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Understanding the purpose -

This isn’t a time where you can just temporarily enjoy a pet. The goal is to transform a shelter dog into a pet, and help another family find the right dog for their home.

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That said, it’s perfect if you’re not ready for commitment -

Maybe you've been thinking about getting a dog, or perhaps starting a family, but you’re not sure you’re ready. This is a great way to get some practice while doing a good deed!

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Puppies! -

Shelters typically foster out dogs who are stressed by the shelter or need more individual attention, including puppies who are too young to be adopted.

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Common reasons foster homes are needed -

There's usually not enough space in shelters, or the rescue group wants to learn more about a dog’s personality and behavior in a home setting. Sometimes it's a way to teach the dogs manners as well.

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Creating a safe space -

One main focus of fostering a dog is to create an environment where they can come out of their shell.

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Playing nurse -

Fostering is also necessary when a shelter dog is recovering from an illness or injury.

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Manage your expectations -

It won’t be all cuddles, strolls, and fun right away. Puppies especially are a common desire when people seek to foster dogs, but they are more likely to have accidents, whine at night, and destroy things they shouldn’t.

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You need free time -

It's like taking care of a child. You need time to take the dog on walks, play with them, feed them, give them love, train them, monitor their health, and also bring them to events when necessary.

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Sufficient space -

You need space for all the things that dogs require, including some space solely for the dog as they get adjusted to their new environment.

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It takes emotional strength -

You're taking in a living being, learning about them and teaching them, caring for them and loving them, then giving them up. That's not an easy thing to do.

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If you’re especially emotionally strong... -

You can also foster old or sick dogs in need of loving hospice care.

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Be ready for behavioral problems -

You’re usually not taking in a trained dog, and many dogs in shelters came from bad environments.

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Signs of previous abuse -

They may have developed defense mechanisms or poor habits like a lack of housetraining, perhaps because they had no previous set up, or they’ve spent their whole lives outside.

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Signs of previous abuse -

Territorialism with food is also common if the dog was previously underfed or had to compete with others for limited resources.

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Signs of previous abuse -

They may not be receptive to affection, and may even resort to biting. Just as some people are afraid of dogs after a traumatic experience, dogs are also afraid of humans after being mistreated.

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You might be their first love -

The beautiful part, however, is that you’re going to get your dog to open up, receive love, and trust you. You may well be their first source of affection and understanding!

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Learn how to train -

Basic training and obedience techniques are helpful to have before you start fostering, so you'll better communicate with the dog.

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Have patience -

Sometimes you'll foster incredibly sweet and well-behaved dogs, but other times they can be difficult, full of energy, not obedient, or aggressive.

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Tell the rescue group about yourself -

If it’s your first time fostering, they’ll set you up with an “easier” dog, and they’ll also take your lifestyle and home into consideration.

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Be flexible with commitment -

Fostering a dog is usually a short, temporary situation, but sometimes the dog has to stay longer than you expected, so make sure your plans can accommodate that possibility.

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Be the dog's advocate -

The end goal is to get the dog into a permanent home, and that may mean you have to tell others how great he/she is. Some organizations, however, already have homes for the dogs, and you're just watching them before they can get there.

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Prepare yourself for "foster guilt" -

Saying goodbye to a dog who you've spent weeks or months caring for can be saddening, and many experience what rescue workers call “foster guilt.”

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Remember -

Fostering saves these dogs' lives, and by letting your foster dog be adopted into a permanent home, you free up space for another dog in need. The satisfaction of finding a dog a home outlasts the sadness.

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Consider your current pets -

Fostering a dog could be great company for current pets, but if you have a cat who hates dogs, maybe it’s not the best idea. Keep them apart at first, and slowly introduce them.

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Some things you might need -

A baby gate to keep them in one section of the home at first, a dog bed, a dog brush, bitter apple spray (to discourage inappropriate chewing), toys, and treats.

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Dog-proof your home -

Move curtains that can be chewed or pulled, put electrical cords and plants out of reach, and get a dog-proof trash can, all so that you’re not surprised by things you should have expected!

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You won’t make money, but it’ll be valuable -

While the shelter will often provide some food and gear, as well as cover health costs, you’ll still be paying for the extras. That said, you’ll be rewarded with priceless playtimes, snuggles, and the feeling of knowing you are helping to save a life.

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Who knows, you might adopt them yourself -

These are playfully called “foster failures,” when you fall in love with the dog you’re fostering and, if they don’t already have a home, decide to adopt them for yourself. It’s the ultimate happy ending.

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Where to start? -

The easiest way to get started fostering is to connect with a reputable rescue group. Call them, and get in touch with previous foster parents as well.

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Ask the right questions -

When deciding on a dog, ask about his/her history, health, behavior, the expected length of stay, who to call in emergencies, and everything else to ensure there are no surprises.

See also: These 60 breeds make the best family dogs

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