Fostering

No, you do not. However, our vets, adoption events, and meet & greets are in Orange County. As long as you're willing to make the drive when needed, you can foster for us. If that sounds like too much, we suggest checking rescues/shelters who are closer to you to see if they need fosters.

We ask that fosters 

• give their dog two solid, 30-minute walks a day
• follow any instructions we give you about the dog
• provide basic training if needed
• take the dog to vet visits if needed
• and bring the dog to at least one virtual adoption event in Lake Forest a month

We hope you will foster the dog until they find their forever home, but we ask for at least a 3-4 month commitment. Some dogs are adopted in one day and some take a year to find the right forever home, however the average is 3 months. (Puppies are typically adopted very quickly once they're old enough.) We ask for this time commitment to limit the stress put on the dog and our team. 

If you have a trip planned or an emergency comes up, just let us know and we will figure out a solution.

Yes, unless we feel the dog won't be a good fit in your home or with your lifestyle. There are some dogs that need foster homes more urgently than others, so those will be prioritized.

If the dog has 'needs a foster' next to their name, then yes. If not, that means they are already in a foster home.

No! We won't give you a dog that we don't think you can handle. We can even have one of our trainers meet with you to go over basic dog behavior if you're interested. As long as you're willing to learn how to be a strong pack leader, you'll be great!

No, we cover all costs for medical care (through our vet partners), food, and any supplies you need. Typically, we physically have the food/supplies you need and you will pick those up with your foster dog. However, if you need to go buy something for your dog, keep the receipt and we will reimburse you. Please make sure to get approval first. If you'd like to personally cover the cost for anything, that is considered a tax-deductible donation and we'd be super grateful!

No, you are not. However, we do ask that you get some good photos and/or videos of your foster pup, so that we can promote them!

If you're on Instagram and post content of your foster dog, make sure to tag us @thelittlereddog and we will repost. Some of our fosters have even gone out of their way to make special foster instagrams dedicated to their foster pups!

Currently, our adoption events are primarily virtual. We film them live every other Saturday morning in Lake Forest and ask that you come to at least one a month. They're super quick and easy! If your foster dog has a potential adopter, we try to schedule meet & greets at those events to make it easier for you.

We call that a #FosterFail! As long as our team feels like it makes sense and there aren't any potential adopters lined up, you can adopt your foster dog.

No problem! Just like an adoption, we'll make sure the dog is a good fit and gets along with your pets before leaving them with you.

Yes and no. If we save a mama & litter, they will need to be fostered together until they're old enough to be on their own. We always need foster homes on deck for pregnant mamas and litters! Even if you've never done that before, we will guide you through everything you need to know.

However, there are a few times throughout the year where puppies are saved without their moms and can be separated to different foster homes.

Keep in mind puppies are a LOT of work and there's a LOT of poop!

Of course! In fact, a lot of our fosters are also adopters.

For non-emergencies, you will submit a request in our foster portal to set up a vet appointment at one of our vet partners. Our vet coordinator will set up the appointment at a time that works best for you. You are responsible for taking the dog to the vet. If for any reason you can't, we will find another volunteer to transport.

For emergencies, contact PJ immediately and she will direct you with next steps.

You got it! If one of our senior team members cannot provide guidance, we have 2 very experienced trainers on our team who will come to your house for a training session.

Give your new foster pup some time to decompress and have fun! Some dogs need more time than others to feel comfortable in their new home.

Feel free to take photos, videos, or give us updates in our Fabulous Foster Squad group chat online. A lot of fun goes down there!