accident?

YesNo

Please give details:

Have you ever given a pet away or turned a pet over to a shelter or rescue group? (This includes animals adopted from and then returned to a shelter or rescue group.) Or pets given to a family member.*

YesNo

Is it your intention to adopt a lab through our foster program? If yes, your adoption approval date will be the date of foster approval*

YesNo

Veterinarian Reference: Please provide the contact information for the Vet clinic(s) that can verify the vaccination and spay/neuter status of all dogs and cats you currently or have owned within the last 5 years.

Veterinarian:

Are the pets in your home up to date on vaccines?

YesNo

Are the dogs in your home on Heartworm Prevention?

YesNo

References

Please provide the names and phone numbers and emails of two references. (Neighbors, friends, family, etc.)

One reference must not be a family member or live with you.

Name:*

Phone Number:*

Email

example@example.com

Name:*

Phone Number:*

Email

example@example.com

How did you hear about Lab Rescue of Greater Richmond?

If you have additional information to add to this application, please enter it here:

By submitting this electronic application, I acknowledge that all the information on this form is true and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation of fact may result in the removal of the foster dog from my home by Lab Rescue.*

I Agree

By submitting this electronic application, I certify that I have never been convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment. *

I Agree