How to Start Fostering with TAGS: FAQ

Are you considering fostering but don't know where to start? TAGS volunteers and foster parents are ready to help you set up for your first experience saving a dog's (or cat's) life!

How do I know if I qualify to be a foster parent?

Do you love pets? Do you have a house or an apartment with enough space in it? Do you have enough time to walk your foster dog and spend quality time with him or her on a daily basis? If your answers are yes to these questions, then you probably qualify.

Finding a perfect foster match is an important part of the foster program. By getting to know foster families better, we can help to choose the foster dog or cat that best suits the family. Foster animals come from all walks of life, some with history, most without. As is our goal with our adoption process, we want to work with our foster families to ensure that their experience as a foster is one that proves to be rewarding. 

What do I need to do to apply?

First, fill out this application form. 

CC image courtesy of Maggie Brauer on Flickr

Is this considered a form of volunteering?

Yes! Many people are not able to make time for volunteering in the traditional way, but fostering is a great opportunity for you to help out without having to change your daily routine a whole lot.

What if I already have a dog?

That shouldn't be a problem. It often even helps to have another dog for your foster dog to socialize with. 

What if I have a cat that doesn't like dogs? 

You can either try to slowly allow your cat to get used to the presence of a dog or foster a suitable cat.

 

Can I foster only cats?

Yes! If you prefer, you can apply to be a foster home for cats. TAGS doesn't have many, but there is always a need to save some. 

How fast will I get a dog?

It depends. Almost daily, we get notifications about dogs that are available to take from pounds, so it could happen as quickly as a couple of days after approval.

Are these dogs vetted/groomed before or after I get them?

We always try our best to have the new dogs checked out by a vet beforehand. However, sometimes there are emergency cases, in which we must place a dog somewhere before he or she gets a veterinary appointment.

How much of the expenses are covered by TAGS?

100% of the expenses are covered by TAGS, including medical care, food and treats, bedding, grooming and training.

 

What kind of dog food does TAGS use?

TAGS uses high-quality dog foods.

Some people foster lots of dogs! Quin & Rye (on the right&middle) 
are adoptable

How do I attain the dog food?

You can pick up your share from our dog park. Please ask for directions.

What other duties do I have as a foster parent?

Other than providing a loving foster home and doing some basic training (our training experts can help) with your foster dog, you are required to transport your pet to either the Whitby or Oshawa location of PetSmart for a dog showcase at least once a month. TAGS presents its adoptable pets at PetSmart every weekend so that people can get to know our organization and animals a little better.

There are also other events to which you may be required to bring your foster dog—for example, TV promotions or a puppy room event for university students, if your schedule allows.

Can I rename my foster dog?

Yes. Actually, our foster parents made up a Scrabble-like game to give more creative names to the newcomer dogs. But if you want, you can keep his or her original name.

What if I want to adopt my foster dog?

TAGS has a rule that you cannot adopt your first foster dog. But you can adopt your second (or any subsequent) one.

It's important to understand that by fostering, you are saving not just the fostered dog's life but potentially the life of another dog, too, who is still in a shelter waiting for a foster home to become available.

If you have any other questions, please let us know in the comments section!

Pub Night Fundraiser for the Dogs

TAGS had a really good year, both fundraising- and adoption-wise.

But this is a new year now, and we have prepared fresh ideas to save more dogs and cats from high-kill shelters or pounds.

Click on the image and like this event on Facebook!

During times like this, when people think twice about where to spend their money, it becomes especially hard to receive donations. That's why we are always trying to come up with new, creative ideas that will give people something in exchange for their generous donations.

On January 12, we are gathering together in the Portly Piper Pub in Ajax for a wonderful night that will include a fun 50/50 draw, live music and food. And the entry fee is only $10! Live entertainment will be provided by Loud'n'Clear.

You can buy tickets even at the door. The event starts at 8:00 p.m. Don't miss out on this great night!

View Larger Map

 
Don't forget to RSVP to this event on our Facebook page!

If the World Ends Today

5 Tips to Make This Day Useful

1. Take your dog for a long walk to the park (if the weather allows—read our cold weather tips for dogs) and give him some attention. Play some fun games with the ball or Frisbee. It's good to spend some quality time with your pet not just because of some crazy Mayan predictions, but realistically, the holidays are coming up, which likely means that either your house will be full of guests or you will be away visiting family. Either way, you'll have less time to play with your dog.

Dog rolling in the grass - CC image courtesy of Victoria Reay on Flickr

2. Teach your dog a new trick that you always wanted to, using the TAGS-approved positive reinforcement method (see more training tips here or here). If you survive December 21, you can show your dog's talent off to your friends and family during their visit on the holidays!

3. Clean out your basement to have somewhere to hide! Also, you will probably find long-forgotten dog toys, blankets or other items that might come in handy. If they are in good condition, you can always donate them to your local charity or shelter. Read about other ways to give.

4. Arrange a get-together with fellow pet owners and their pets so the dogs can socialize. Even if the world doesn't end, your dog will be thankful to spend some time with his furry friends!

5. Be a rebel and ignore the end of the world hysteria by doing last-minute holiday tasks, like putting up decorations (if you don't already have them up), wrapping gifts and getting some holiday snacks or sweets ready. Read our Top 5 Holiday Hazards to Pets before starting!

Santa Photography Day in PetSmart

Thank you all who came and helped out or supported our charity on this rainy winter day! 

Mr. and Mrs. Claus with June Bug. June Bug is up for adoption!

Despite the weather, the Whitby PetSmart store was extraordinarily busy. A lot of people came to have their pets' holiday photo taken with us. We ended up selling 63 pictures! TAGS received half of the proceeds, which can go toward rescuing more dogs in need.

Many people were interested in our program, too. Our helpful volunteers were there to answer any inquiries. Thanks to them, no one had to wait long for their pictures, because our helpers were handling the printing of the photos, as well.

It was a great opportunity for us to let people know about our charity and what we do. Very often, we find new additions to our volunteer team during these events or even a potential new home for our dogs!

Kadein was also there. He's up for adoption!

It was hard not to believe Santa Claus exists because our Santa and Mrs. Santa made the dogs' day magical with their enchanting presence. 

For more photos, visit our Facebook group or Facebook page. 

Were you there to have your pet's photo taken? Leave a comment about your experience!

A Christmas Wish

Dear TAGS Supporter,

A tasty TAGS-inspired Christmas cake made
by volunteer Cathy L. 

The most wonderful time of year—the season of giving—is upon us again. Have you been asked yet by a family member or friend what you’d like to have under the tree? If you’re anything like me, coming up with a wish list is not easy.

One thing I do want, though, is good, loving forever homes for homeless and abused animals, so at the top of my wish list this year is a donation to TAGS on my behalf.

As a bonus, the gift giver gets a tax receipt.

And instead of giving colleagues and neighbours a box of chocolates or some other mundane, impersonal gift, I’m going to make donations to TAGS and other charities they care about on their behalf. I did the same last year, and the gifts were really appreciated.

This year, if you’re looking for gifts to give or receive, please consider us! TAGS also loves to receive pet care items such as dog beds, blankets, leashes and toys.

Sincerely,
Cathy W.

Featured Volunteer: Nancy, the Amazing Foster Mom

Nancy has been a great addition to the TAGS foster team. Her very first foster dog was a husky mix who needed special treatment for a medical condition. But thanks to Nancy's great attendance and big heart, even this special dog found her forever home within a couple of months.

How long have you been volunteering?

I have been volunteering since July 2012. I love what I do, and it's so rewarding for me.

What made you decide to become a foster parent?

Busted! Starr and the cat do get along

There are so many reasons I volunteer. Most of all, it is very rewarding to see a dog go to its fur-ever home. I also love animals, and they love you back unconditionally. They are such a joy to have around, to play with, walk with and to love. There are so many animals out there that need homes that I thought this was a way in which I can give back to the community and not see so many animals put to sleep due to lack of room and no home to go to. 

What's the best and the worst things about being a foster mom?

The best part about being a foster parent is having a dog come into my home, not really knowing their background, and giving them the best life that they can have—by showing them how to learn new things and experience what it is truly like to be a dog. You ask if there is a worst part about being a foster parent, but there really isn't anything bad about it—just when the dog is being adopted, it's hard to see them go, but knowing that they are going to their fur-ever home makes it all worthwhile and definitely puts a smile on my face and makes me very happy.

When you have to, how do you choose a new name for your foster dog?

When a dog comes into my care, and I have to choose a name, I wait a few days before choosing one. I wait to see what type of personality they have. I look at how they interact and if they love attention, how they act with other animals in our household. Then I choose a name. I try to fit the personality with the name. 

How do you usually solve any differences that come up between your foster dog and your own pets?

When it comes to solving differences between my foster and the pets we have, I talk to some of the volunteers who also foster or to Kathy (founder of TAGS), and overall the advice they give works. If I still am having a bit of an issue between the animals, I try to teach them on my own or bring them to classes that TAGS offers. I don't treat my pets any different than my foster dog(s).

How did you deal with having to say goodbye to your first foster dog?

My first foster was Sasha, who has medical needs. It was very difficult to see her go to her new family. She was amazing, beautiful, and such a down-to-earth dog. The day before the adoption, I spent a lot of time with her, playing with her, walking with her outside and, yes, even talking to her. I told her she had to be a good girl and make me proud, which she has done. I gave her a lot of hugs and kisses and made her feel very special (something I do with all my fosters). The next day was the adoption, and I gave her a kiss and a big hug and passed her over to the family that was giving her a fur-ever home. It was a little difficult for me, for Sasha was my first foster and dealing with her medical condition, I had become very attached to her. But knowing that the family was going to give her a wonderful, loving home and lots of attention, I knew that this was the right family for her.

 Do you have any funny or cute stories about being a foster?

3 foster dogs - Harley, Starr and Layla

A really cute story that happened recently with my foster Starr was when I was sitting down for breakfast. Starr is normally at my feet waiting for a piece of toast even though she has already been outside and had her breakfast. Well, after about 10 minutes, I noticed she wasn't sitting and waiting for her toast. I decided to go look around the house for her to see if she was up to anything with the cats. I walked into my bedroom, and there she was asleep under the covers with her head on the pillow. I have never seen anything so cute as this, and she totally melted my heart. Starr probably stayed in bed till about 10, when I had to get her up finally to make my bed.  I just thought this was the cutest thing ever and had to take a picture.

Now, that you have been a foster mom for a while, what would your advice be to new foster parents (or to people who are considering fostering)?

My advice to anyone who is considering being a foster parent  or just recently became one is that not all animals are alike or are the perfect dog. Some will have medical issues, behaviour issues or training issues and may require a lot of attention. The dogs are not perfect, and sometimes the road for them may be a little long, but with patience, guidance, time and a lot of love, these dogs will overcome whatever issue they are dealing with. This is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had, and I definitely love what I do.