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 and regular exercise. If you are willing to train that is a major bonus to getting the dog adopted faster! We understand some families may not have the experience with this, so training is not required but always welcomed. 

How much will this cost me?

Nothing! We will provide everything you need 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?

This is entirely up to you. There is a question on the foster application that asks for your availability and schedule. We will respect this and make sure any dog you foster matches your situation to the best of our ability. Ideally, the dog would stay with you until they are adopted.

What if my situation changes while I'm fostering a dog?

We understand life happens. If you can no longer foster, we ask that you provide us with a one week notice so we can find a new foster family.

What can I expect while fostering?

The dog will need time to decompress and relax. They just came from a very stressful shelter environment and may not show their true personalities until they are feeling comfortable. Be patient and give them some space if they need it. It’s such an incredible thing to see these dogs blossom.

Where do you need foster homes?

Our shelter partners are in California. Our mission is to rescue dogs from California and transport them up to Oregon to find their forever home. We need fosters based in California 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 send you an email as dogs in need become available. 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. Reach back out to us if you see a dog you want to foster.

What happens when someone wants to adopt my foster dog?

All potential adopters need to fill out an application and receive approval by LOR. Once this happens, we will reach out to you to set up a “meet and greet” with the potential adopter(s). You can coordinate a day/time and decide if you are comfortable meeting at your home or another location (ex: park).

What if the dog isn't a good fit?

Dogs coming from a shelter environment will need time and space to decompress. If you find that it is not working out we will do our best to transfer the dog into another foster home. 

What happens if I want to adopt the foster dog?

This is music to our ears. We love a foster fail. If you want to adopt, you must sign our Adoption Contract and pay the Adoption fee.