A: Fostering a dog through the Foundation usually lasts from a few weeks to several months. It really just depends on the dog's needs and how they're doing. Each foster situation is set up to give the dog the best chance. The time and care you dedicate to your foster dog helps them get ready for adoption. If your circumstances change and you're not able to continue caring for your foster dog we will, of course, arrange alternative foster care for them.

This often happens, it's called "failed foster" ... you fail for the best reason! If you fall in love with your foster dog and want to keep them let us know and we'll arrange for you to sign an Adoption Agreement and pay the appropriate adoption fee. The funds we receive from adoptions helps with the costs of our rescue work and means we have the resources to rescue another dog.

When you decide you want to foster a rescue dog you automatically join our Foster Community. This is where you get to share experiences and support from your fellow fosterers, both online and in person on walks with your foster dogs. Our fosterers get the benefit of walking their dogs at the Dog Trouble centre, and even letting them paddle in the lake!

When it comes to fostering our primary concern is for the welfare of the dog, which involves providing support to the fosterer. We therefore ask that fosterers live a reasonable travel distance from the Foundation centre in Wokingham for two reasons: • We want to make sure that fosterers can easily reach us in person for advice and support, and that we can visit them, if necessary, without it taking us away from our vital rescue work for too long; • The other benefit of living near the Foundation centre is that you get to use the unique facilities to walk and exercise your dog. You can arrange on-leash group walks with other fosterers; book one of the exercise paddocks for off-leash fun for your foster dog; and join our monthly Pack Walks and special events.

Your foster dog will come with a collar and lead, and in some cases we will include toys. We ask that fosterers provide food and water bowls and a bed for their dog, and, if possible, a crate so your foster dog has somewhere they can feel safe and secure. Please let us know If you are unable to provide all the equipment needed and we will see if we can get items donated by some of our supporters.

Yes. Vet fees are covered, but any visits to a vet must be agreed with us in advance. We ask that you confirm the details of the vet you would most likely use as we can sometimes negotiate a reduced fee.

Vet visits are expensive. Instead of spending £200 on a cold that may just go away on its own, we can save that money towards a surgery for another animal. We deal with sick animals on a daily basis so we ask you to trust our expertise. We will authorise a vet visit if it is necessary.

Foster dogs must NEVER be let off the leash unless it's in a purpose built dog exercise field that you have booked. At the Foundation centre we have 2 exercise paddocks that you can book in advance. They are the ideal place to allow your dog off the leash whilst making sure they are secure and cannot escape. The benefit of being a member of the Foundation Community is you can combine the off-leash session in one of the exercise paddocks with an on-leash walk along the pathways on the farm.