Foster Puppy FAQ's:

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Foster Raiser

1. How much experience do I need to be a foster raiser?
Absolutely none! All you need is a desire to help other people. FBI will give you all the guidance and support you need to help raise a foster puppy.

2. How much does it cost to be a foster raiser?
There is no charge to be a foster raiser. Currently, FBI provides the following supplies to each foster raiser: one crate, one leash, one collar and an FBI cape. We offer two options regarding dog food and vet services:

a) FBI can provide dog food and vet care (at our vet) for the duration of fostering.

b) You can provide dog food and vet care (at vet of your choice) for the duration of fostering and deduct the amount spent on your tax return.

Because we are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity, any expenses you incur for your puppy are allowable tax deductions. Check with your tax preparer for more information.

3. What kind of dog would I get?
FBI primarily uses Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers because of their size, natural retrieving instinct and their strong desire to please people.

4. How old are the puppies when they are placed in their foster home?  How long would I have my puppy?
Most puppies are placed with their foster raiser between 8-12 weeks of age. Each puppy matures at a different rate but most puppies come back to FBI between 14 and 16 months.

5. What kind of training would I do with my foster puppy?
Foster raisers are required to enroll their puppy in a minimum of one Puppy Kindergarten class and one Basic Obedience class. FBI offers these classes to foster raisers for free, however, some foster raisers are unable to attend due to schedule conflicts. In such cases, foster raisers must enroll in similar classes, as approved by FBI. All foster raisers must make arrangements for an FBI representative to see their puppy at least once a month.

6.Where and how often do I have to socialize my puppy?
With appropriate permission, you can take your puppy to work, to a store, to the movies, to a restaurant - practically anywhere. We encourage 2 or 3 socialization outings each week.

7. Can I raise a foster puppy if I have my own dogs or cats?
Other pets teach foster puppies great socialization skills so foster raisers with their own pets are certainly allowed to foster. To encourage a strong bond with people, foster puppies can not be placed in a home with more than 2 “keeper” dogs or in a home with another puppy.

8. What else should I know?
Foster puppies must be on a leash or in an enclosed (fenced) area whenever they leave the house. For liability protection, foster raisers are required to have homeowner or renters insurance.

9. I am not able to take a puppy for a year. Are there other ways I can help?
We are always in need of puppy sitters who can watch a puppy or older dog for a week or two. We also need people who can take older dogs for two or three months at a time. We can work around any availability that you have.

10. Where do I sign up?
If you are interested in being an FBI foster raiser or puppy sitter, please contact us via our Email (mailto:minfo@fbidogs.org ) or telephone number (517-589-0477). We would be happy to tell you more about how you can help us help people in need!