One easy way to save a dog’s life is by fostering. When you foster, you’re also helping a local community shelter allot more space for new rescue dogs.
But it’s expensive to take care of a dog. So, do you get paid to foster dogs?
Pet foster parents are usually not paid for their work, but it costs less than adopting a dog.
Learn why fostering a dog is not expensive and how to get paid for dog fostering.
Who Can Foster a Dog?
In general, anyone who is 18 or above can foster a dog. However, each organization has its own policies when it comes to fostering.
To be a successful foster parent, you need to be compassionate. Your family also has to be supportive.
You also need to be flexible and knowledgeable about dog behavior.
The shelter organization will ask you to fill out a form of foster application. They may also require a training session, especially if you’re a new foster parent.
Also, expect a house visit before receiving your foster dog.
These processes will help you and the shelter organization identify the type of dog you should foster.
They may also recommend that you puppy-proof your home.
If you have a resident dog, make sure that they are vaccinated so you can volunteer to foster.
Do You Get Paid to Foster Dogs?
No.
Fostering a dog is usually a volunteering activity, so don’t expect to be compensated for your work.
The good thing is, you may talk to your local shelter about providing the supplies that your furry guest will need.
They may provide food, medicine, and veterinary care. If you drive your pooch to the vet and pay for extra expenses, then you may be eligible for tax deductions.
Depending on the organization, you may receive reimbursement for some of your dog’s needs.
This means that, if they don’t provide the food and medicine, then you may submit receipts for the dog’s needs and they may pay you back,
This is especially true if your dog requires a special diet or has a medical condition.
In some cases, the organization may even cover travel costs or replacing damaged items in your house.
However, remember that these shelters rely on donations to survive, so don’t expect too much.
If your foster dog breaks a table, discern whether you’ll ask for reimbursement or just buy a new one if it doesn’t break your bank.
Prepare to spend on the following when you’re dog fostering:
Being a foster parent costs less than being an actual dog parent, so it’s a great way to test if you can afford to adopt a dog!
Even if fostering a dog doesn’t pay, it can help improve your skills in caring for dogs. If you want to become a vet, a shelter manager, or a veterinary technician, fostering will help gain valuable experience.
Critter Boutique offers tips on how to foster a dog.
How to Get Paid for Dog Fostering
Instead of going to an organization, try arranging private foster appointments.
Fostering as a volunteering activity is usually for shelters that lack space or dogs that need to be socialized. It’s also for rescue dogs that are waiting to get adopted.
Arranging a private foster dog situation is ideal for people who need someone to take care of their dogs when they will be traveling for a long time.
It can also be for families who have a new baby and can’t take care of their dog.
Look for dog owners who are happy to pay you until they can get their four-legged friends back again.
FAQs on Dog Fostering
Fostering a dog means you’re bringing a furry friend home and taking care of them until they find a permanent family.
Dogs need to be fostered because the shelter may be running out of space or the owner is currently going through something, like a disaster.
Learn more about what it takes to foster a dog.
When you temporarily take care of a dog, you’ll know if you’re ready to adopt a permanent one! You get the advantages of owning a dog without lifelong responsibilities.
And besides, it’s fulfilling to know that you saved a life.
On the other hand, fostering a dog may also mean getting attached to a temporary companion. You’ll have to know your limits and accept that you are not their forever family.
Most dogs in the shelter are also not trained. So, expect your house to become a total mess.
Weigh the pros and cons of fostering a dog before arriving at your decision!
Yes, you may foster a dog while also working full-time. However, it still depends on your time management and dedication.
At first, this could be challenging. But once you get a schedule and a routine, it’s going to be easy.
Fostering a dog is not a long-term commitment, so it’s a great idea to foster a dog even when you’re working.
We have some tips on how to foster a dog while working full-time which you can check out!
You can foster multiple dogs at once as long as you qualify the shelter’s requirements.
This also depends on your time, space, and the needs of the foster dogs.
For example, you can foster a litter of puppies at once if you don’t have a full-time job and if you have a space in your house that is large enough for them.
Learn more about the number of dogs you can foster here.
Save a Life with Dog Fostering!
Fostering a dog is a rewarding volunteer activity. It gives you a background of what it’s like to adopt a dog permanently and gives you experience if you’re an aspiring vet.
You don’t get paid to foster dogs because shelter organizations usually only rely on limited donations.
But if you want to earn money by fostering, try setting up a private fostering career for people who can pay you to take care of their dogs temporarily.
Once you’ve made your decision you can find out how many dogs you can foster at once!
