Fostering FAQs
Where do the dogs come from?
The majority of dogs fostered by GLBCR come from shelters in which they are in danger of being euthanized. A limited few are from owner relinquishers who are unable to keep their Border Collie until a new home is found. Border Collies at risk of euthanasia are given priority consideration over others, provided they are of stable temperament.
Selection of incoming dogs is handled by a separate committee which reviews the prospective foster dogs' temperaments and health status while considering available foster homes. We are appreciative and respectful of our foster families', and try to make every fostering experience a pleasant one. You would never be expected to foster a dog whose temperament is more difficult than you feel comfortable handling.
Are the dogs already housebroken?
Some are housebroken, others are not. Even if a dog is housebroken, it's normal to expect an accident or two from the stress of changing environments. With the aid of a crate and the support of other GLBCR volunteers, you will set up an environment and routine that will minimize the risk of housebreaking accidents, "canine redecorating", or other damage.
Nonetheless, it never hurts to have a sense of humor and a bit of Nature's Miracle on hand.
What would my financial responsibilities be?
The foster home is responsible for food, treats, toys, and love. It is expected that foster homes will take the dog to necessary medical appointments, as well as handle bathing/grooming. GLBCR pays for the dogs' pre-approved shelter fees, wellness exams, spay or neuter, heartworm tests, heartworm prevention, microchip, flea prevention, deworming and vaccinations.
GLBCR will provide a crate if you don't have a spare, as well as leash & collar, which you are encouraged to “recycle” between foster dogs.
How long would the dog stay with me?
Anywhere from two weeks to a few months, but this may vary depending on the foster home's responsiveness to email inquiries from potential adopters, as well as timeliness of providing flattering photos and updated write-ups for the web site. If you have limitations on the time you can foster, or are able to foster only for short-term emergencies, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Am I responsible for finding my foster dog's new home?
GLBCR is ultimately responsible for placing foster dogs, but we cannot do it without the help of the foster family. Your biggest contribution to your foster dog's placement will be in providing updated photos and descriptions for the web site, as well as responding to inquiries from potential adopters. YOU will know your foster dog's personality better than anyone else, so your input is crucial in order to ensure his placement is permanent. You may also be asked to help to arrange a meeting between your foster dog and the potential adoptive family, either in your home or another location.
I'd like to adopt a Border Collie, but I can't decide which one. Can I foster first to see if it works out?
GLBCR invests a great deal of time and resources interviewing, orienting, and providing guidance to each foster family. We ask that prospective foster families view the foster program with a degree of commitment and, to this end, we do not allow foster families to adopt any of their first dogs. Our adoption process is designed to carefully match prospective adopters with a dog who best fits their home. One does not need to become a foster family to find the best dog.
I'd like to foster, but I just get too attached. How do you ever let them go?
Falling in love with your foster Border Collie is, indeed, an occupational hazard but fostering is about as satisfying as anything you can do. You will be making a very tangible difference in a dog's life; you'll see the first wag of his tail, the first signs of confidence and ease.
Your first foster experience may be the most heartrending, but remember there's another homeless Border Collie waiting for your home to open up. Each dog you foster is one more dog getting a second chance at a happy life.
What if a friend/family member/person from the dog park wants to adopt my foster dog?
All potential adopters must submit an adoption application and be approved through the standard approval process.
What if I want to adopt my foster dog?
We understand it can be difficult to say goodbye. If, as an experienced foster home, you find yourself unable to imagine life without a particular dog... well, we can always work something out.
Yes! I want to foster! What do I do next?
Click here to submit a volunteer application. We'll contact you to arrange a good time for a phone discussion, and someone from our group will visit your home to review procedures and get aquainted with the type of environment you would provide a foster dog. After that, the fun begins! And should you decide fostering isn't for you, don't worry - there are lots of other ways to help out!
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