Why are fosters needed?

Because we don’t operate a shelter, fosters are a vital part of Grey Face Rescue.  We can only rescue as many animals as we have committed fosters for.  It is a sad reality that shelters euthanize hundreds of healthy and friendly animals every day to make space for the new ones coming in.  While shelters and rescues would like to save every homeless animal, this is impossible due to a lack of resources or space.  Through fosters, animals from a variety of backgrounds are given the chance to find a new forever home.

What does a foster do?

Fosters provide temporary, in-home care for dogs and cats until they are adopted into a “forever” home.  Aside from regular daily care (i.e., feeding, exercise) the responsibilities include, but are not limited to: basic training (i.e., housetraining, walking on leash); behavior modification (to correct problems such as jumping); socialization and temperament evaluation (to determine whether the dog is good with people and other animals); medical care (taking the dog to vet appointments, dispensing medication); taking the dog to adoption events; and of course plenty of playtime and snuggles.

Fostering isn’t easy.  Many of our incoming dogs come from deplorable situations, lacking proper socialization, basic training and/or medical care.  Fostering requires dedication, hard work, time commitments, and -- above all -- an understanding of the purpose of the process.  

What are the costs associated with being a foster? 

Grey Face Rescue assumes responsibility for all necessary expenses related to the dog’s well-being, i.e., food, crate/kennel, collar and leash. Many fosters provide their foster dog with food, toys, and other items as a donation; although this is not required.  Certain rescue-related expenses are tax deductible; keep all receipts and consult with your tax preparer.  All veterinary expenses including vaccinations, deworming, microchipping; spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, flea/tick treatments, medications, and emergency veterinary care are covered by the rescue.  Donations of toys, dog beds, treats, blankets, heartworm and flea and tick prevention, etc. are distributed to foster as available.

If I already own a pet, can I still foster?

Of course!  Fostering is a great way to socialize and give your personal pets a playmate.  Grey Face Rescue requires that your personal pets are up-to-date on all vaccinations.  Some dogs arrive to rescue with health issues (i.e., kennel cough, fleas, parasites, etc.) that could be passed to a foster’s pet.  Fosters should be prepared to quarantine their foster dog, if necessary.  Grey Face Rescue is NOT responsible for any illness or injury to your pet caused by a foster dog. You are fostering at your own risk.

What is the time commitment involved?

Fosters must have the dedication to keep the foster dog until it is adopted into a forever home.  This can take anywhere from a few days to several months or more.  Some dogs will need to remain in a foster home to overcome an injury/illness; senior dogs or dogs with special needs may take a longer period of time to find a suitable forever home.  Grey Face Rescue works diligently to provide dogs with a carefully screened, permanent home in the timeliest manner. 

Are temporary fosters needed?

Yes!  We often need fosters who can foster on a short-term basis (i.e., while a foster is on vacation).  If this is something you would like to do, indicate “Temp Foster” on the application.

Can fosters adopt their foster dog?

Fosters who wish to adopt their foster dog (or another Grey Face Rescue dog) must follow the standard adoption process, including submission of the Adoption Application, processing fee, veterinarian reference check and payment of full adoption fee.  Applications are considered in the order they are received). Grey Face Rescue has the right to deny an adoption application for any reason they seem fit.

I’m worried I will become too attached to my foster dog… 

Becoming attached to your foster dog is a common occurrence.  The best way to handle this is to not think of the dog as “yours”; you are the dog’s temporary caretaker until their forever family adopts them.  The easiest way to keep from getting too attached is to remember that there is another dog waiting for someone to save them.

What areas do you have to live in to be a foster?

We do not limit our fosters to living within a certain radius to our main office in St. Cloud, MN, however, we do require that all of our fosters come to St. Cloud to pick up their foster animal and use one of our approved veterinary clinics in either: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Woodbury or Sartell.

How do I become a foster?

Complete the application.  After review and reference checks are completed, Our Foster Application Manager will contact you to talk further and schedule a home visit.  A home visit is an informal meeting in your home to answer questions and discuss your desire and ability to foster a dog. 

Once you fill out the application, please check your junk/spam folder for our response in case the email gets sent there.