Foster Process

 At AGR we appreciate all of our volunteers, but the backbone of AGR is our foster homes.  In fact, we are limited to how many Goldens we can bring into our care by the number of available foster homes we have when the need arises.  Fostering is a rewarding experience and an important step in the dog’s journey to their fur-ever home.  Fostering even 1 or 2 dogs a year can make a significant difference. 

Foster family responsibilities:

  • Provide a loving temporary home and demonstrate, perhaps for the first time what a loving relationship is all about.
  • Build his/her confidence
  • Improve basic obedience
  • Provide for the dogs needs such as food, shelter, exercise and basic care.
  • Schedule and attend veterinary appointments for any illnesses
  • Evaluate his or her habits and behavior to assist the Placement team in the adoption matching process
  • Possible meetings with potential adopters to discuss and meet the foster dog

Foster requirements:

  • Applicant must be over 21 years of age.
  • Foster applicants must live within the Phoenix valley area.
  • Foster applicants must submit an Application (the same application as used for adoption - see the website page beneath ADOPT), pay the $25 application fee, have a Home Evaluation, and sign a Volunteer Liability Waiver form.
  • Due to safety and liability concerns, AGR will not place any stray dog (or dog from a shelter) with any foster families having children under 12 years of age residing full or part time in their home
  • A completely fenced backyard is required to foster a dog under the age of 6.
  • Resident dog(s) must be current in their vaccinations.
  • Unaltered dogs not yet spayed/neutered will NOT be placed in a home with another unaltered dog of the opposite sex.
  • AGR does not allow foster families to use any of the following training devices on our dogs: choke chains, chain collars of any kind, prong collars or shock collars.
  • Commit to keeping the dog inside.  Doggy doors may need to be disabled for reasons of safety, depending on the dog being fostered.
  • Foster volunteers must sign the "Foster/FWITA HOME and VET CARE AGREEMENT" form when a foster dog is delivered to them.

AGR provides for all the medical care associated with your foster dog.  Additionally, you are provided with resources including a foster packet of reference materials and contacts with a Health Care team volunteer and Placement volunteer who may provide ongoing support.  If you fall in love and can’t let your foster dog go, no worry, foster homes always have first right of adoption. 

This is a huge responsibility but also an awesome opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a dog in need.  The time the dog spends in your care is setting them up for a successful adoption and a happy bright future!

If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a Golden who needs AGR’s help by fostering and you meet the requirements, we invite you to complete the online Foster Application or contact AGR at info@arizonagoldenrescue.org with any questions you might have. (Please note the foster and adoption application are same.)

Fostering one dog will not change the world…but for that one dog, his world will be forever changed!