What Is Fostering?

Fostering with Pacific Northwest Cattle Dog Rescue

FAQs

1. Why does your rescue organization need foster homes?

Foster homes are the heart and soul of Pacific Northwest Cattle Dog Rescue. As a foster-based rescue, we rely on our network of fosters and volunteers to care for our rescue dogs. The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can rescue and re-home. We accept a dog into our program when we have a suitable foster home available.

2. How do I find out about cattle dogs needing a foster home?

You will be part of our active foster network, where we utilize a dedicated Discord channel and email list to communicate about dogs currently needing foster placement. This is where the Intake Team and Foster Coordinators share info on dogs, as well as opportunities for transport, adoption events, and administrative volunteering.

3. Do I get to pick which dog I foster?

When you see a foster dog that sounds like a good match, contact the Foster Coordinator. Ask any relevant questions pertaining to your household and abilities, but understand that we may not get all the answers from the current shelter or owner.

4. How long will I keep my foster dog?

It completely depends on the dog and the situation. Some puppies and dogs stay as little as 2 or 3 weeks. Other dogs recovering from illness or needing more time to decompress may stay in foster care longer. We ask that our foster parents plan on having their foster dog for at least 8 weeks. Please make the Foster Coordinator aware of any travel plans or time constraints so we can arrange for a temporary foster or transfer.

5. If I have my own animals, can I still foster?

Yes, but please make the Foster Coordinator aware of all animals (dogs, cats, small animals, livestock) living at or visiting your home.

You will need to provide your foster dog with their own space (a crate or a spare room), especially at the beginning of their stay. Your foster dog will likely need time to decompress before being integrated with the rest of the household.

  • Health Risks: Exposing your animal to other animals carries a minor health risk. This risk is minimal if your animals are current on vaccinations, maintain a healthy diet/lifestyle, and are not elderly or very young.
  • Immune Concerns: If you or someone in your household is immunocompromised, consult your doctor before fostering, as working with animals exposes humans to zoonoses (diseases transmitted between animals and humans).

6. What supplies are needed to foster?

  • Foster homes provide: Shelter, exercise, basic training, transport to vet appointments, and love.
  • PNWCDR provides: Kibble, crates, monthly preventatives (flea and heartworm), veterinary care, and any other needed equipment (such as a long-line or harness).

We make every effort to supply you with everything needed throughout your experience. We have foster supply hubs located along I-5 from Burlington, Washington to Springfield, Oregon.

7. Do I have to crate-train my foster dog?

Most foster parents will need to leave their foster dog alone for some portion of the day. A crate allows a dog to stay safely at home.

Benefits of crating:

  • Prevents fights with other animals in the home.
  • Avoids potential home damage caused by separation anxiety.
  • Keeps the dog from getting into human food or trash.
  • Efficiently house-trains puppies or re-trains adult dogs.
  • Provides a secure, cozy space to call their own in a multi-dog home.

Note: Some dogs do not like crates and require transition training, so it is up to the foster parent to decide. However, foster dogs are never permitted to be left on a tie-out or left home alone in a backyard.

8. Do I need to have prior medical knowledge or expertise?

No, but you may be asked to dispense medicine to your foster dog. You will need to be comfortable following a veterinarian’s instructions if fostering a sick or injured dog.

9. What happens if my foster dog gets sick or injured?

Contact the Foster Coordinator immediately. Do not take your foster dog to the vet without prior approval from the rescue. This applies to both urgent and non-urgent medical situations.

We are established clients with specific Banfield hospitals, private practice clinics, emergency hospitals, and specialty practices. Before fostering, verify with the Foster Coordinator that we work with a vet in your area. If you have a local veterinarian you recommend, let us know!

10. How much time does it take every day?

Responsibilities depend on the individual dog. Foster dogs will often be anxious upon arrival after experiencing significant transition and travel. Foster parents must be patient and committed to providing a stable, consistent environment.

Most cattle dogs have high energy levels and require daily physical and mental exercise. Decompression walks and meal enrichment are great ways to provide low-stress exercise and mental stimulation.

11. Can I take my foster dog to an off-leash dog park for exercise and socialization?

No. Foster dogs from PNWCDR are not allowed at off-leash dog parks due to unpredictable temperaments of other dogs and potential liability risks. Leashed dogs inside dog parks can also develop barrier frustration and aggression.

Instead, socialize your foster dog with people and dogs you already know. We highly recommend using Sniffspot. Reach out to the Foster Coordinator about booking a Sniffspot or getting reimbursed.

12. I’m going out of town for the weekend. What should I do with my foster dog?

  • Dog-friendly trips: You are welcome to bring your foster dog along!
  • Non-dog-friendly trips: Reach out to the Foster Coordinator with adequate advance notice so we can arrange a temporary foster placement.

If you wish to leave your foster dog with someone not listed on your original foster application household, please consult the Foster Coordinator in advance.

13. Am I responsible for finding my foster dog its forever home?

No, but your help is invaluable!

  • You will be asked to schedule meet-and-greets with potential adopters. Your input is critical to finding a great match.
  • If you find a match through your personal network, remember that all potential adopters must still complete the formal application process and be approved.

14. How are foster dogs promoted?

Photos and stories are featured on our website, PetFinder, Adopt-A-Pet, and across social media platforms.

Ways you can help promote:

  • Provide the Adoption Coordinator with high-quality photos and videos (especially videos showing your foster playing with people or other pets).
  • Attend adoption events.
  • Walk your foster dog in local neighborhoods with an “Adopt Me” bandana.
  • Share flyers or posts with family, friends, and colleagues.

15. What is the adoption process?

  1. Application: Prospective adopters submit an Adoption Application reviewed by our Adoption Team.
  2. Consultation: The Adoption Coordinator conducts a phone screen and sends the applicant the dog’s medical and behavioral records.
  3. Meet-and-Greet: The applicant contacts the foster parent to schedule a meet-and-greet (typically at or near the foster parent’s home).
  4. Finalization: Once a match is selected, a home visit is scheduled (conducted by a volunteer or foster parent). The adoption agreement is signed, the fee is paid, and the dog enters their forever home!

16. Can I adopt my foster dog?

While we do not have a formal foster-to-adopt program, we know that love happens! A good number of our foster dogs end up as “foster fails.” You are welcome to submit an adoption application for your foster dog at any time.

17. What happens if I can’t keep my foster dog?

We place dogs with the intention of them staying in one foster home until adoption (averaging 8–12 weeks). However, if situations change, please provide as much advance notice as possible so we can find an alternative foster home to transfer the dog safely.

18. How else can I help?

While we do not have a physical shelter building, we always need volunteer help with:

  • Scheduling appointments and record keeping
  • Fundraising and grant writing
  • Transport
  • Social media management

19. Where is Pacific Northwest Cattle Dog Rescue located?

PNWCDR is incorporated in Washington state (EIN 82-5180852) as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We do not have a brick-and-mortar shelter, farm, kennels, or sanctuary location. We are 100% foster-based, volunteer-powered, and donor-funded, with foster homes across Washington and Oregon.

Ready to foster?

Visit pnwcdr.org/foster or email us at foster@pnwcdr.org.