Foster FAQs
What does it take to be a foster parent?
All that is needed, or expected, from a potential foster family is the same unconditional patience and love you show your current pets.
What if I get too attached and it would break my heart to give them up?
It is true, you will get attached to your foster. They love you right back and each of us goes through it. However, loving a dog unconditionally and letting it go when the right forever home is found is one of the most rewarding feelings you can ever have. It is a truly selfless act on behalf of the foster. When the time comes for your foster to move on to his or her forever home, you will feel complete happiness for your foster. You will have saved a dog’s life and know that you are there to save another one.
What are my costs to be a foster parent?
Zero. Lil Rascals pays for all supplies, food and vet care the dog will need while in your care. All you need to do is provide a home and love.
Do I get to choose the dog I foster?
Yes! Many of our dogs that need fosters will be posted on our private Facebook group which you will be added to upon application approval. If you see a dog that interests you please comment on that post and let us know you are interested in fostering that dog. Our foster coordinator, through the application process, will also know what type of dog will be a good match for you and may contact you directly.
What if I don’t have time and cannot guarantee that I will be able to transport the animal to and from adoption meets and medical appointments?
As long as we know in advance, we can often obtain help with transportation to medical appointments. For adoption meets with approved adopters, we generally hold those on a Saturday at Petsmart in Casselberry. Foster parents are expected to bring the foster dog to meet the potential adopter. If a foster parent can not be there due to work or a prior commitment, we can make other arrangements by planning for a different day/location.
What if I want to be a foster failure and adopt my foster dog?
A “foster failure” is someone who falls so in love with their foster dog that they wind up adopting them. This is nothing to be concerned about. In your time fostering a dog, you will bond and grow attached. Some choose to adopt their foster and, if we believe you are a good forever home match for your foster, we will give our fosters the opportunity to adopt before making the dog available for adoption. This decision must be made before the dog has been made available for adoption.
How long would I have the foster?
It is very difficult to give an average time a dog is in foster care. Some dogs/puppies are adopted relatively quickly and others remain with us longer, so we cannot make any time reference as to how long they will be in your home. We ask that you commit to the dog/puppy you are fostering until a forever family is found.
What if I am planning on traveling?
Just let the foster coordinator know at least two weeks in advance so we can find someone to temporarily foster while you are away.