Foster Program
K9 Partners for Patriots urgently needs short-term dog fostersShort-term fosters enable us to get dogs out of shelters in preparation for their advancement into training with a veteran to become a service dog.
Fosters Empower Us!
We need fosters lined up to answer the call.
When we identify a dog in a shelter with the proper temperament for service work, we need to take possession of that dog immediately. Without sufficient fosters, the dog has to wait in the shelter until a foster becomes available. We also risk losing the dog. The veteran then has to wait until a dog is fully vetted and ready to be paired with the veteran. Foster caregivers close the gap and drastically reduce wait times for the dog and the veteran. Fosters are the life link between a rescue dog and a veteran.
Guardian, protector, and caregiver
Fostering a dog for K9 Partners for Patriots is an honorable undertaking. Our fosters are high-value resources paramount to the success of our mission to end veteran suicide. They provide love and care to a dog that will ultimately lead a veteran into better times.
A shelter dog needs love, care, attention, and time to acclimate from life in a kennel to living in a home.
- Fosters prepare a rescue dog for life in a loving home.
- Fosters drastically decrease wait times for our program veterans.
- Fosters provide valuable feedback about the dog so we can match them with the best possible veteran.
- Fosters help socialize the dog by being around other pets and people.
We don’t kennel dogs at our facility.
Fosters enable us to invest precious resources into training, veterinary care, equipment, and ongoing support for our veteran service dog teams.
You Provide the Love, We’ll Provide Everything else!
K9 Partners for Patriots provides food, healthcare expenses, toys, crate, leashes, collars, and all necessities. You’ll receive complete orientation and support.
K9P4P Requirements for Fosters
- The Foster caregiver must be 21 years of age or older.
- Complete the K9P4P Foster Application.
- Home safety inspection.
- Must be able to bring the dog to the training campus once a week to socialize the dog.
- Previous experience with owning a dog or currently having pets.
- Willing to include the dog in family activities.
- Will allow the dog to live indoors as a member of the household.
- Spend time with the dog, such as cuddling, playing, and walking on a leash.
- Work on house training if needed.
- Crate train the dog. (Crate will be provided).
- Provide a safe, loving, and stable environment.
- Prepared to be patient with the dog and yourself. You’ll both need time to adjust.
NO BULLY BREEDS
K9 Partners for Patriots does not discriminate against any breed. We love them all! However, we do not consider pit bulls, pit bull mix, or bully breeds for adoption or donation.
If you have a heart for our nation’s veterans, love dogs, and think fostering is right for you, please Submit a Foster Application and get started today!
Can I foster if I have animals of my own?
Absolutely! If you have a resident dog, we ask that you bring them to the training campus for a meet and greet. If introducing a foster to a home with resident cats, we recommend it be done cautiously. The foster dog should be on a leash and monitored carefully. For the initial introduction, we recommend a friend or family member assist. We do not require that resident animals and fosters be separated throughout the foster period, but you should take steps to separate them if you identify personality conflicts or to prevent the transmission of illnesses. Resident animals must be current on all vaccines and heartworm free.
Can I foster if I rent?
Yes, however, we would need written authorization from your landlord stating that it’s okay for you to foster before starting your foster period.
Can I return the dog if I can't foster him/her any longer?
We try very hard to avoid this type of situation. Foster periods can run from one to six months. We ask that fosters be fully committed to fostering for the length of time necessary until the dog can be paired with a veteran. Should an emergency arise, we will obviously find other accommodations for the dog.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to our Foster Coordinator via our Contact Form or call our office Monday – Thursday between the hours of 8:30am – 3pm. (352) 397-5306.
