Bringing Your Foster Home
Depending on the situation, your foster dog may be dropped off at your home or you may have to drive and pick them up. If your foster is coming from another home, the previous foster will normally drop the dog and all of his supplies off to you, but if your dog is coming straight from the airport or a van trip you will most likely need to make arrangements for pick up. As things can get a bit hectic when it comes to intake (especially if your foster is flying in!) be prepared that timings and locations could change, and that you might be making a late night trip out to the airport!
Picking up your new foster can be a scary and exciting day- you will probably be wondering what his personality is like, will he fit into your home, and many other questions. When you arrive at a pick up location a D.R.E.A.M. coordinator will help get you set up with your new furry friend. This is the time when we take a quick picture of your foster (for our Social Media platforms and website) and if they haven't had their first vaccines/dewormer those will be given at this time as well. Before coming to pick your dog up please let a staff member know if you require any supplies (food, kennel, etc). If you have a kennel at home already plan on either bringing it with you for transport or enlist the help of a friend who can either hold the dog or sit with them to keep them calm on the ride back.
Picking up your new foster can be a scary and exciting day- you will probably be wondering what his personality is like, will he fit into your home, and many other questions. When you arrive at a pick up location a D.R.E.A.M. coordinator will help get you set up with your new furry friend. This is the time when we take a quick picture of your foster (for our Social Media platforms and website) and if they haven't had their first vaccines/dewormer those will be given at this time as well. Before coming to pick your dog up please let a staff member know if you require any supplies (food, kennel, etc). If you have a kennel at home already plan on either bringing it with you for transport or enlist the help of a friend who can either hold the dog or sit with them to keep them calm on the ride back.
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If you have your own dogs at home, the best bet is to introduce them to your new foster in an open area such as your back yard. Please do not take un-vaccinated dogs to the park to be introduced! Allow the dogs to meet off leash if possible (leashes always complicate things). Monitor them closely for any signs of aggression or fighting, but try to let them sniff each other at their own pace. Once your dog has sniffed the foster, call them over to you and give them praise and a treat for being such a welcoming pup! Make sure to give your dog some "alone time" with you so that they don't feel displaced. Depending on the temperament of your dog, you might be able to have them and your foster hang out right away, but many dogs need a few days to warm up to the new house guest. Allow your dog time to play with your foster (under supervision of course!) and give them plenty of praise for playing nice. If you are wondering about the different play styles dogs have, check out our great article on body language!