Foster Program Information

You can make a difference!

By opening your home and heart to foster animals in need you will be saving lives!  Safe Hands Rescue primarily rescues and rehomes animals from overcrowded shelters where they are at risk.  All of our animals live in foster homes so we can only save as many animals as we have foster homes available.  We are always in need of foster homes in the Twin Cities metro area.

Each week 9,000 shelter pets are euthanized.  See how great it feels to save a life today!

We provide all necessary medical care for foster animals along with a crate, collar and leash, food and a few toys.  Foster homes provide love, care, socialization, basic training and help to find the right forever home.

While most people find fostering a pet to be a very rewarding experience, it does require some extra effort.  Our foster families say it is also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do!  It helps to be flexible, patient, willing to tolerate the unexpected and have a good sense of humor!  It also helps to have realistic expectations before bringing home a foster animal.

Jake 3
Ira stick
EJ-2

What can I expect?

First and foremost, you can expect a caring community of people that make up the Safe Hands Rescue team to support you through your fostering journey!  The animals we rescue often come from less than perfect conditions.  Sometimes they have never lived in a house before.  There is often an adjustment period for both the new animal and you as you learn to fit another life into your home.  You’ll have experienced fosters to help you along the way.

Some dogs may feel anxious for the first few days.  Plan to keep things low key at home the first few days while your new foster adjusts. Trying to see the situation from their perspective can help you to be extra patient and kind as they adjust.  Be encouraging, consistent and provide guidance and you will see them bloom!

Most dogs need some basic housetraining.  Adult dogs usually pick it up very quickly, although sometimes it takes a while for a dog to be consistently successful.  Your foster dog may also need to learn basic house manners as they may not have lived inside before.

What will I need to do?

Most importantly you will need to care for your foster animal as if he or she were your own.  This includes feeding, socializing and working on appropriate behavior.

Administer any medications as directed.

Provide photos and information about your foster animal via email to facilitate posting for adoption.

Take your foster animal to a spay or neuter appointment.

Attend or work with another volunteer to get your foster animal to Meet & Greet events twice a month.

Schedule and conduct visits with prospective adopters.

Potentially bring your foster dog to our vet for diagnostics.  Most routine vetting happens at Intake and Meet & Greet.  More extensive needs may require a vet appointment!

Adoptable dogs with Safe Hands
Intake new dogs with Safe Hands Rescue
Oliver

Foster Home Requirements

Resident pets must be up to date on rabies and distemper combination vaccinations and a monthly flea and tick preventative.  We keep foster animals up to date too!

We strongly recommend resident dogs have the bordatella vaccination as well.

Resident pets must be spayed or neutered.

Email access that is checked daily is a must.  Respond to communications regarding your foster animal within 24 hours.   This is important to maintain their health and well-being and facilitate finding an adoptive home.

Safe Hands Rescue endorses positive reinforcement training only.  Foster animals may not wear choke, prong or shock collars.

Flexi-leads/extendable leashes are not permitted as they can more easily be dropped when the dog is startled and jumps or pulls.

Written consent of your landlord and a contact phone number is required if renting.

Fostering is a commitment to an animal in need.  Please make a pledge to your foster animal to keep him or her until a forever home is found.  This can take a few weeks to a few months.  Special needs animals may take longer.  They are counting on you at a time when they have lost everything.  We count on you too!

If you are a positive, persistent, passionate animal loving human who wants to make a difference for animals we’d love to have you join our team!

Once you’ve filled out the foster application you’ll receive more information on our foster program via email.  You’ll also receive a phone call from one of our fabulous volunteers to answer all your questions and help decide if this is a good fit for you!

Questions about becoming a foster?  Feel free to email us at:  safehands@safehandsrescue.org