Fostering

Become a Dog Foster Parent Today!

It can take from a few weeks to years for a dog to get adopted. Some dogs, especially the old and sick ones, may stay under our care for the rest of their lives.

We hope fosterers can commit to a minimum of 6 months to avoid moving the dog from place to place. During this period, SOSD covers medical expenses, while fosterers provide necessities and food for the dog.

How Fostering Makes a Difference

Fosterers play a crucial role in getting our dogs adopted into homes.
By providing a temporary home, fosterers help reduce the time dogs spend in the shelter.
Fostered dogs get used to living in a home and adjust to household routines.
A predictable environment and routine help the dogs feel safe and secure, allowing them to trust more quickly.

Criteria

1. Everyone in Household Agrees to Fostering

Everyone in your family or household needs to agree on fostering a dog and understand what it involves. If you are renting, you will need to seek approval from your landlord.

2. Children/ Infants Must Be Supervised When Interacting with the Dog

Children should interact with the foster dog only under supervision to ensure the safety of both.

3. Vaccinations Up-to-date for Home Pets

While our dogs undergo vet checkups, and are quarantined for 2 weeks on rescue, there is still a small risk of carrying diseases. Therefore, ensure your pets at home are up-to-date with their vaccinations before the foster dog comes to stay.

4. Work Closely with Your Rehomer-In-Charge

A Rehoming Volunteer will be assigned to you. They will guide you, conduct home visits, and help with any issues that arise.

5. Tenacity to Work Through Any Issues That May Arise

Our rescued Singapore Specials need time to adjust to home life, and may face issues like separation anxiety, night anxiety, toileting, barking, and socialising. Fosterers play a crucial role in helping these dogs adapt and become adoptable. Be prepared for challenges and we hope you will persevere through them; otherwise, it may be best to wait until you’re ready.

6. Consider The Best Fit for Your Household

Fostering a dog requires time and effort, varying by the dog’s needs. Puppies need significant time for socialisation and training while sick dogs require extra attention and vet visits. Based on your profile and lifestyle, our Rehomer will recommend a suitable dog for your care.

7. Adhere to SOSD’s training philosophy

Use "Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive" (LIMA) methods while interacting with and training the dog.

8. Facilitate Meet & Greet Sessions

Allow potential adopters and sponsors to have a “meet and greet” with your foster dog as part of the adoption process.

9. Provide Transport for The Dog (Adoption Drives, Vet Visits, etc)

To arrange transport for adoption drives and vet visits, or make alternative arrangements if you don’t drive, to your best ability.

Fostering Process

Step 1: Attend Pre-Fostering Briefing

To help you understand more about the responsibilities of a fosterer, and the type of dogs available for fostering. Please allocate 1 hour for this!

Click Here for our Pre-Fostering briefing!

Step 2: Register To Foster A Dog

To provide us with the information we need to assess if we have suitable dogs for you, and to assign a Rehoming Volunteer to you.

Click Here to Register!

Step 3: Screening

A Rehoming Volunteer will contact you to learn more about you and answer any queries you have.

Step 4A: House Visit

A house visit will be scheduled with your Rehoming Volunteer, to make recommendations on dog-proofing your home, as well as to ensure everyone in the family is agreeable to fostering.

Step 4B: Interaction

If/when there are available dogs that suit your profile and lifestyle, interactions with the dog(s) will be arranged through your Rehoming Volunteer. Meet the dog 1-2 more times to further understand the dog better!

Step 5: Purchase Required Items and Prepare Your Home

Your Rehoming Volunteer will provide a list of items to buy, and how to dog-proof your home. You will be provided with an Essential kit, which includes collars, a leash and a tracker.

Step 6: Bring your Foster Dog Home!

Patience and empathy are key to helping your dog settle in smoothly. Bringing a new dog home from shelter often comes with uncertainties. Reach out to your Rehoming Volunteer promptly for help and advice if you face any issues!

Let's Register

If you’re genuinely interested in caring for and rehabilitating foster dogs until they find permanent homes,

Keep Up with Our Updates

Get in touch with us to learn more about what we are doing to assist stray dogs in Singapore.

Keep Up with Our Updates

Get in touch with us to learn more about what we are doing to assist stray dogs in Singapore.