Why do we need volunteers?
Spirit Canine Rescue depends on its volunteers and fosters to function. In addition to needing foster homes, we sometimes also have needs for volunteers to work at events, do transports of dogs (to/from shelters, foster homes, events, vet clinics, etc). We also sometimes need help with marketing online and otherwise. Let us know what you would like to do and we would really appreciate the help!
Why do we need fosters?
Spirit Canine Rescue is a 100% foster program. We do not have a building where dogs are kept - all dogs in our program reside with foster families where they are socialized and cared for until they go to their adoptive families.
Why foster for Spirit Canine Rescue?
You can save a life!
Spirit Canine Rescue will provide food, veterinary care and support while you have a foster dog. Please complete the application using the link above and we will be in contact with you to find a suitable match for your home environment.
Spirit Canine Rescue will provide food, veterinary care and support while you have a foster dog. Please complete the application using the link above and we will be in contact with you to find a suitable match for your home environment.
Foster Expectations
Please review this list before submitting your application.
- Your personal dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and current on heartworm preventatives. Personal cats must be up-to-date on rabies vaccination
- Your personal dogs must be spayed/neutered unless there are medical or other acceptable reasons why this is not possible
- A fence is not required, but highly desirable. If an invisible fence is what you have, foster dogs must always be walked on leash, not left unattended outside and not allowed to roam outdoors
- You agree to attend at least one event per month and coordinate pickup of food/supplies and meds as needed. Spirit Canine Rescue will provide food, medications, crate, and other supplies/toys/treats as they become available
- You are able and willing to administer medications as needed and ensure foster dogs receive their heartworm preventatives and flea/tick meds every month
- We expect regular pictures and update of foster dogs
- We can provide assistance with training but we expect that you work with your foster dog to establish good public manners, crate-training and decent leash training
- As much as possible, we ask that you are able to transport your dog to events and vet appointments. If this conflicts with your personal schedule, we will attempt to get volunteers to assist
- As part of our process, we will be contacting your references, vet (as applicable). We will also require a home visit prior to matching you with a foster dog
Foster FAQs
How do I become an approved foster for Spirit Canine Rescue? Complete the online application. Please make sure to include correct contact information. A representative will contact you to arrange a home visit, discuss your availability and unique situation and match you up with a dog in the program. If a dog is not currently available, you can be on standby for the next dog that comes in.
How much does it cost to be a foster? Spirit Canine Rescue will provide a crate, bedding, food and veterinary care while the foster dog is in your care. You are always allowed to supplement with toys, treats and anything else within your means. All you have to provide is loving care and time.
How much time will I need to give the dog? Foster families will be responsible for feeding, exercising, and socializing on a daily basis. We do expect some training of foster dogs for basic obedience skills and have volunteers to assist with this.
How long should I expect to be a foster? Each dog's stay in our program will vary. Some dogs are adopted quickly and some take longer. We would ask that you be a foster for the length of time it takes to get a adopted, however, if that is not possible, we will place the dog in another foster family. We also have needs for short-term/vacation/interim fosters so if that's what you're able to provide, we would still love to hear from you!
Can I foster if I have personal pets? Yes! We can assist with proper introductions to cats/dogs. We find that foster dogs who reside with other pets are more attractive to adopters who will also have other pets in their household. We require that all resident pets are up-to-date on all vaccines.
What support will Spirit Canine Rescue provide? We are always there to help - from the beginning to the end. Other foster families are also available to answer questions for daily care. Expenses related to the care of your foster dog will be covered by Spirit Canine Rescue (food/vet care)
What if I want to adopt my foster dog? First we celebrate! Second, the foster must complete an adoption application that non-foster adopters also use.
If I cannot foster, can I volunteer in another ways? Yes! We are always in need of people to transport to/from shelters or vet appointments. We can also always use people to help out at events and other outreach efforts. Please complete the volunteer application form and let us know how you would like to help!
How much does it cost to be a foster? Spirit Canine Rescue will provide a crate, bedding, food and veterinary care while the foster dog is in your care. You are always allowed to supplement with toys, treats and anything else within your means. All you have to provide is loving care and time.
How much time will I need to give the dog? Foster families will be responsible for feeding, exercising, and socializing on a daily basis. We do expect some training of foster dogs for basic obedience skills and have volunteers to assist with this.
How long should I expect to be a foster? Each dog's stay in our program will vary. Some dogs are adopted quickly and some take longer. We would ask that you be a foster for the length of time it takes to get a adopted, however, if that is not possible, we will place the dog in another foster family. We also have needs for short-term/vacation/interim fosters so if that's what you're able to provide, we would still love to hear from you!
Can I foster if I have personal pets? Yes! We can assist with proper introductions to cats/dogs. We find that foster dogs who reside with other pets are more attractive to adopters who will also have other pets in their household. We require that all resident pets are up-to-date on all vaccines.
What support will Spirit Canine Rescue provide? We are always there to help - from the beginning to the end. Other foster families are also available to answer questions for daily care. Expenses related to the care of your foster dog will be covered by Spirit Canine Rescue (food/vet care)
What if I want to adopt my foster dog? First we celebrate! Second, the foster must complete an adoption application that non-foster adopters also use.
If I cannot foster, can I volunteer in another ways? Yes! We are always in need of people to transport to/from shelters or vet appointments. We can also always use people to help out at events and other outreach efforts. Please complete the volunteer application form and let us know how you would like to help!