Fostering
Fostering is a great way to help dogs in need. When you foster a dog, you agree to take a homeless dog into your home and give him or her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the dog is adopted. There are many reasons a dog might need foster care. Some of the most common include:
rescue group doesn’t have a physical shelter and depends on foster homes to care for dogs until suitable homes are found.
A puppy is too young to be adopted and needs a safe place to stay until he or she is old enough to go to a forever home.
A dog is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and needs a safe place to recuperate.
A dog is showing signs of stress such as pacing or hiding in the shelter.
A dog has not lived in a home before or has not had much contact with people and needs to be socialized.
The shelter is running out of room for adoptable dogs 1.
Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:
freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue can take in another dog.
giving your foster dog the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
helping the shelter or rescue learn more about the dog so he can end up in the best home possible.
If you would like to foster with Fraternity of the 4 Paws follow this link to fill out a volunteer application
Volunteer
Here are some ways you can volunteer with a dog rescue group:
Transporting: Many rescue groups need help transporting dogs from one place to another. This could be from a shelter to a foster home or from one state to another.
Fundraising: Rescue groups are always in need of funds to help pay for food, medical care, and other expenses. You can help by organizing fundraising events or by donating money yourself.
If you’re interested in volunteering with a dog rescue group, you can find one near you by searching online. Once you find one that you’re interested in, you can contact them to find out more about their volunteer opportunities. If you would like to volunteer for Fraternity of the 4 Paws follow the link to our volunteer application.
Adopting
Adopting through a rescue is a great way to give an animal a second chance at life. When you adopt a rescue pet, you’re saving a life and helping make space for another animal in need and giving them the opportunity to become beloved pets. You’re also giving a rescue an opportunity to find their voice; to be themselves and get a second chance to become a dog beyond the walls of shelter or rescue. You truly give them the keys to start anew in a life where second chances can often be hard to come by1.
Adopting through a rescue also helps reduce cruelty, neglect, overpopulation, and euthanasia and ensures more animals find loving homes2. Adopting a rescue pet sends a statement that you support compassionate and ethical animal treatment. It also inspires others in your circle to consider adoption, generating a positive ripple effect3.
In addition, pets from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than pets purchased or even free pets given away4. Your local shelter or rescue can help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and family. Here at the Humane Society of the United States, we promote Adopters Welcome, a conversational approach to the adoption process4.
Donations
Donating to dog rescue organizations is important because it helps them operate and care for sick or injured animals. Many animal shelters do not have the resources they need to care for sick or injured animals. Approximately 80 percent of animals that are euthanized are healthy or treatable and could have been adopted into new homes1. Donations of time or material goods can help a shelter stretch their budget to give the best lives possible to the dogs in their care. Donations also help the workers and shelters to know that people care2.
Your donations will help provide the care abandoned animals need until a suitable home is found for them. If the nonprofit group you’re donating to is recognized by the IRS as a 501 © (3) organization, you can deduct the value of your contribution from any taxes you owe1.
Transport
At shelters and rescues, ensuring the safe transportation of dogs is a top priority. Whether it's relocating dogs from overcrowded shelters to ones with more space or delivering rescued dogs to their forever homes, a well-executed transport process is essential.
Transporting dogs requires careful planning and coordination. Shelters and rescues often rely on a network of volunteers and transport partners to assist with the logistics. These dedicated individuals help arrange transportation routes, coordinate pick-up and drop-off locations, and ensure the dogs' well-being throughout the journey.
One crucial aspect of transporting dogs is to prioritize their comfort and safety. Properly securing dogs in crates or carriers is essential to prevent injuries and minimize stress. It's vital to select the right size crate for each dog, allowing them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and temperature control is necessary to maintain a comfortable environment for the dogs during transport.
Transporting dogs also involves adhering to various regulations and requirements. These may include obtaining necessary permits, ensuring all dogs have up-to-date vaccinations, and complying with local and state laws. Shelters and rescues must stay informed about the specific regulations in their area and follow them diligently to ensure the smooth transport of dogs.
Transporting dogs for shelters and rescues is a collaborative effort that requires the dedication and support of many individuals. From volunteers to transport partners, everyone involved strives to provide a safe and stress-free journey for these dogs in need. By working together, we can ensure that every dog has the opportunity to find a loving forever home and receive the care they deserve.