Fostering for Elcee’s Rescue
Becoming a Foster Parent for one of our dogs is one of the most important jobs.
The role of the fosterer would be to work alongside the Rescue to fully assess each dog. This will ensure that the dog goes to the best possible home, depending on their temperament and needs.
The fosterer will provide a safe place, warmth and shelter for our rescue dog, together with a comfy bed, good regular meals and necessary vet treatment (which the Rescue would pay for).
Fostering is a full time commitment. Whilst some dogs settle in to their foster home just fine and adjust really quickly, others take more time and require more work.
The fosterer would need to be prepared for any initial issues the dog may have and not want to give up at the first hurdle. A dedicated Foster Assistant from the Rescue would be with you every step of the way offering help and advice should any fosterer face issues they are not sure how to deal with.
Fostering each dog is a new ‘journey’
Below are some comments from three current fosterers about what fostering a dog from Elcee’s has been like, and what it means to them.
“Fostering for us has been an incredible journey, one of small challenges huge rewards and an abundance of gratitude and love from the dogs that have been saved, especially those that come from horrific situations. They know that they have been saved and to be a part of their journey to a life of love is an absolute privilege, and is why we do what we do. The support we have received from Elcee’s throughout the time the dogs have been in foster has been amazing, and we are so proud to be part of Elcee’s team”
“Fostering can be a challenge, and sometimes hard work but the HUGE rewards a fosterer gets in return far outweigh any difficulties. I felt supported throughout, and no question went unanswered. The Elcee’s Team are very committed and passionate about what they do, and most of all, they have the interest of each and every dog at heart.”
What is Required To Be A Fosterer?
Previous experience of dog owning a dog is essential. It doesn’t however have to be experience of a rescue dog.
A confident approach around dogs is necessary as fostering can sometimes be a challenge. The fosterer would ALWAYS receive support and advice from our dedicated and experienced team who would always be available during working hours, or out of hours if the situation was urgent.
Some situations can be stressful, so time and patience is required to offer the dog reassurance and boundaries.
Leaving dogs on their own for long periods of time is not in the dog’s best interest. We understand that all dogs do need be left alone on occasions, but 4-5 hours in a day is the maximum.
The Foster dog should be treated the same as any resident dog. They should be given time and space to settle and introduced to resident dogs gradually (outside the house and in the secure garden preferred) under careful supervision.
It may take a few days for foster dogs and resident dogs to get used to each other and learn to get along. This needs time and perseverance for this to happen.
When dogs first arrive they are often very scared, dirty and smelly with little or no trust of humans. It is not always easy, as most of our dogs won’t have ever lived in a home before. They may be a flight risk, particularly when they first arrive, which is why a fully secure garden is a must.
They may have some behavioural issues such as separation anxiety, reactivity to humans and other dogs, guarding food/toys etc. If any of these issues arise during the assessment period it is vital that this is fed back to the Rescue. The Rescue will give advice and monitor the situation going forward.
All foster dogs should always be fed separately.
Routine and consistency are vital for the foster dog to learn and help them settle into the home.
A secure, safe garden environment is essential.
Many of our dogs might try to escape from any insecure areas, especially when they first arrive. Home Checks would be carried out for anyone interested in fostering.
A safe garden area is also required to help with toilet training, and training a foster dog to toilet outside is like training a new puppy. Consistency is vital, and it is advised to take dogs outside to toilet after eating, sleeping and at regular intervals throughout the day, as well as last thing at night.
Providing regular exercise for the foster dog is also necessary. Many dogs will need encouragement walking on the harness/lead initially to overcome their fears, again this will take time and patience.
Foster Dogs should always be walked on a harness and never on a collar alone.
Fosterers would be required to provide food for the foster dog, together with a suitable well fitted harness, a collar & lead and a slip lead. This can be discussed with the Rescue to establish if any of this equipment can be provided.
A stair gate and a crate would also be useful . The stair gate could be used to prevent the dog from going upstairs, or to separate the foster dog from the resident dog if necessary.
A crate often makes the foster dog feel safe, as many are used to living in cages. Again check with the Rescue to see if a crate can be provided.
The fosterer will continue to work with the dog whilst in their care, however the Rescue will make the final decision as to when the dog is ready for rehoming.
Useful Information
It is always important to remember that you are never on your own and help and support from the Rescue is always available on the end of a phone.
Fosterer’s being able to drive and/or access to a car is essential.
Taking the foster dog to the vet may be required. All vet treatment would be covered by the Rescue whilst the dog is in foster care.
There would be a requirement for the fosterer to have access to the Internet and to be able to use basic online technology. The use of a smart phone to take photos and videos and provide regular updates of the foster dog to the Rescue is essential.
Fosterers would play a part in rehoming the dog in conjunction with the Rescue and attend meet and greets with potential adopters as necessary.
We aim to have fosterers in the East Midlands area, but do consider fosterers from other areas of England & Wales. Some areas of Scotland may be suitable depending on logistics.
Please note it is not guaranteed that the fosterer will be offered first refusal, or given any kind of priority, over any dog in their care.
The decision about who and where to rehome the foster dog lies 100% with the Rescue.
Due to the fact we do not know the history of our dogs, we are not able to consider applications to foster from anyone with children under 10 years of age.
If you are interested in fostering
Please get in touch or complete the foster application.