Foster
HAPPE does not have a shelter facility, so we can only save as many dogs as we have foster homes for.
All of the people involved with HAPPE have fostered dogs and we can assure you that it is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Why Foster?
If you have always wanted to do something about the euthanasia rate at the shelters, but have not felt you were ready for a dog full time, fostering presents the opportunity for you to help save lives without a long-term commitment. Fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home, you not only save that dog, but also open a space at the shelter.
The Commitment
Emotional:
It takes a very special person to open their hearts to one of these dogs, to love and nurture them for a period of time, and then give them up when their new permanent home is found.
Financial:
When needed HAPPE will continue to provide for the dog’s expenses, including medical, food, grooming and supplies.
Time:
We ask for a minimum of a two week period. Are you a teacher, a studio employee, an actor or someone who has time available occasionally? If you can handle the responsibility of a dog, a few weeks makes a huge
difference.
Foster to Adopt:
If you are a prospective first time dog owner and are not really sure you’re ready for the responsibility, or have other pets and want to make sure that the new dog is compatible, a “foster to adopt” is a great opportunity to share your home without the long term commitment of a permanent adoption.
Home Check
As with our adoption process, we also do a home check. If it is a house, we look for a safe environment such as a fenced yard free of debris and harmful areas. If you live in an apartment, please remember many dogs, and not just small ones, do very well in an apartment. However, time does become a factor for apartment dwellers and fostering should only be considered if your schedule allows enough time to take the dog out on a regular
schedule.
Emotional Support & Socialization
We ask that you give your foster the emotional support necessary to help them transition through this phase. Often this involves helping to socialize them, making them feel more secure and good about themselves. In short, we ask that your foster becomes part of your family.
Personality Observations/Medical Issues information to us
Help us update your foster dog’s bib with information such as: Are they housebroken? OK with cats? Likes other dogs or prefers to be an only dog? The more we get to know about the rescue through the observations of the foster parent, the better the chance of a successful forever home.
Help, I’ve fallen in love!
Fosters have the “first right of refusal.” We would never accept an application for a dog who is fostered without first discussing the placement with their foster.
Congratulate yourself!
It is easy to say “I want to help” or “I’d like to take them all” but by taking ONE needy dog into your home, you are making the difference between life and death. Your commitment creates a space for us to take another dog out of the shelter. Thank you.
If you have any questions about fostering, please send us an email at info@happepets.org
You can fill out our Foster Application here