Are you ready to offer your home and heart to a dog in need? Becoming a foster is one of the most impactful ways you can help a rescue animal. Many of our rescued dogs come from puppy mills, and your care will help rehabilitate them for their forever homes. Fostering can be a life-changing experience – for both you and the dog.
Why Foster?
Fostering is about offering love, stability, and guidance to dogs that have never experienced these things before. These dogs may have special needs and require patience, but the rewards are immense. By fostering, you’ll:
- Save Lives: Provide space for more animals to be rescued.
- Offer Rehabilitation: Help dogs learn to trust people, live in a home, and overcome trauma.
- Prepare for Adoption: Provide training, socialization, and care, making the dog ready for a forever home.
- Join a Supportive Community: You’re never alone in this process. Our foster community spans Northeast Ohio and stays connected through support groups, events, and shared resources.
What Does Fostering Involve?
When you foster, you are temporarily opening your home to a dog in need. This might include:
- Daily care (feeding, walking, grooming, etc.)
- Love and attention to help the dog build trust and overcome fear.
- Basic training (house training, crate training, leash walking) to help prepare the dog for adoption.
- Trips to the vet if necessary (all vet care is covered by Companion Pets of Cleveland).
- Communication with our rescue team about the dog’s progress and any challenges.
Who Can Foster?
We’re looking for compassionate, patient individuals who:
- Live in Northeast Ohio.
- Have the time and space to care for a foster dog.
- Are willing to work with dogs that may have special needs, such as fear of humans or lack of basic training.
- Can provide a safe, loving, and stable environment.
You don’t need to be an expert! Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and provide any necessary guidance or resources.
Ready to Foster? Here’s How to Get Started:
- Review the Foster Responsibilities
Before applying, please review our What to Expect as a Foster document to understand the expectations, responsibilities, and the support we provide to fosters. This will help you prepare for your important role. - Fill out the Foster Application
Complete our foster application and tell us about yourself, your home environment, and your availability. - Meet with Our Team
Once your application is reviewed, we’ll set up a brief phone call or meeting to discuss the process, answer your questions, and assess how we can match you with the right dog. We’ll also talk through any specific needs or restrictions you may have for fosters (e.g., non-shedding only, no puppies, cat-friendly, etc.). - Get Prepared
While we often receive donations, fosters are encouraged to have basic supplies on hand such as crates, food, bowls, leashes, and collars. If you need assistance obtaining any of these items, let us know and we will try to help. We will provide information on veterinary care, which is fully covered by Companion Pets of Cleveland. - Receive Your Foster Dog
You’ll be invited to join our private Facebook group, Companion Pets of Cleveland Foster, where we post information about dogs in need of foster homes. We may not always have full details about the dog, but we typically know their breed, gender, age, and transport date. Once a dog is approved by a CPoC board member and matched with you, we’ll arrange for the dog’s transport to your home. - Welcome Your Foster Dog
After your foster dog arrives, you’ll provide the love, care, and support they need to adjust to life in a home environment. You’ll also help prepare them for adoption by working on basic training, socialization, and ensuring they are ready to meet potential adopters.
Ready to Become a Foster?
If you’re ready to help a dog in need, apply today by filling out the foster application below. We’ll contact you once we’ve reviewed your application. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us at info@companionpetsofcleveland.com.
FAQs About Fostering
How long can I expect to have a foster?
The length of time varies, but fostering generally lasts until the dog is adopted. This can range from a few weeks to a few months.
What if I can’t continue fostering?
We understand that circumstances can change. If you can no longer foster, we will arrange for the dog to be placed with another foster family.
Do I need experience with dogs?
No prior experience is required! We provide guidance and support throughout the entire fostering process.
Can I adopt my foster dog?
Yes! Many fosters fall in love with their dogs and decide to adopt them. Just let us know if you’re considering adoption.