HOW AM I MATCHED WITH MY FOSTER DOG? 

Please visit our Foster Matching page to learn more about our matching process.

WILL MY FOSTER BE HOUSE-TRAINED, CRATE-TRAINED, ETC?The truth is, we don’t know. Testing this out in a shelter environment is impossible, so it’s essential to be comfortable with uncertainty before bringing your foster pup home.

Remember, your foster buddy (from our foster team)will be there every step to guide you through any questions and point you toward appropriate resources you might need.

WHAT SUPPLIES SHOULD I HAVE ON HAND? CAN I BORROW THEM?

When you commit to fostering a dog, you should have a crate, grain-free food, treats, toys, pee pads and poop bags. You can borrow any of these supplies from us, as well as things like baby gates, playpens, food/water bowls, bedding, etc. (while supplies last).

While you can keep any food, treats, toys, or poop bag/pee pads that we give you, we ask that you return any other supplies you are lent within a week after your foster has been adopted so that we can use these supplies for future pups. 

Supplies can be returned to us at our weekly transport pickup location or any adoption event. Failure to return supplies on time may result in termination of your foster relationship and cost reimbursement to you.

Check out our Foster Shopping List.

WHEN WILL MY FOSTER DOG BE ADOPTED?

The average length of stay for a HIPster is approximately 2-3 weeks, but that can vary depending on factors like age, breed, size, etc. When you agree to foster a dog with HIP, you commit to it until its forever home is found. Though much depends on you, this could be days, weeks, months, or even years. 

If you have a time constraint (for example, you can only foster for three weeks), please let us know as soon as possible so we can accommodate and ensure we have another foster home for the pup.

WHAT SORT OF VET CARE WILL MY FOSTER DOG NEED? WHO PAYS FOR IT?

We can’t always predict what care a dog may need, but there are some things that most, if not all, of our pups receive while in foster care. This includes essential oral medications they will receive at home, including dewormers, monthly preventatives, and antibiotics. Hounds in Pounds staff must approve all veterinary care and will not pay for unapproved veterinary appointments.

*Please contact us with any other questions or visit our Foster FAQ page for more information.