Become a Foster
“Every dog fostered is two lives saved... the one in the home, and the one that now has a place at a shelter.”
Fostering is one of the most important and rewarding roles in rescue. Lu’s Labs does not have a facility to house our rescues, nor do we have the funds to board them. Fosters are the backbone of our rescue and make everything we do possible!
What Lu’s Provides
All veterinary care, including medications and/or preventatives
Extensive foster training
Access to a foster coordinator 24/7
A martingale collar
A Lu’s Labs ID Tag
Leashes - one slip lead, one clip
A crate (if you do not have one)
What Fosters Provide
A healthy and safe environment for your foster lab
Socialization with people and other pets
Exercise and stimulation
Food and water bowls
Toys and treats
High quality dog food (if this is a hardship, we can help)
Foster FAQ
+ How Long Will I Have My Foster Dog?
There is no hard and fast answer to this question. You could have your foster dog for a few days to a few weeks. This depends on a lot of different factors such as the age of the dog (younger dogs get adopted faster), the type of home that is best for the dog, etc. But please note, if you are fostering a dog and have something come up, whether it be planned or not, we will always arrange for the dog to go to another foster home.
+ What Should I Expect From My Foster Dog?
They could potentially be a little shy or nervous initially. Remember, you, your family and your home are ALL new to them! It may take them a bit of time to get comfortable with all of these new things. So if they pace, drink a lot or pant, don't panic! This is just nerves and usually resolves itself in the first day or so.
Or, on the other side, they could be anxious or rambunctious. Again, this is all new to them and different dogs react to new situations differently. There could also be a bit of pent up energy from being in the shelter or on transport. Giving them some time to stretch their legs usually helps with this.
ALL introductions with resident dogs should be done slowly! Dogs meeting for the first time should be done one at a time (if you have multiple dogs) and outside is usually best as it is a more neutral place. Taking the new foster dog and your dog for a short walk together is sometimes a great way for them to begin to get used to each other. Remember, ALWAYS double leash your foster dog!
The best way to handle your foster dog meeting new people is to allow them to do it on their time. Often they want to check out their surroundings first with their nose. Then they will make their way to you. Remember praise and treats go a long way with winning over a Lab!
+ How Do Dogs Get Adopted?
Lu's Labs requires that all approved adopters be willing to come to the foster home to meet any dog they are interested in. Therefore, you must be willing to have adopters, their families and any current dogs they have visit your home. Along with one of our Adoption Coordinators, you will help to decide what will be the best home and family for your foster dog. If at the time of the meet and greet they decide they want to adopt the dog, they have that opportunity to take the dog that day if everyone feels it is a good fit.
