Apply to Foster today
Fostering a dog in need can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience for both you and the dog. When you open up your home to a foster dog, you’re giving them a second chance at life and the opportunity to learn how to be a part of a loving family.
Foster Carers are gold to us and we can always do with more.
There are countless dogs in shelters and rescues that are in need of temporary homes, and fostering is an important way to help these dogs get the care and attention they need while they wait for their forever homes. By fostering a dog, you’re not only providing a safe and comfortable place for them to stay, but you’re also helping them socialise, learn new behaviours, and adjust to life outside of the shelter environment.
Duration of Foster Care
ARF’s objective is to foster a dog for as long as it takes for a new permanent home to be found. Some dogs are adopted in a couple of weeks, others may take many months, and some are so gorgeous that the carers fall in love with them and adopt them themselves.
“We have learnt so much from fostering in the last 5 years and have made heaps of friends in the rescue community. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a go.”
Kally, Volunteer Foster Carer
“I was able to have a part in the rescue of hundreds if not thousands of dogs. This makes me incredibly proud…”
Beverley, Foster Carer & Foster Carer Mentor.
We do have some criteria a new foster carer must meet
Different dogs come into care with a wide variety of needs and requirements. So because of this we have a Perfect Match rating system Gold, Silver and Bronze.
We use this system to work out what rating you would be as a foster carer and we also rate the dogs based on their behaviours observed during temperament testing, this way we ensure that you are suitably matched with the right dog for your household.
Things to consider
As a foster carer, it can be difficult to say goodbye to a dog that you’ve cared for and grown attached to. However, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of fostering is to provide a temporary home for a dog until they can be adopted into a loving forever home.
When the time comes for your foster dog to be adopted, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, including sadness and worry about their future. But it’s important to trust the adoption process and the new family that will be taking in your foster dog. Remember that by letting go, you’re making space in your home and in your heart for another dog in need.
Seeing your foster dog happy and loved in their forever home can bring a sense of joy and fulfilment that makes the goodbye worth it.
In the end, being a foster carer is about selflessly giving your time and love to a dog in need, with the goal of helping them find their forever home. While saying goodbye may be bittersweet, it’s a reminder of the positive impact you’ve made on the life of a dog, and the potential to make a difference in the lives of many more.