Foster Parent/Family

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Everything you need to care for your foster dog (crate, food, bowl, etc.) will be provided by Secondhand Hounds. The most important part of your job will be to help reintroduce your foster dog to a home environment by giving him/her some basic training, socialization and lots of love.

When a potential adopter contacts Secondhand Hounds, we will review the application to meet our standards. The approved applicants will be emailed to you and we expect you contact them to arrange a meeting. These meetings can be performed at your house, their house, or a neutral location (whatever you feel comfortable with). We give our volunteers a say in who they place their dog with. So, if you feel as though someone is not the best match, let us know, and we will find a different home for your foster.

It is a good idea to socialize your foster dog as much as possible to eliminate fear of new situations/people/dogs. A great way to do this is to go to Petco or Petsmart on a weekly basis and let people approach your foster dog. Always be careful to read signs of a fearful dog. If the dog cowers or shakes or growls, ask the person to step back. As soon as the dog seems more trusting (tail wagging, approaching the person on their own), let the person pet your pup. Another way to help a scared dog become more trusting is to carry treats with you and have strangers feed your dog. Other tips are available; just ask!

https://secondhandhounds.org/get-involved/foster/