GENERAL INFO
The Basics
When you foster a dog or puppy, you are responsible for:
- Providing a safe, loving, indoor home environment.
- Feeding according to age and size (we’ll help with guidelines).
- Basic training as needed (potty training, crate training, manners).
- Transporting the pet to vet appointments or events. (Please provide notice if you need assistance with this!)
- Observing and reporting behavior or health concerns.
- Helping us learn more about their personality for the best adoption match.
- Sharing photos and updates — this helps dogs get adopted faster!
Supplies Provided
NFRS WILL provide:
- Food (unless otherwise arranged)
- Crate (if needed & requested)
- Collar and leash
-Bowls
- Medications (if needed)
- Vet care at approved vets
NFRS will NOT provide:
-Food or supplies for host pets
-Vet care for host pets
-Vet care for the foster pet IF the illness or injury is due to negligence or at fault of the foster/host pests
-Non-essentials
How to request items:
Send a text to us requesting items needed at least 1 week in advance! You are welcome to buy supplies as needed and send the receipt for reimbursement, however the cost must be equal to or less than the same supplies on amazon.
You are welcome to buy additional items at your expense if you wish, but it’s not required!
Introducing your new foster to your family pets:
Give Them Time to Decompress: Allow your foster dog at least 72 hours to settle before expecting much interaction with resident pets.
Slow Introductions:
Introduce foster and resident pets slowly and outside if possible (like in a backyard).
Use leashed, controlled meetings at first.
Watch body language carefully — look for signs of stress or aggression.
Tips:
- Allow time to decompress — the "3-3-3 Rule" is a good guideline:
**3 days** to feel overwhelmed,
**3 weeks** to settle in,
**3 months** to fully trust and feel at home.
- Stick to a consistent routine: meals, potty breaks, exercise.
- Help us assess behavior: Is the dog good with kids? Other dogs? Crate trained?
Medical Care
- All veterinary care must be coordinated through Nickens Family Rescue & Sanctuary.
- If you notice signs of illness (diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, limping, etc.), contact us immediately.
- Emergencies: Call us first. If you cannot get a hold of us at that time, take the pet to the emergency vets listed. See “EMERGENCIES” chapter.
Vetting we provide to our rescues:
- Vaccinations
- Spay/Neuter
- Microchipping
- Deworming/Flea Treatment
- Heartworm testing and prevention
- Necessary surgeries or treatment for underlying conditions
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Behavior Concerns
Adjustments take time. It’s normal for a foster dog to be shy, scared, or excitable at first.
We offer support! Please reach out if you experience:
- Aggression
- Severe separation anxiety
- Resource guarding (protecting food, toys, etc.)
Never hesitate to ask for help — you're not alone!
Vacations/Time Away
- If you have a vacation planned during your time with a foster, that is okay! Please give us at LEAST 30 day’s notice so we can make arrangements. If you have a trusted neighbor or friend who can stay with the dog during this time, please notify NFRS for approval. Other arrangements may look like the following:
- A temporary fill in foster takes the dog during this time
- We hire a trusted dog sitter to stay in your home with the foster upon your approval
- Boarding facilities
The Adoption Process
1. **Applications**: When an applicant expresses interest we direct them to complete an adoption application, NFRS screens them carefully for minimum qualifications for the pet.
2. **Meet & Greets**: You may be asked to facilitate or attend a meet-and-greet.
4. **Adoption: If the family is a good fit, they complete the adoption application and pay adoption fee. They may take the pet home at that time OR schedule a date for pickup.
Adoption Events
Foster families are required to bring the rescue to adoption events IF their temperament allows. If you cannot make it, please let us know to schedule a volunteer or driver to bring the pet. Pet’s are often adopted at events, so we encourage fosters to be present to see them off.
Can I Adopt My Foster?
Yes! If you fall in love and want to adopt, just let us know immediately before we continue with other applicants. No dog will be held without a hold fee paid. The fee to hold the pup is always $50 and is nonrefundable. Fosters do still pay adoption fees! Adoptions will not be finalized until after their spay/neuter is complete.
Saying Goodbye
Goodbyes can be hard, but remember:
You saved a life and made room to save another.
We encourage you to celebrate your foster’s adoption and share their story with others!
We do NOT give foster families the contact information of the adopted family. If you exchange information at the adoption, that is absolutely fine! But we cannot break confidentiality and give it to you if you do not attend the final adoption.