Interested in Fostering?

Fostering is a great way to give back to our community without the forever obligation of caring for a pet! If you've ever wondered about fostering or have been interested but don't have the information, look no further!

Fill out an application Here!

What to Expect as a Foster

Hawaii Dog Foundations Requirements:
• The potential foster to meet the potential foster dog before taking them in

• A in-person OR virtual home tour

Many of these dogs are chained up and use the bathroom wherever they can. That means that they won't be potty trained, they won't know basic commands (such as sit, stay etc.), they won't be leashed trained, they won't know what a crate is or why they're being put in it. They may chew up anything in your house, have accidents in the house, and/or throw up in the house. They'll need to be taken to the vet and given preventatives monthly. We try to start foster's off with an easy dog but that still doesn't mean they know anything at all. Fosters have the option to be part of the adoption process or not but since you will be fostering this dog, you're going to know him/her more than us! When you foster a dog, HDF will cover the vet costs. We supply food, a crate if needed, a collar, a tag with HDF information, leash, a few toys and cover all medical costs. We currently use a vet in Aiea, Aloha Affordable. HDF will make the appointments for your foster dog, and we do do our best to schedule the appointment far enough in advance so you can change your schedule if need be! *Please note: You will not be able to make the vet appointments yourself. If you have a conflict of interest, please let our HDF rep know to work out further details. We do our best to treat for contagious disease in these animals upon arrival to your home, but on occasion they are carrying an illness that could be spread to you or a resident pet. If you have current pets residing in your home, they should be current on vaccinations. The animals are spayed and neutered prior to adoption, and we ask for your assistance in getting them to and from the vet for this procedure. If you are not able to do this, we will work to find another volunteer who can help facilitate this.

Your Job as a Foster

Your main job as a foster includes multiple things!

1. Provide a lovingsafe place for your foster dog

2. Provide food, medication, and general care for your foster dog

3. Teach basic commands like sit, stay, down

4. Work on some crate training as well as leash training

5. Get to know your foster. What doe she/he like? What doe she/he

   doesn’t like? How are they with other animals? How are they on a

   leash?

6. If  your foster dog is healthy enough, provide daily exercise, play time,

   and walks.

7. Contact HDF immediately if any medical issues arise.

8. Transport the dog to and from vet appointments.

9. Keep dogs away from dog parks, beaches, and public

   places until they are fully vaccinated.

10. Provide updated photos and biographical information about your foster dog. As the foster parent, you will become very familiar with the quirks and endearing qualities of your foster dog. This is the type of information that will help your foster dog find a loving home.

11. Please give HDF as much notice as possible if you will be going on vacation or if you will be unable to foster a dog after a certain date. We will arrange for a temporary or long-term foster home

When it comes time to set up meet and greets you have two options:

1. You can be apart of your fosters adoption since you do know them best. This would look like attending meet and greets in a set location and meeting interested adopters. You are more than welcome to ask questions and get to know these families.

2. You can choose to opt out of the adoption. A volunteer would come pick your foster up and return he/she after the meet and greets are done.

Need to Know

The most common question we receive is when it comes to fosters is, “what if it’s not working out?”

• The answer to that is simple- You will return the dog back to HDF. HOWEVER, we do ask that you keep the dog until we can find a replacement foster.
• HDF does ask that you foster the dog for a minimum of 30 DAYS

What Vet Care Looks Like

Our number one goal is always to get your foster dog into the vet as soon as possible. Medical care can look different for each dog depending on their needs.

Puppies:

1st Appointment

• 10 weeks old
• First vaccination
• Microchip
• (1) month of Simparica (Flea, tick, and hw preventative)

2nd Appointment

• 4 weeks from their 1st appointment  
• 2nd vaccination
•  (1) month of Simparica

3rd Appointment

4 weeks from their 2nd vaccination

• 3rd and final vaccination

• (1) month of Simparica

  Spay/Neuter

• 6 months of age

• If your foster dog is still with you, you’ll receive (1) month of Simparic

Have more questions?

Email us today at info@hawaiidogfoundation.org