FOSTERING A THERAPY DOG

A great way to get involved in therapy work and truly understand the process from the ground level is to foster one of our potential Therapy dogs. As a rescue organization, we do not believe in a breeding program in order to acquire dogs with the correct temperament for therapy work. There are so many fabulous dogs in our shelter system that, despite what they've been through, have an incredible disposition and eagerness to provide love. Once we've evaluated one of our rescues as a potential Lend a Paw dog, our next step is to find a foster home.

As a foster parent, you will be directly responsible for the care of the Lend a Paw dog as well as maintaining its training. It is equally important that all of our dogs are well socialized and used to meeting new people and being in new environments. Information about how to continue socializing your foster dog will be given when you decide to foster.

Since it's important for the dog to be in a secure environment, maintain its training and develop a relationship with the foster parent, we do require that all foster parents make a commitment of fostering for at least 6 months.

Foster parents are invited to become part of the Lend a Paw team and visit locations once they have passed a handling test and required training sessions. Occasionally, the foster dog may also be used by other team members should the foster parent be unable to attend a certain event or location. Additionally, the dog is available for adoption as a Therapy dog to the foster parent or an individual wishing to adopt a Therapy dog and continue its invaluable therapy work.

Although it may seem difficult, fostering can be a very rewarding experience! It's amazing to see an animal rescued from the shelter transform into a secure and loving companion and the joy that animal both gives and receives from the individuals it affects.

Click here for a list of our available Therapy dogs for foster.

For more information about fostering, please contact Sharon Vincuilla at sharon@k9sonly.com or 818-344-9663.