Fostering is a very rewarding experience. It is the backbone of what we do — we cannot exist as a rescue if people are not willing to provide shelter for these pugs while we search for their forever homes. Not only does fostering provide a healthy atmosphere for the pug, it helps us get to know the dog too. This information becomes key to finding just the right home for their unique personality.
To be a foster parent, you have to be able to take a dog into your home and work with it on basic skills. Fosters are also responsible for:
- Making sure the Pug is properly fed and receives enough to drink
- Giving the Pug A LOT of love and socialization
- Keeping the Pug indoors
Some specific tasks associated with providing foster care include:
- Facilitating veterinary care including wellness checks and any follow-up procedures
- Evaluating prospective adopter’s applications and home visit notes
- Submitting weekly updates for the website
Choosing to be a foster parent is a serious undertaking and does carry a lot of responsibilities.
Many people find it very rewarding and worth the change in lifestyle.
Fostering FAQ’s
Q: What are the basic responsibilities of a foster home?
A: A foster companion will care for the pug as they would their pet, providing a safe, secure and stable environment, food, companionship, basic training and exercise, and supplying generous amounts of patience and love.
Q: How long will the pug be with me?
A: The fostering period can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks to several months. If there is an emergency we of course would find a new foster home but please understand that moving a pug from home to home is traumatizing, scary, and confusing ordeal for him/her. They need stability.
Q: Is it okay if the pug is alone during the work day?
A: Yes. Most of our foster parents have full-time jobs and aren’t home for several hours a day. As long as the pug is kept safely indoors, it should be fine. Just pay close attention to how much food/water the pug intakes before you leave in the morning.
Q: Can I still foster if I have other pets?
A: Yes, for the most part. We prefer to foster to families that have animals that are spayed/neutered, current on their shots, and those that are not aggressive towards other animals.
Q: Can I still foster if I have children?
A: Yes, but you must make sure your children know the “do’s and don’ts” around dogs. We do not always know the temperament of the animal we take in.
Q: I’m afraid that if I foster a pug, I’ll get very attached and it will be too painful to give it up.
A: It can be tough to let go, but you’ll feel joy in sending a pet to a wonderful new family. Adoption is quite often a possibility.
To fill out an application, please click here.
If you are not able to foster or adopt a pug, there are many other ways you can help Pug Partners of Nebraska. Check out our Wish List or Other Ways to Help.