Fostering FAQ

How do I get started?
  • Fill out the application below. An Hoosier Bulldog Rescue representative will contact you to set up a phone interview. Speaking on the phone helps us get to know you and we can answer any further questions you may have. 

Why do you do reference checks and a home visit just for fostering? 
  • The safety of our dogs is of the utmost importance. We want to feel comfortable in where we place our dogs, whether it be for a short time or forever. 

I work full time / I have kids / I have other pets - Can I still foster?
  • Yes! This does not exclude you. We all work. As long as the foster is not crated for more than 8 hours a day max, working full time is not exclusionary. Some fosters do require more care than others. If a foster needs medication every 4 hours, we would not place them in a home with someone gone 8 hours a day. Some fosters may not be good with kids or other animals. While we don't guarantee a 100% match with our fosters (the point is to provide a temporary safe haven to a dog in immediate need), we do our best to make it a SAFE placement. For example, we would not place a dog in your care that is reactive to kids if you have kids. 
  • ******* As of October 2021, we are no longer fostering to homes with children under the age of 10. We understand your child/children may be good with dogs, but we value the safety and well-being of your family and the well-being of our rescued dogs, whose history with children is often unknown.********

I can't afford to foster.
  • Good news - we pay for everything! We supply the food and all the medical care. We have collars/harnesses/leashes for every new foster, as well as poop bags, potty pads, whatever you need. If there's something you need, just ask. 

How long are dogs in a foster home?
  • That one is a tough question to answer as it really depends on each dog. The very minimum would be 2 weeks. We don't believe you can know a dog's personality before that time, so how can we match them to a forever home before then? We tell our adopters to remember the Rule of Three (a minimum of 3 days for a dog to know he's staying in a new home, 3 weeks to start to learn your routines, and 3 months before he/she starts to feel at home). Often times dogs are with us for 3-6 months as we get them healthy enough for adoption. 

I'm not ready to foster yet; should I fill out the app now? 
  • We ask you to wait until you're ready to foster. 

What if I have to go out of town while I have a foster ? 
  • We ask that you let us know ASAP so that we can make arrangements to house the foster while you're gone. 

What are the requirements for me to foster?
  • Provide at least 1 photo update per week of your foster
  • Must live within 1 hour of Indianapolis, Indiana. 
  • Take the foster to / from vet appts at Bargersville Veterinary Hospital  (if you're unable to make an appt, please let us know so we can find someone to assist in transportation or reschedule the appt)
  • Bring the foster to as many events as possible (we average 2 events per month before COVID- we are just now starting to set up in person events again)

    Foster Application
    "Coapplicant" is your spouse or significant other. If you reside together, they must be listed on the application. 
    You must agree to the following fostering requirements:


    ​References: NOTE: You may only list one family member/relative as a reference. Please do not list 2 family members as references (i.e., don't list your mom AND dad as your two references).
    Thank you for taking the time to complete our foster application. Please be sure all questions have been answered.
    ​
    (Please Note: Your application will not submit if all questions are not answered)

    By signing below, you certify that all information provided is true to the best of your knowledge. If any of this information is found to be false, Hoosier Bulldog Rescue may confiscate the foster animal. We reserve the right to refuse placement of any animal. We also require a home visit prior to fostering. 

    You are not required to foster a dog if you feel it is not working out. However, be aware that we may not have an immediate alternate foster home available for the dog. We will work with you as quickly as we can but ask for your understanding and patience. 

    A volunteer will follow up with you via e-mail to schedule a phone interview. Please keep an eye on your spam folder!