The stable, caring home life provided by our foster homes helps increase our rescued hounds’ opportunity to be the best basset they can be in their new forever home. BBR has also found it is best that homeless bassets live with a foster family where they can be evaluated in a safe and loving environment. Foster families might be asked to help a basset learn manners or how to climb stairs or not to be afraid of being home alone, depending on what the foster family has indicated they are able or willing to do.
How often are foster homes needed?
Rescue work is unpredictable but the need is growing. Many of our foster homes care for foster bassets on a regular basis, while others may not be used more than a few times a year. If you choose to become a foster parent, your foster coordinator will discuss with you how frequently you would be willing to foster. They will also help you decide the type of basset you would be willing to care for: puppy, senior, etc.
What do foster parents do?
They provide love, and more love along with food, treats and attention for homeless bassets. BBR expects foster bassets be treated as part of your family, cared for as you would care for your own pet…you are their family and they are your pet. Safe places to sleep, eat, rest and play are essential. Children should not be left alone with a foster basset or made responsible for the foster basset’s care.
A BBR foster home evaluates the basset’s health (with veterinary assistance) and emotional stability. The dog’s attitude towards adults, children and strangers along with other considerations such as: is the hound okay with other animals or do they need to be an ‘only’ dog, do they have house manners and obedience training, are they very playful or sedentary, afraid of thunder, etc. are also evaluated. The foster parents also work closely with the adoption coordinator to ensure that a good match is made between the foster dog and their new family. They typically meet the foster dog’s potential adopters in person to also evaluate the match. Once the foster family has approved of the adopter, they complete the appropriate paperwork and collect the adoption fee. Following adoption, the foster parent sends the paperwork and fee to BBR. They also make an initial follow up call to the new family to see how the family and basset are adjusting to each other.
I’m interested in being a foster parent. What do I do next?
The first step is to read and understand our Foster Home Policy which identifys the requirements and restrictions for BBR foster homes that is designed to provide a safe environment for our dogs. Then complete and submit the Foster Home Application. After receiving your completed application, the area Foster Home Coordinator will contact you for an interview, as well as answer any other questions you might have. He/she will also do a veterinary and/or reference checks to ensure you have treated your past and current pets well. If everything works out, you then sign a Foster Home Agreement and you’re ready for your first foster hound. Basset Buddies Rescue, Inc. reserves the right to reject a foster application if we feel that at that time it is not a suitable fostering situation.