Fostering a dog

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Elo

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My partner and I are looking to foster a dog. We live in a semi-detached house with a good sized garden. We are both outdoor people so can offer long walks etc. We don't have children or any other pets. However, we both work full time. My partner gets home at 4.30pm Monday to Thursday. On a Friday he gets home at 2pm. We are able to let the dog out at lunch time though to stretch his/her legs and do the toilet. Otherwise we are always around in the evenings and at weekends.

Is it an issue if we are not there during the day? Could we offer a suitable foster home?
 
Some places might be iffy with it. We tried to rescue a dog from a local charity about 4 years ago and because I worked longer shifts 2 days of the week, which were 6 hours, they wouldn't let us adopt. They said 4 hours was the maximum they would allow a dog to be home alone. I have 3 dogs now and sometimes when things go wrong at the stables/lambing they are in for a full 9 hours. 9am-6pm. It's not ideal by far and we always try to get a neighbour to let them out if we can't take them with us. I must stress this only has happened a handful of times, usually either me or my partner is in at some point during the day. I wouldn't be comfortable leaving one dog on its own as any of ours would scream the place down if left by themselves!
 
try the smaller rescues-if you are able to go home at lunchtime and give the dog a play/walk etc then hopefully they'll be more pragmatic than those that want them kennelled indefinitely. I recently took on a rescue (I take my dogs to work) and there were only three that would let me-despite the dogs not actually being left.
 
Thanks for replying. We wouldn't mind fostering one dog or two. I just thought we could offer a warm, loving and caring home and although we aren't there for the full day, they would get three good walks a day and plenty of attention at night. The rescues and pounds in my area are apparently very full and so they are crying out for fosters. Although our circumstances aren't ideal, it may save a dog's life until he/she finds a permanent home. We are not fussed about what breed/age of dog we foster.

Motherofchickens - thanks will have a look at small dog rescues too.
 
Bonkers2 said:
Just pay someone to take them out for 40 mins during the day, I would never leave house dogs inside for 9 hours, its ridiculous.
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We are able to walk the dog at lunchtime. It's not fair on the dog to be left for that amount of time without a walk etc.
 
Elo said:
Although our circumstances aren't ideal, it may save a dog's life until he/she finds a permanent home. We are not fussed about what breed/age of dog we foster.
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unfortunately some of the rescues don't see it like that-how many homes are available where both owners aren't working I don't know in this day and age. I supported my application with a letter stating my set up and offering references from any one of the 30 or so vets we have working here and most of them still turned me down as soon as they saw/heard the phrase 'works full time'.

Good luck though, some are more realistic!
 
I fostered for Hope Rescue (in Wales) for many years and I worked full-time.

However, I did work very close to home (10 mins) so was able to come home at lunchtime to let the dogs out/walk the foster, plus with two other dogs of my own, the fosters had company and soon settled in to the routine. I never had a problem with separation anxiety as both my own dogs were very chilled out. I took mainly terriers and had some which had physical and mental problems. O only stopped because my eldest dog was getting a bit too old to cope with youngsters and then she was diagnosed with cancer.

I think you have to choose your rescue carefully - a smaller one would probably be best, and be honest with what you can offer. I didn't take puppies/young dogs, only older dogs that could cope with being left for 3-4 hours.
 
Thanks for replies.

My partner works 5 minute drive from home and so he is able to come home at lunchtime to walk the dog/s. My mother-in-law does not work and she is at hand to help also if required.

I will have a look at a range of rescues and see if we are suitable for any dogs needing a foster home.
 
Bonkers2 said:
…….. , I would never leave house dogs inside for 9 hours, its ridiculous.
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So if you go to bed at say 22:00 and get up at 07:00, that would be 9 hrs with the poor dog with no human interaction. Dreadful, I agree. :D

OP, in our modern world where most have to work, the first thing that dogs have to learn, is to be left alone. Whether you find a charity who will support your idea is another matter, as many tend to bring their own half-baked ideas to the table. Let's say that you do; I'd be tempted to explain to them what 'you' want, and should a suitable candidate turn up, take him/her on a Thursday night, book a long weekend off work and give the dog time to settle. Should the dog be an adult and not be a dog given to stress, I'm sure that you'll be fine.

Good luck. :)

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
So if you go to bed at say 22:00 and get up at 07:00, that would be 9 hrs with the poor dog with no human interaction. Dreadful, I agree. :D

OP, in our modern world where most have to work, the first thing that dogs have to learn, is to be left alone. Whether you find a charity who will support your idea is another matter, as many tend to bring their own half-baked ideas to the table. Let's say that you do; I'd be tempted to explain to them what 'you' want, and should a suitable candidate turn up, take him/her on a Thursday night, book a long weekend off work and give the dog time to settle. Should the dog be an adult and not be a dog given to stress, I'm sure that you'll be fine.

Good luck. :)

Alec.
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Well actually I don't go to bed at 10. pm and sleep though [who does], when you have animals you take them out for a 30 min walk at 10.30 and get up at 6.30/7.00 am in order to feed them, take them out for a 40 min walk, wash, dress, etc and leave for work at 8.25.
Puppies can t hold on for 9 hours so you are training then to sh''yt in the house, a clean dog will be very distressed, and if they have to retain it, they can get ailments.
I had a bitch with 8 puppies, they lived in the garage and had a run outside in the garden, other than that she came with me, from the day I bought her until when was very elderly. I was with her when she went off her legs, and waited with her till vet came to put her down.
My only other dog lived on a smallholding during the day and with me the rest of the time, when he was not out rabbiting with the miners.
I don t have a dog now, modern times or not, living in a flat in a town, its not a proper place for a proper dog.
If I did get one, I would not want do what my neighbours do ie toilet them twice a day on the grass in front of my house. I would want to take them for proper walks, off the lead so they can have a good run out.
 
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Bonkers2 said:
Just pay someone to take them out for 40 mins during the day, I would never leave house dogs inside for 9 hours, its ridiculous.
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As I clearly stated, this is a rare occurrence! Once the car broke down on the way back from our weekly shop. The neighbours weren't in and we had no option but to wait for the recovery truck to collect us. The dogs were fine, yes obviously they were desperate to get out, they had plentiful food and water for the whole day. They had the run of the whole kitchen so could have easily relived themselves if they had wanted to, but they didn't. They were fast asleep in their beds, toys strewn about where they had been playing together. I do not leave my dogs for 9 hours in the house every day. They usually come to work with us on a farm and come out with the horses, as well as the run of the garden whenever we are indoors. However, sometimes disasters happen and you need a back-up plan, on this occasion our back-up plan fell through.
 
Bonkers2 said:
Well actually I don't go to bed at 10. pm and sleep though [who does], when you have animals you take them out for a 30 min walk at 10.30 and get up at 6.30/7.00 am in order to feed them, take them out for a 40 min walk, wash, dress, etc and leave for work at 8.25.
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lol well I do go to bed at 10-10.30pm although I am up about 6.30am. They seem to cope with a last minute walk and plenty of exercise during the day. A puppy is a different kettle of fish and nowhere did anyone mention leaving a puppy for 9 hours or anything like it.
 
I can go all night without needing to get up but would struggle during the day so Alec your argument holds no water(no pun intended lol)

I think an older dog would suit the op, lots of those in rescue just looking for a chance to get their foot in the door. Smaller rescues dont have such ridiculous criteria and realise people have to work. I foster for a rescue and Im home most days b ut other fosters do work but break up the day by coming home lunch time and walking the dog, obviously this rules them out for puppies and it makes it more difficult if you are having to house train a dog.

OP you need to ring around a few rescues to find out their criteria but I shouldnt think you would have a problem fostering a dog as long as you are responsible person.
 
Dobiegirl said:
I think an older dog would suit the op, lots of those in rescue just looking for a chance to get their foot in the door. Smaller rescues dont have such ridiculous criteria and realise people have to work. I foster for a rescue and Im home most days b ut other fosters do work but break up the day by coming home lunch time and walking the dog, obviously this rules them out for puppies and it makes it more difficult if you are having to house train a dog.

OP you need to ring around a few rescues to find out their criteria but I shouldnt think you would have a problem fostering a dog as long as you are responsible person.
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Also, be aware that many dogs end up in rescue due to behavioural problems that require a lot of time to sort - things like separation anxiety appear to be quite common unfortunately. Your neighbours may not appreciate the howling, nor you the destruction that tends to go with such behaviour - as an example! All I am saying is make sure you vet the rescue as well as the dog - some are more unscrupulous than others if you get my drift.

Also, some rescues like the fosterer to be experienced (sorry, not sure how experienced you are or whether this would be a first dog) so that they can help to assess the dog in
order to determine the best placement for it and also to start over-coming any problems. Again, some prefer to place a dog where there is a calm, well-behaved resident already to act as a role model.
 
Team Ilbrey k9 rescue on FB are looking for fosterers I have seen and they are sensible with regarding to leaving the dogs and working etc. They are across the Uk I believe so might be worth contacting them.
 
gunnergundog said:
Also, be aware that many dogs end up in rescue due to behavioural problems that require a lot of time to sort - things like separation anxiety appear to be quite common unfortunately. Your neighbours may not appreciate the howling, nor you the destruction that tends to go with such behaviour - as an example! All I am saying is make sure you vet the rescue as well as the dog - some are more unscrupulous than others if you get my drift.

Also, some rescues like the fosterer to be experienced (sorry, not sure how experienced you are or whether this would be a first dog) so that they can help to assess the dog in
order to determine the best placement for it and also to start over-coming any problems. Again, some prefer to place a dog where there is a calm, well-behaved resident already to act as a role model.
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Ive been fostering for a few years now and have yet to have one with SA and its a common myth that many end up in rescue due to behavioural problems. On the whole apart from the ex puppy farmed bitches most of them come in because of a change in families circumstances, yes some from pounds with unknown histories but if the OP finds a decent rescue they will start her off with an easy dog. I think a lot of people with very good intentions cause SA in rescue dogs,they take a few days off work to settle the dogs in and instead of starting off as they mean to go on they feel sorry for the dog and allow it to follow them everywhere.
 
You could try the oldies club. Lots of elderly dogs would love a cosy house to bide whilst awaiting a home. Not all ages or breeds would be suitable but lots would. For instance I have 2 shih tzus in our rescue that would suit that kind of foster as they are low energy and like to sleep are very clean and non vocal neither do they mind been left alone.
I also have a ridiculously laid back young jrt that is also low energy and happy to be left alone.
We Also have a 9 yr old rottie that's good as gold which I'm will be happy to home into a full time working home if they have means to break her day up as she to is perfect in every way and no
issues being left alone longer periods.
Try the oldies club. I'm sure they would appreciate your offer.
 
Thanks for all the responses. I will try Oldies Club and Team Ilbrey k9 rescue.

Missmatch - I am based in Scotland. If anyone knows of any good rescues, that would be great.

I have spoken to one smaller rescue who are going to come back to me. They think an older dog could be suitable which I don't mind at all.

I wouldn't say I have masses of experience with dogs, but I have grown up with them my whole life and cared for them. I have experience with Sharpeis.

Dobiegirl - I would say I am a responsible person, I have a good head on my shoulders.
 
Elo, Wonky pets rescue based in Derbyshire are the ones for sharpeis. They are well known for looking after them. They are always looking for fosterers, I foster for them but not the sharpeis as I have no experience with them.
If you have experience they would be delighted to talk to you. Whilst they are based down here, they get asked for help from all over the uk. Also, they would absolutely know who to point you towards.
They are on Facebook and have a web site. Would definitely be worth contacting Tracy.
Will ask about on the rescues and see who is recommended in Scotland xx
 
Missmatch thanks for your advice, I will have a look at Wonky Pet Rescue. I have submitted a foster form for a Sharpei rescue based in Scotland, just waiting to hear back!
 
Dobiegirl said:
Ive been fostering for a few years now and have yet to have one with SA and its a common myth that many end up in rescue due to behavioural problems. QUOTE]

Maybe it's breed dependent to an extent then? Certainly, with HPRs there are a LOT that have SA that find their way to rescue; can't be left whilst owner at work (for probably too long) and become destructive/dirty/noisy etc. Probably a case of the wrong breed being picked in the first instance and too little physical and mental stimulation, but that's another story. Also, there are a lot that come into rescue through going self-employed - zero recall, red mist hunting instinct takes over making them unsafe off-lead around livestock and near roads. Indeed, many get run-over through having inadequate/no recall or stop whistle.

Just my experience.
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