Like many rescue charities we rely on foster families to help us care for some of our greyhounds and lurchers awaiting adoption into loving permanent homes.
Our rescued hounds might need to be in a foster home rather than kennels for a number of reasons. Some dogs don’t thrive in a kennel situation so a foster placement can help them adapt to life in a home. A dog could be recovering from surgery or other illness so they might need a home environment to help them recuperate. We may have a senior dog for whom kennels would not be the right environment. The length of time a dog stays in foster care varies – it can be as short as a few days or as long as several months.
We welcome new foster home applications from homes both with and without a resident dog. If you do have a resident dog we will need to arrange a dog meet to assess compatibility before placing a foster dog with you.
Please note we are rarely able to place a foster dog in a home with young children.
To be a foster carer for Forever Hounds Trust you will ideally be at home most of the day and be able to give the time and effort required by each individual dog. We consider all home situations for foster care, although ideally you will have access to a garden.
Each foster hound’s needs are different; e.g. some may not have lived in a home before and will need house/toilet training, or to learn how to socialise with people and other dogs. Some won’t yet know how to deal with being left on their own. Often these dogs have come from difficult backgrounds and will need time and patience. Many have only known life in a kennel so they will look to you for guidance. The Forever Hounds Trust behaviour support team will be on hand to help you deal with these situations and work on a training plan to help overcome any difficulties. All foster dogs will be covered by Forever Hounds Trust insurance and you will be required to comply with the terms of this too.
Think you could help a special hound out? Click the link below to email us and find out more…