Congratulations on becoming a foster!

Introduction

Thank you for choosing to open your heart and home to an animal in need. At Paws of the Pines Rescue—founded in September 2022—we operate entirely through a foster-based network, meaning every animal in our care lives in a home, not a shelter.

As a foster, you are the bridge between rescue and forever. You’re giving your foster pet the love, stability, and guidance they need to thrive—and ultimately, to be adopted.

Fosters are truly the backbone of our mission. We count on you to keep us in the loop with regular updates and photos, which help us promote your foster to potential adopters. And when someone applies to adopt, your input is invaluable in helping us make the right match.

We’re so grateful you’re here. Together, we’re saving lives—one paw at a time.

Fostering to Adoption:

Foster Selection:

We work hard to ensure each foster placement is a good fit for your home and lifestyle. Being upfront about the behaviors or traits you're comfortable with—and those you’re not—helps us make the best match possible. The more we know from the start, the better we can set everyone up for success.

How Fostering Works:

As a foster, you provide a safe and loving home while we work to find the perfect forever family. Your role is essential in helping your foster pet shine! To give them the best chance at adoption, please send regular updates—including photos, videos, and notes about their personality or progress. Keeping us in the loop ensures we can share accurate, up-to-date information with potential adopters.

Supplies & Cost:

We’re happy to provide all necessary supplies and food for your foster pet—there’s no cost to you unless you choose to contribute. While some fosters enjoy pitching in, it’s completely optional.

First-time fosters will receive the essentials they need. Example: crate, bowls, food, treats, toys, leash, collar, harness, shampoo, and blankets.

Application Received:

You're a vital part of the adoption process! When someone applies to adopt your foster, we’ll connect with you to gather your thoughts and feedback. You know your foster better than anyone, and your insight helps us ensure they’re placed in a home where they’ll truly thrive.

Meet & Greet Scheduled:

If an application looks like a good match, we’ll help coordinate a meet and greet. We typically ask fosters to meet the adopter at their home, but a public location is perfectly fine if that’s more comfortable for you. It’s important that all resident pets are present so we can ensure everyone gets along before moving forward.

Trial Period:

If the meet and greet is a success, the adopter may begin a two-week trial period that same day. This gives them time to make sure the pet is the right fit for their home, family, and lifestyle.

During the trial period, we usually hold off on placing a new foster with you—just in case the adoption doesn’t work out. That way, the pet can return to a familiar and comfortable home if needed.

How to Adopt:

Within 72 hours of the trial adoption starting, our system (ShelterLuv) will send the adopter a text message prompting them to finalize the adoption.

Please note: We do not release medical records before an adoption is finalized due to past legal complications. However, the two-week trial period allows adopters time to ask any questions or raise concerns about the pet’s health, and we’re always happy to provide clarification or support during that time.

Adoption Completion:

Adopters aren’t required to finalize the adoption right away—they have a full two-week trial period to decide at their own pace. Once the adoption is officially completed through the ShelterLuv link, medical records are automatically sent to the adopter. We’ll keep you, the foster, updated on whether the adoption is finalized or if the pet will be returning to your care.

Not a fit:

Sometimes, an animal simply isn’t the right match for a potential adopter—and that’s okay! Unless there’s a specific reason not to, applicants are always welcome to inquire about other available pets in our care. Our ultimate goal is to find each animal their true forever home, and part of that means making sure the fit is right. We’d much rather discover early on that it’s not the best match than later down the road.

Reference Guide

Updated: 07/29/2025

Thank you for opening your home to a rescue pup!

This guide is here to support you with key information at your fingertips.

  • We cannot guarantee how long a foster can take to get adopted. Some have taken 2 weeks while others have taken 2 years.

    • Application Approved ➝ Welcome email + match offered

    • Dog Assigned ➝ Supplies delivered or arranged

    • Initial Vet Visit (if needed) ➝ Scheduled by the rescue

    • Weekly Check-Ins ➝ Send photos/videos + updates

    • Adoption Interest ➝ Meet & greet arranged

    • Adoption Finalized ➝ Trial begins (typically 2 weeks)

  • Please share regular updates so we can help to showcase your amazing foster pet!

    • 2–5 clear, bright photos (full body & personality shots)

    • Short bio (we can help write it!)

    • Notes on behavior, quirks, likes/dislikes

    • Updates as they grow or improve

    • Share weekly photos/videos to help us market the pet!

  • Try to attend one a month as able!

    • Arrive with your foster leashed and ready

    • Control your foster and do not allow them to jump on people or approach unknown animals without the owners permission

    • Stay near your foster unless relieved by a volunteer

    • Engage with potential adopters—answer questions, share insights

    • Please give us a notice if you’re coming so we can share this information on our social media platforms.

  • Contact us immediately if your foster:

    • Is unresponsive, lethargic, or having seizures

    • Has continuous vomiting/diarrhea

    • Has visible wounds, fractures, or ingested a toxin

      Text or Call Jessica with any medical concerns!
      910-986-0371

  • Mental stimulation is just as important as physical!

      • Try puzzle feeders, frozen KONGs, chew toys

      • Daily walks or yard time (as appropriate)

      • Sniff walks

      • Training sessions using positive reinforcement

    • Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom

  • We cannot always guarantee an animal to be house trained, but here are some helpful recommendations to getting them trained:

    • Use consistent potty schedule: after waking, eating, and playing

    • Praise immediately after outdoor potty success

    • Crate when unsupervised

    • Expect accidents—be patient and consistent!

  • Crate = safe, positive space (never punishment). Dogs should be comfortable in a crate, especially since we use them for transporting, in case of emergency, and at adoption events as needed.

    • Introduce slowly with treats and meals inside

    • Gradually increase time in crate

    • Ideal for sleep, transport, and when left home alone

  • Do not immediately assume new animals will be instant friends!

    • Always do slow introductions with resident pets

    • Supervise all play until trust is established

    • Separate for feeding at first

    • Report any signs of aggression or distress immediately

    • Socialize gradually: new people, places, sounds

    • Let the dog approach on their terms

    • Use leash in public or unfamiliar settings

    • Note reactions to kids, strangers, etc. for adoption bio

    • Always leash outside unless in fully secured yard

    • Keep collars snug (2 fingers between neck and collar)

    • Use martingale collars or harnesses for flight risks

    • No off-leash play in unfenced areas

    • Double leash during first week if dog is new or nervous

    • Do not leave dogs unattended and loose when not at home

    • Monitor new animals when outside in a fenced area to avoid an escape

    • Do not leave new animals alone and unattended with other animals until a relationship has been established

  • We do not reimburse our fosters or adopters.

    • In case of an emergency, a member from our leadership team will help you find a rescue-approved vet partner nearby

    • Damage to property (to include other pets) was indicated on our foster and adoption application as being non-reimbursable.

  • When you go out of town and need coverage for your foster, please keep in mind this takes coordinating.

    • Give at least 14 days' notice for any travel

    • We will arrange a foster transfer

    • If you would rather board or if you have a pet sitter that is willing to watch your foster with your personal pets, please let us know, and provide their contact information to us and ours to them. Please be aware we do not cover this cost.

    • If you are going on a trip out of town and taking your foster with you, please let us know! They need to have a collar and harness with a rescue tag attached should something happen and get they away!

  • Report all injuries—dog or human—within 24 hours!

  • We love seeing our rescue pups thrive in family environments—but safety comes first for both the animal and the children involved.

    • Supervision is Non-Negotiable

      • Never leave a foster dog unsupervised with children, no matter how gentle the dog seems.

    • Teach Respectful Interaction

      • Guide children to:

        • Avoid hugging, laying on, or grabbing the dog

        • Use gentle hands and calm voices

        • Let the dog approach first

    • Create a Safe Retreat

      • Every foster pup should have a “kid-free” space (crate, bed, quiet room) where they can decompress without disturbance.

    • Watch for Warning Signs

      • Signs of stress or discomfort include:

        • Lip licking, yawning, turning away

        • Growling, freezing, backing up

        • Hiding or retreating

      • If you notice these signs, remove the child immediately and give the dog space.

    • Feeding & Toys

      • Separate dogs and children during meals and high-value treat time (e.g., bones, chews, puzzle feeders).

      • Monitor closely when toys are in play—some dogs may guard their items.

    Positive Habits to Encourage:

    • Allow children to help with feeding (placing the bowl down and walking away)

    • Have children assist with training by offering treats with adult supervision

    • Teach kids the “3-second rule”: pet the dog for 3 seconds, then stop—if the dog leans in for more, continue; if not, give space

We are here to support you!

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for help. We want this to be a successful and rewarding experience for both you and your foster pet. We understand every animal is different and you may face unexpected challenges. Just remember you are not alone!