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Fostering

a DogWatch UK dog

Fostering a DogWatch UK dog

Dog Watch UK are always desperately in need of foster homes for dogs of all sizes. Whilst the dog is being fostered the food and Vets fees will be paid for. The dog lives with you as one of the family.

West Midlands

DogWatch UK is based in the West Midlands and we can only support foster carers who live in this area. We do not have the resources to support foster homes that are a long way from us.

What is fostering?

Basically a dog lives with you as part of your family, whilst we find a forever home. We supply the food and pay any vet bills required with prior agreement with us, you provide the love and care.

The dog benefits from being in a home environment rather than kennels, it makes them easier to home, and following your progress reports, we know how they fit into family life.

What makes a great fosterer?

  • a love of dogs
  • willingness to train and work with a dog
  • having time to spend with a dog
  • providing regular foster updates
  • sending lots of photos
  • promoting the dog to prospective new owners
  • giving the dog as much coverage locally as possible to find a local home

 

How does fostering work?

What you can expect from us?

Dogwatch UK are always very appreciative and supportive of their fosterer’s.

  • We will provide all the food and equipment you need to care for the dog.
  • We can arrange transport to vets appointments if neccesary
  • You will have a named contact person 
  • We give you notes to work by and a contract to sign

What we expect from you

  • The dog lives with you as part of your family
  • You give the dog plenty of regular excercise
  • You spend time with the dog and undertake training and socialisation
  • You provide regular updates and photos
  • You will not move or rehome a dog without consulting DogWatch UK

We have a Face book group which is very supportive, fosterer’s, supporters, adopters and generally ‘ doggy’ people can join and post advice, tips, pictures etc. Dog Watch UK Group

Why do people become fosterers?

People become fosterer’s for all sorts of reasons, whether its for temporary companionship for themselves or their pet, or a trial run to see if they could adopt full time, or for most people it is the sole reason to look after a dog until they find their forever home.

Liza and Ian have been Dogwatchuk fosterer’s for a long time and have fostered well over 100 dogs for us, mainly Staffordshire Terriers.
” We became fosters because we were appalled at the huge loss of life of abandoned dog in the pounds. We wanted to help pound dogs get a second chance and be a part of the process to help them find their own forever homes. We have been tempted to adopt so many lovely dogs over the years, but we know that we are an important part of helping dogs and we want to continue to do that for as long as we can.”

Fostering is fun!

One large part of fostering that is often forgotten is the fun. A lot of dogs that have been in kennels or in tough environments have often forgotten what play is. One of the best parts about being a fosterer is bringing out the fun and the personalities in the dogs that you look after. Most fosterer’s will tell you that each dog leaves a part of themselves behind. Jean explains, “having fostered very young dogs lately we have become a bit ‘ sillier’ when it comes to play” .

Fosterer’s come in all different shapes and sizes…..different areas, ages, backgrounds, work and social lives, some have pets and some don’t. The fosterer’s who have pets of their own have dogs of different breeds, cats, rabbits etc.

All fosterer’s will tell you of the excitement they feel when you know your foster is arriving soon. This funny feeling you get in your stomach…the same feeling your new foster dog is probably feeling!

It is the hope that you will achieve the same success with this foster, that you have achieved with all the fosters before ..to get them ready for their forever home. And don’t forget the fun along the way!

The most common question we get asked is whether it is hard to see your foster leave for their new home. Honestly, you do get a little upset when they leave, but this soon passes and the feeling of achievement kicks in. The fact that you have loved, cared for and prepared a dog for their new life overcomes any sadness you might feel. The smiles on the faces of the adopters who have got a new companion. A dog that has not had the best start in life or has experienced awful things has now got a loving family of their own.

Liza told us “We have kept in contact with some of the families who have adopted the dogs we have fostered. They have sent us pictures and updated us on how the dog is getting on. They have all said how much of a difference it makes to have adopted a dog that has been in a foster home. The main point being that the dog has had the experience of family life before being adopted. This has made all the difference to the dogs development, sociability and the ease in which the dog had settled into their new home.”

How do I become a fosterer?

DogWatch UK can only accept fosterers who live in the West Midlands. If you live elsewhere in the country, google dog rescues in your area, they will be delighted to hear from you.

If you would like to apply to foster for DogWatch UK please fill in an our online Foster Form

Our fostering coordinator will look at your form, and if it seems you are a good match for fostering she will arrange a home check.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

What if I want to keep the dog I’m fostering?

This happens quite often, you would need to fulfil our rehoming criteria, but if there were no issues you can adopt the dog. You would need to pay the adoption fee.

What happens when someone is interested in my foster dog?

You would be asked to liaise with the person, initially by phone, if they wanted to pursue their application and meet your foster dog, this would usually be at your home.

What if I am fostering a bitch and she comes into season?

Extra care will be needed to ensure dogs do not get into your garden during this time. A season usually lasts around three weeks. The bitch will leak droplets of blood in the first and second week. From the second week the bitch will want to get to any male dogs, you must ensure she is kept away from other dogs.

What if I have a problem with the dog I am fostering?

You will have a named contact who will be able to offer help and advice. On occasion you will have to use your common sense and do what you think is right in an emergency situation. However you would need to contact us as soon as possible afterwards. On no account should the dog be given to anyone else or put to sleep, unless there is a medical emergency and the vet advises this is the only course of action (don’t worry this has never happened to one of our fosterers!)

How long does it take for a foster dog to get a home?

Some dogs are only in foster homes for a couple of weeks, some stay for a few months. There are no hard and fast rules. Dogs are more likely to be homed if we get regular updates and photos.

What if I change my mind about fostering?

If you decide that you no longer want to foster and you have a dog with you, it may take us some time to find them alternative accommodation, we will try at all costs to keep the dog out of kennels so all the hard work you have put in is not wasted. We would ask where possible that you wait until you do not have a dog placed with you.

What happens if I go on holiday?

Some foster families take their foster dog on holiday! We will work with you to try to ensure you do not have a dog placed with you at these times, if you do we will find temporary accommodation for the dog.

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