Foster FAQ
What is my role as a foster parent?
Our basic requirements are that you provide a safe, loving environment where they are treated with respect and provided food, water, a place to sleep indoors and regular exercise. All fosters must be willing to provide basic training. We understand some foster parents may lack experience if obedience or behavioral issues arise, and we can provide you with access to one of our trainer partners to work with you and the dog.
How much will this cost me?
Nothing! We can provide you with all of the basic essentials to care for your foster dog. This includes things like food, treats, collar, leash, LOR ID tag, toys, food/water bowls, pee pads, a crate, etc. If you already have some of these items and are willing and able to provide them to your foster dog, please let us know!
How long is the commitment?
We are seeking foster parents who can commit to caring for their foster dog until they are adopted. This will provide them with stability, routine, and the safe environment they need. This consistency helps the dog build confidence and trust, making their transition to a permanent home smoother compared to frequent changes. A stable foster home also minimizes the stress of being moved around, which can be especially challenging for dogs who have already experienced uncertainty. Your commitment ensures the dog has the best opportunity to thrive while we work to find their ideal forever family.
There is always a need for temporary or short-term foster homes. We rely on these fosters when our long-term fosters are on vacation or when a dog needs a brief stay between leaving the shelter and moving into their long-term foster home.
What if my situation changes while I'm fostering a dog?
We understand that unexpected situations arise. If you are no longer able to foster, we kindly ask for at least one week’s notice to allow us time to arrange a new foster home or secure them with one of our boarding facility partners. Please keep in mind that we are a foster-based rescue without a physical facility, so we often don’t have a backup foster readily available if immediate arrangements are needed.
What can I expect while fostering?
First and foremost, your foster dog will need time to decompress and adjust. Coming from a stressful shelter environment, they may not reveal their true personalities right away until they feel more at ease. Please be patient and allow them space if needed. It’s truly amazing to watch these dogs blossom once they start feeling comfortable.
Where do you need foster homes?
Our shelter partners are located throughout California, Oregon and Washington. Our mission is to rescue at-risk large breed dogs and help them find their forever home. We are always in need of foster homes based in California, Washington and Oregon.
What is the ideal foster home?
Patience, compassion and communication are key. If you love dogs and have always wanted to facilitate in saving lives, fostering is the perfect outlet. Not only will you be housing and caring for a dog, but ideally you will help them develop the trust and socialization they’ll need in their forever home. We will work with you if you have children, cats or other dogs and do our best to place foster dogs into the appropriate home situation.
Do I get a choice in what dogs I want to foster?
Yes! We will share a bio and photos/videos of dogs that we think would be a good match for your living situation and experience. We will disclose all of the information we know about the dog so that you are able to make a decision about whether or not you can/want to foster a dog.
What happens when someone wants to adopt my foster dog?
All potential adopters need to complete an Adoption Application and receive approval by LOR prior to a meet and greet. Once this happens, we will reach out to you to set up a meet and greet with the potential adopter(s). You can arrange a day/time and decide if you are comfortable meeting at your home or another location (ex: park).
What happens if I want to adopt the foster dog?
This is music to our ears—we love a foster fail! As a foster, you always get first priority. If you decide to adopt, you must sign our Adoption Agreement and pay the Adoption fee.