We can make a difference in the life of a dog and a human being…
One dog at a time

How does it work? ~ What support do I get as a foster home? ~ What dogs do you intake? ~ How do I begin?

Heroes Needed!

Sadly, Austin has a pet overpopulation problem. Many, many dogs are dropped off at area shelters each day. Animal Control also finds many stray dogs each day. The majority of these dogs are healthy with no behavioral issues. Their owners have a multitude of reasons for surrendering their dogs: moving, new baby, health issues, financial issues, allergies.

As an organization of dog loving volunteers, we strive to give these dogs a second chance by matching them with a new family that will be thrilled to welcome them into their home. Our foster program is designed to buy time for shelter dogs and to help them find a perfect family. We rely solely on foster homes to care for the dogs while they await their new family.

In our program, the foster family plays an important role in the process of rescuing a dog and finding the perfect home. Foster families are trained to help dogs transition into a new environment and to assess the requirements for each dog. Some dogs need a lot of exercise, some families are very active. Some dogs like to just watch TV next to their owner; some owners just want a dog to watch TV with. Our foster families are key to helping us match adoptive families with the perfect dog.

Why would anyone open up their home to an unknown, sometimes untrained dog? Because the rewards are amazing. Some of the rewards of fostering include:

• Learning about a wide variety of dog breeds
• Being able to experience that “new dog” excitement – over and over
• Being able to have a young puppy in your home any time you want
• Knowing that you have saved a dog’s life
• Watching your scared shelter dog turn into a happy, well adjusted dog that is ready for a new family
• Giving a family the joy of a new dog
• Making friends with other dog lovers
• Meeting a wide variety of people
• Learning from experienced trainers and other team members

Once a dog is pulled from a shelter by Austin Dog Alliance, it is our responsibility. We can not and will not just take the dog back to the shelter. Therefore, we have substantial requirements for our foster families.

• Your dog must meet the same minimum medical requirements we ask of our
  adopters.  Current on all vaccinations, must be spayed/neutered and show consistency in receiving monthly heartworm preventative.
• Love and treat your foster like your own while it is in your home
• Provide housetraining, crate training (we provide the crate if needed), leash manners and indoor manners training
• Have your foster live indoors
• Provide a diet of good, nutritional, age appropriate food
• Have a safe, secure yard for your foster during its time outdoors
• Seek advice early and commit to work with your foster through any behavioral issues (human aggression being the exception)
• Give monthly heartworm and flea protection which is provided by ADA
• Provide transportation for your foster dog to one of our APPROVED veterinary clinics (cost covered by ADA with prior approval and arrangements), and attend adoption events
• Work with prospective adoptive families to help your foster dog find a home

How does it work?
First, dogs at the shelters are evaluated based on basic temperament qualities.  We look for dogs that are friendly, outgoing, good with other dogs, kids, etc. We attempt to pull dogs that have reasonably good manners or puppies that can be quickly taught manners.

After the dog is selected from the shelter, it receives full vetting; including vaccinations, de-worming and heartworm test.  Most dogs will be spayed or neutered before being placed in their foster home.

 
What support do I get as a foster home?
ADA has a team of experienced dog owners and trainers at its core.  Many of our trainers have worked in dog rescue for years.   Prior to receiving your first foster dog, you will be encouraged to attend our dog fostering class.  As a foster caregiver, you and your foster dog can attend any of our dog training classes that are appropriate for the age and skill level of your foster dog.  Monthly special topic training and get togethers will help you learn and keep you connected with other foster families.

ADA also provides a crate, monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative for you to use for your foster.   We provide and pay for all veterinarian expenses.

What dogs do you intake?
ADA works with all breeds and sizes. Austin is fortunate to have many breed specific rescue groups which are able to help many of the purebred dogs in the shelters. ADA’s focus is primarily mixed breed dogs and serving as a back-up for breed specific rescues when they are out of space.

We understand that some people like or are better equipped to handle a certain type of foster dog. For this reason, on your foster application, you can indicate your preference in size and age of the dogs you would like to foster.

How do I begin?
Start by filling out a foster application online.  If you have a pet, we will contact your veterinarian to ensure the pets in your care currently receive proper medical care.  We STRONGLY recommend that your pet receive their Bordatella vaccination prior to you bringing in a foster dog.  Sadly, Bordatella (kennel cough) is very common and many of your foster dogs will have it or come down with it.

Next, a member of our rescue team will visit your home.  The purpose of this visit is to answer any questions and to learn more about your level of dog experience.  At this meeting, we will go over our fostering guidelines and ask you to sign our foster agreement.

Next, you will be scheduled for a foster dog training seminar.

The last step is helping in the selection of a foster dog.  You are encouraged to visit a local shelter with the rescue coordinator to assist in selecting a dog.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!  We welcome your inquiry and commitment as a potential member of the ADA Rescue Team!