Open your heart: Become a FOSTER HERO!

Why Foster?

One of our most precious resources is our foster homes. Without an adequate number of foster homes, we are limited in how many goldens we can take in at one time. The principle behind fostering is to provide a home environment to evaluate the dog’s habits and behavior, as well as any other information that will assist the new owner. Join Our Foster Home Team!

GRRMF needs caring, responsible golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their hearts and homes to our rescue goldens. Below are frequently asked questions about our foster program. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at info@grrmf.org.

What will I need to do as a foster parent?

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog. This includes feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, and reinforcing basic obedience commands. You will also be observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament and, of course, providing love and security to a special Golden during a major transition time in their life.

How long does a dog stay in foster care?

The foster stay varies with each dog. All GRRMF foster dogs stay in foster care for at least two weeks. Many need more time in foster care, and dogs with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual dog.

Do I have to be home with the dog all day?

No. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require you to ensure the dog has a safe area while you are away from home or when the dog is unsupervised to avoid property damage and potential issues with other pets. Acceptable methods of providing a safe area include using a crate, baby gate, or separate space inside the climate-controlled foster home. This results in a safe, secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family’s safety and home in the forefront.

Do I need a fenced yard?

A fenced yard is preferred. Your dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. The golden may be exercised off-leash only in a securely fenced yard. Outside the yard, the dog must be on a leash at ALL times. If you do not have a fenced yard, the minimum age of the dog to be placed in your foster home would be 5 years old.

May I choose which dogs I foster?

The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. You may always decline a dog, and if your foster dog proves too much for you to handle, we can place them elsewhere.

How much does it cost?

Lack of funds should not prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses such as quality dog food, dog bowls, toys, dog beds, or anything else you choose to purchase for your foster. Necessary veterinary care is provided by authorized veterinarians and paid for by GRRMF. Medications, including monthly heartworm preventative, are provided as well.

What happens If I have questions or problems with a foster dog?

All foster families receive our “Foster Home Manual” and access to other reference information located in our Foster Library, which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering. Each foster home is assigned to a GRRMF Foster Coordinator for mentoring and guidance. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. Most rescue dogs are already housebroken or quickly learn good habits. Some may be ill or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance, these dogs not only improve, but they also flourish in foster care.

What if we want to travel?

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster dog can be returned to the foster coordinator’s care while you are away. Just arrange in advance as soon as you know, and we will reserve a spot.

Before You Start the Application

To save you time, please collect the following four photos we will ask you to attach to the application:

• Photo standing at your backyard door where the dog will be exiting. Be sure to capture your pool and fence if you have one on the property.
• Photo of where your GRRMF rescue dog will be spending most of their time with their family.
• Photo of where your GRRMF rescue dog will sleep at night.
• Photo of dog(s) in your home or, if no dog is currently living in the home, a photo of your kitchen where your GRRMF rescue dog will be waiting for special treats and meals!

Ready to Apply?

• Complete the online foster application
• OR – Download and mail-in your completed application
  • GRRMF
  • PO Box 1449
  • Goldenrod, FL 32733
  • FAX: [Toll-Free] 1-888-408-5520

Please Note: There is no application fee required for foster home applicants.

Thank you for raising your paws to become a foster home for GRRMF!

We look forward to receiving your application.