Foster

Fostering Program Goal:

At MAS, our ultimate goal is to find the perfect forever home for every dog in our care. Fostering serves as the vital bridge between sanctuary life and a permanent home. Whether it’s offering a safe and patient environment for shy survivors of abuse to learn trust, providing a quiet space for medical recovery, or offering comfort to a dog in their final days, foster families are integral in supporting each dog’s unique needs.

Fostering not only transforms the lives of dogs in need but also provides us with valuable insights into their behavior in a home setting. This understanding helps us better prepare dogs for adoption and ensures they are matched with an ideal family. By opening your heart and home, you give a dog the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive, making a meaningful difference in their journey toward finding a forever home.

Types of MAS Foster Programs:

1. Foster to Adopt
   Foster to Adopt caregivers are those who wish to foster a dog with the full intention of adopting. This program is ideal for shy or fearful dogs, those recovering from medical treatments (such as heartworm recovery, surgery, chemotherapy), and similar cases. Foster to Adopt caregivers will be given a specific time frame to decide if they want to finalize the adoption.
2. Long-Term Foster
   Long-Term Foster caregivers provide a temporary home until a dog is adopted. This role focuses on training and offering further insight into the dog’s behavior and needs, aiding in placement for a permanent adoptive home.
3. Medical Foster
   Medical Foster caregivers provide specialized care for dogs recovering from medical treatments or procedures (such as heartworm treatment, chemotherapy, or surgery). Once the dog has recovered, the foster dog will be returned to MAS for adoption.
4. Hospice Foster
   Hospice Foster caregivers provide end-of-life care for dogs with terminal conditions, offering them the comfort of a loving home during their final days.

Basic Requirements:

• Visits to the Sanctuary: By appointment only.
• Home Visits: At least two visits are required; same-day home visits are not conducted.
• Fenced-in Area: A physically fenced-in yard is required for safety.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
• Dog Introductions: If you have other dogs, an introduction to the prospective foster dog will be required.
• Vaccinations: All existing dogs in the home must be up to date on vaccinations.

Foster Process:

1. Application:
   The first step is completing our online application. Foster families go through the same application process and requirements as adoption applicants. Be honest in your responses, as the application helps us match you with the right foster dog based on your lifestyle and needs. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming that we’ve begun processing your application.
2. Initial Visit:
   Once your application is approved, an onsite visit will be scheduled with you and all household members. During this visit, you will meet potential foster dogs and review their behavioral, social, and medical needs to determine the best match.
3. Second Visit:
   After identifying a potential match, a second visit will be scheduled to finalize the foster agreement and complete necessary paperwork. If you have other dogs in the home, a dog introduction will be conducted at this time.

Rules, Responsibilities, and Expectations:

• Legal Ownership: MAS retains legal ownership of all fostered dogs.
• Care and Supervision: Foster dogs must be kept indoors and under direct supervision. They must be on a leash when outside unless in a physically fenced area.
• Training: Foster caregivers must adhere to MAS guidelines for positive reinforcement training.
• Introductions to Other Animals: Foster dogs may not meet other animals outside the foster home without prior approval from MAS adoption staff.
• Veterinary Care: Routine veterinary care will be provided by MAS medical staff, including heartworm and flea/tick prevention and any necessary medications. Foster caregivers must follow the prescribed medication schedule and administration instructions.
• Food and Feeding: MAS will provide food and feeding instructions, which foster caregivers must follow.
• Transportation: Foster caregivers must be willing and able to transport their foster dog to MAS for any routine or adoption-related appointments. MAS will work with foster families to accommodate scheduling needs within reason.

By participating in MAS’s foster program, you play an essential role in a dog’s journey to finding a forever home. Your compassion and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of our dogs.