Foster for CLHR

How to Foster (FAQs)

Why foster?
Carolina Loving Hound Rescue does not have a shelter or physical location. All the dogs are placed in loving foster homes until they find a home of their own. Aside from providing a safe, loving, and comfortable temporary home until an adoptive home can be found, foster homes live with the dog and therefore know the dog’s personality. This knowledge is vital in determining the most suitable placement for rescued dogs, thereby ensure a successful adoption.
Fostering is very rewarding. You have the opportunity to directly impact the life a dog who needs a second chance. You get to see the changes, experience the growth, and best of all, you get to save a life!

What do I have to provide for my foster dog?
CLHR provides covers all basic expenses (vaccination, spaying/neutering), and if more extensive care is needed, we cover that too! We only ask that foster homes provide love, a safe environment, rules and boundaries, and some basic training (and housetraining if needed). We also ask that you transport the dog to their vet appointments.

What about vacations?
We are pretty flexible; if you need to go away, we can try to provide a temporary foster home or a kennel stay at our expense. We ask for as much notice as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Some foster homes take their dogs with them, but it’s up to you!

How long do dogs stay in foster care?
The average stay is about 3 months. Sometimes, dogs are adopted sooner than that, and other times, it can take several months to find the best home. It’s not possible to predict exactly how long a dog will be in foster care, but lots of great photos and an accurate description of the dog go a long way to finding them a good home. Sometimes we have some very special dogs who need care for extended periods while they recover from an injury that required surgery. Sometimes we have dogs that need a little extra training or help because they are really shy. We supply the resources to help these dogs; it’s up to you if you want to help with more complicated cases. For our sanctuary hounds, which are typically elderly and/or ill, they will remain in foster care for the duration of their lives.

How many dogs can I foster?
How many do you feel you can take? Most people only foster one or two adults at a time, but for the most part, our fosters usually just take in one dog at a time. You're welcome to take on as many as can reasonably and legally be well cared for in your household.

Can I choose a foster dog from website?
In most cases, dogs on the website are already in foster homes. We will not move a dog to another foster home unless the dog is in a temporary situation.
Dogs available for fostering are typically shared on our Facebook page. We provide as much information as possible about the dog and photos. We also ask you what age, energy level, etc. you would prefer to foster (size, age, and training) and will contact you when we have a match. Usually it doesn’t take too long!

What if I want to adopt my foster dog?
Unless we’re in the middle of approving the adoption of your foster dog, you can adopt! One of the hardest parts of being a foster home is saying goodbye, but it can be a good feeling as well. As the foster family, you are involved with deciding which family adopts your foster dog.

How do dogs get adopted?
Anyone wishing to adopt a dog fills out the adoption application form and it is sent to our volunteer adoption coordinator. If the adoption coordinator thinks it’s a good match for the dog, the application is sent to the foster home for their input. The adoption coordinator or foster parents will talk and meet with the potential adopter. A home visit is done to confirm information on the application. After everyone is happy with the new home, the applicant pays the adoption fee (and spay/neuter deposit, if applicable) and takes the dog home.

Where are you located?
We are primarily located in and around Greenville, SC, but we have foster homes and volunteers all over the east coast.
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Completing this application does not put the applicant under any obligation and does not guarantee that the applicant will receive a dog to foster. All information is kept strictly confidential. Please complete the application in full. By submitting this application, the applicant states that all information is true and accurate.

REFERENCES
Please provide the names and contact information for at least three references who can speak to your fitness as a pet owner. Please inform your references that we may be contacting them and give them permission to speak with us. If you currently own or have in the past five years owned a pet, please include your veterinarian as one of the references. PLEASE DO NOT LIST MORE THAN ONE FAMILY MEMBER OR OTHER RELATIVE AS A REFERENCE.

IMPORTANT....
Once you have submitted your application, you will get a confirmation message on your screen. If you do NOT get a confirmation, you must go back in and fill in any incomplete fields. Unless you receive a confirmation message, we have not received your application.