Question 1

I work fulltime. Can I still be a foster guardian?

Accepted Answer

Absolutily! In fact most of our guardians have full time jobs and are able to fullfill the dogs needs.

Question 2

What is required of me?

Accepted Answer

Friends of Chance will respond to your application, conduct a home visit, and equip each
approved new Foster Guardian with information and basic supplies such as food, leash, toys, etc. The rescue organization from which the dog is from will pay for medical expenses, if necessary. All you have to do is provide a loving and safe environment, food, affection,
socialization, walks, and sometimes consistent gentle training.  You report to us how your
foster dog is recovering as well as what personality characteristics shine through. By providing us this information we are equipped to speak on behalf of the dog ensuring the rescue organization finds an ideal forever home.

Question 3

What does it mean to be a foster guardian to a rescue dog?

Accepted Answer

Many rescue organizations save dogs from various cases (neglect, abandonment, high-kill
shelters, etc.). Foster care is when a dog is moved into a safe place to unwind from their
previous situation giving them time to recover, stabilize, socialize, and grow before they find
their forever home. There are not enough temporary homes for rescue dogs so many rescue
organizations have had to slow down in saving these lives. Taking guardianship of a dog in
need of a temporary home does not cost you anything but a willing heart. In addition, Friends of Chance works with your schedule. Whether you care for a dog for 1 day or up to 2 weeks, we will always work towards accommodating your schedule.

Question 4

How much time does fostering require?

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve been approved to be a FOC Foster Guardian and have been given a dog to care for, we ask that you provide at minimum am & pm care that includes feeding, walking, giving them a safe place to sleep, teaching them basic manners, etc. You do not need to stay home with the dog all day. Each dog is different. Some dogs require a lot of attention (like puppies) and some dogs will not require as much. You let us know what you can do and we will accommodate you based on the dog’s needs.

Question 5

Do I have to take my foster to adoption events?

Accepted Answer

Adoption events that are put on by the rescue
organizations is a great place to meet potential adopters. Most rescues will have regular
weekend events. We strongly encourage you to bring the dog to these events or we’ll make
arrangements for the rescue organization to transport them there.

Question 6

What if the rescue organization doesn’t have enough outreach events?

Accepted Answer

We encourage Foster
Guardians to promote their rescue dog through social media sites or to provide Friends of
Chance with the information and we will do this on your behalf. The information we ask
Guardians to provide is a short bio and pictures to friendsofchance.org@gmail.com and we will add them to our various social sites. In addition, rescue organization will thoroughly vet
potential adopters and request to send these potential adopters to you. This is the best way
for the adoption family to visit with the dog while in the comforts of your home.

Question 7

I don’t have any dog supplies. Do I have to buy them?

Accepted Answer

Friends of Chance will set you up with the supplies you will need for the dog: Food, bowls, leash, collar. However, since we are all volunteer led, any donations you can provide to the dog is greatly appreciated!

Question 8

Do I have to take the dog to the vet? Who will pay for it?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the dog’s situation, we may need you to transport the dog to the vet. The rescue organization will cover these costs. Requests for veterinary care must be approved through the rescue organization. Friends of Chance will facilitate this on your behalf.

Question 9

I have my own dog. Does this mean I cannot foster?

Accepted Answer

Depending on how your dog does with
other dogs, this could be a wonderful opportunity to train your foster dog and build his/her
confidence. As well, fostering may be a good way to select a companion for your dog.
However, while a foster dog is in your care, you must keep them separated when unattended. As you get to know your foster dog, it is best to keep all dogs on leash until you are comfortable. When in doubt, just keep them separated and on leash.

Question 10

I’m concerned I’ll fall in love with each dog and end up with a house full of dogs.

Accepted Answer

It is common to fall in love with your foster dog (read About Friends of Chance). This is what we call foster failures and this does happen however, the more you Foster the more one realizes the great impact you have on each dog’s life. Basically you are saving a life which is very gratifying even if for only a short period of time. If you do fall in love, you are given first priority to adopting the dog that you care for.

Question 11

I can’t foster right now. How else can I help?

Accepted Answer

We are entirely operated by volunteers and we have many needs such as transporting a dog to and from destinations. In addition we rely solely on donations to provide each Foster Guardian with supplies such as dog food, collar, leash, food, bed, toys, blankets, etc. Please visit our site and let us know how you would like to be involved and we will call you.

Question 12

I’m ready to get started, sign me up!"

Accepted Answer

Wonderful! Please visit our website and fill out our online foster application.

Question 13

Where does my donation go?

Accepted Answer

100% of donations made to Friends of Chance goes directly to caring for the dogs and setting up new Foster Guardians for success.

Question 14