Preparing for Your Foster Pup

What to Expect as a Foster Parent

How am I matched with my foster dog?

At Muddy Paws, we carefully consider each dog’s individual needs and each foster’s preferences and restrictions. Learn more about Our Foster Matching Process here.

Will my foster be house-trained, crate-trained, leash-trained, etc.?

The truth is, we just don’t know! It’s impossible to test this out in a shelter environment, so it’s important to be comfortable with a bit of uncertainty before bringing your foster pup home. Remember, your Foster Buddy will be there every step of the way to guide you through any questions and to point you in the direction of appropriate resources you might need. 

What supplies should I have on hand? Can I borrow them?

You should have a crate, non-grain free food, treats, toys, and pee pads or poop bags on hand when you foster a dog. You can borrow any of these supplies from us, as well as things like baby gates, playpens, food/water bowls, bedding, etc. while supplies last. While you can keep any food, treats, toys, or poop bag/pee pads that we give you, we ask that you return any other supplies you are lent within a week after your foster has been adopted so that we can use these supplies for future pups. Supplies can be returned to our Pack HQ in Hell’s Kitchen or to any adoption event in Manhattan. Failure to return supplies in a timely manner may result in termination of your foster relationship. Check out our Foster Shopping List to learn more!

When will my foster dog be adopted?

Our foster dogs become adoptable at different times depending on their age and medical or behavioral status. Most dogs get adopted within 2-3 weeks. Please note that all adoptable dogs may not go online at the same time. Once a dog is available for adoption, fosters are expected to bring them to/from our Saturday adoption events unless otherwise specifically noted.

What sort of vet care will my foster dog need? Who pays for it?

We can’t always predict what care a dog may need, but there are some things that most, if not all, of our pups receive while in foster care. This includes basic oral medications that they will receive at home, including dewormers, monthly preventatives, and antibiotics. Our pups will also generally receive at least one vaccine while in foster care, with some puppies requiring several. In order for your foster dog to receive their vaccine, we will ask you to commit to meeting at an exact time and place where staff will be administering vaccines. This is generally at our adoption events or transport handoff locations. If your dog needs to visit the vet while in your care, we will do our best to schedule an appointment with whichever of our vet partners is closest to you. If you cannot bring your foster dog to their appointment, we are lucky to have volunteer drivers who can help transport dogs back and forth. All veterinary care must be approved by Muddy Paws staff. Unapproved veterinary appointments will not be paid for by Muddy Paws.