Become a Local Foster Carer
Give a Rescue Dog the Chance to Experience Life in a Home
Foster homes make an enormous difference for dogs needing extra time, care, or support before finding their forever families. We are currently looking for dedicated local foster volunteers who live within a reasonable distance of our FAR rescue center and can easily travel to us when needed.
Our foster program isn’t just about finding an empty room; it’s about matching the right dog with a home that provides exactly what they need most—whether that is socialization, medical recovery, or simply a quiet break from the shelter environment.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are especially interested in hearing from individuals or families who can offer one or more of the following:
Experience handling and caring for larger breeds.
A quiet home without other resident dogs or pets.
Experience managing dogs with medical needs or physical limitations.
Experience whelping and caring for pregnant mothers and newborn puppies.
A safe environment to help socialize young puppies (over eight weeks old) and prepare them for domestic life.
Emergency or short-notice availability for urgent rescue cases.
You don’t need to fit every single category. When you apply, we will ask about your home, lifestyle, and experience so we can understand exactly which type of dog you are best equipped to help.
What Does Fostering Involve?
As an FAR foster carer, you will temporarily welcome a rescued dog into your home and treat them as part of your family. Every dog is unique. Some simply need a comfortable sofa and time to decompress, while others require dedicated support with confidence-building, behavioral training, or medical recovery.
We carefully evaluate your circumstances and experience to ensure a safe and beneficial match. Being an approved foster home means we will reach out when we have a dog whose needs perfectly align with your environment.
What Commitment Do I Need to Make?
Fostering requires time, patience, and flexibility. Depending on the dog’s specific needs, you may need to attend veterinary appointments or bring the dog to the FAR center for check-ups, so reliable transportation is essential.
During the application process, we will discuss your daily schedule, household dynamic, and previous dog-handling experience. Before any placement, you will receive full transparency regarding the individual dog’s background and what they will require from you.
Will I Receive Support?
Absolutely. We never expect our foster families to figure things out alone.
Before welcoming your first foster dog, you will receive comprehensive guidance from the FAR team. We will explain exactly who to contact for help, provide continuous behavioral support, outline emergency protocols, and cover all approved veterinary expenses and necessary treatments.
What Happens After I Apply?
Once you submit your application, our team will securely review your details. If your profile aligns with our current rescue needs, the next steps include:
An initial phone consultation with our rescue team.
An in-depth discussion about your experience and the types of dogs you are most comfortable fostering.
A standard home check to ensure a secure environment. We will look at things like garden fencing, household members, working arrangements, and resident animals to safely match a dog to your space.
Final approval and official onboarding into our local foster network.
Ready to Apply?
If you have the time, reliable transport, and the dedication to offer one of our dogs a temporary safe haven, we would love to hear from you.