We currently have several dogs sitting on death row with their only chance at a full life is through rescue. The trouble is… we have no foster spots left. We currently have a hold on several young adults and several pups. There is only so much we can do, but if you want to make a difference for one of these dogs, consider applying to be a foster home in our rewarding foster program!
Foster FAQs
I live in Ontario – Can I still foster?
YES!!! We have many dogs in need which may be fostered within Ontario. We do require that you familiarize yourself with Bill 132– Dog Owners’ Liability Act (commonly known as the pit bull ban) http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/dola-pubsfty/dola-pubsfty.php
I live outside of Ontario – Can I still foster?
YES!!! We still require a home visit for foster homes outside of Ontario however we have many friends and volunteers that help us make long distance home visits possible.
Do I have to have experience with pit bulls?
Having pit bull experience is definitely a benefit, however it is not a requirement. BIN works to match foster homes with appropriate foster dogs and at times this means a “starter pit bull”. We look for foster home that show a willingness to learn and grow with the experience and we provide advice, assistance and support to our foster home. Consider that even and “experienced” pit bull person should continue to learn as they go.
How much tim e and effort is needed to foster a pit bull?
This can depend on the dog you are fostering. Puppies often require more and different work than adult or senior dogs, although adults and seniors often remain in rescue longer. Generally foster dogs require 2 – 3 weeks of “settling in” time. Once the foster dog is settled then you can expect to spend as much time on your foster dog as you would an owned dog.
As a foster home what am I responsible for financially?
Many of our foster homes choose to supply their foster dog with food, toys, treats and other basic needs. BIN is however happy to supply food or reimburse you for the food you purchase for your foster dog. In addition BIN is financially responsible for the vetting costs of your foster dog. In addition BIN will supply a crate, leash, collar and muzzle for your foster dog for as long as the dog is in your care.
Can I choose the dog I want to foster?
We understand that people can get attached to the photo of a dog they want to foster. We place dogs based on temperament matches in order to ensure that each dog goes to the ideal foster home. There are times when we will recommend a different dog to you based on our evaluation of the “type” of dog that would suite your lifestyle. We will NOT ever force a dog into your home that you do not want to foster.
How long will my foster dog be with me?
Unfortunately there is no predetermined length of time that a dog will remain in foster care. Some of our foster dogs have found their forever homes in only a few months while others remain in foster care well over a year. Our policy is to have dogs in foster care for a minimum of one month prior to adoption so that their personality can fully be assessed and they can brush up on their household and worldly manners. We look for foster homes that are patient, realistic and have a full understanding of the commitment they are making.
Wha t behaviors can I expect from my foster dog?
Most commonly our foster dogs are pulled from shelters and animal control pounds around Ontario. Because the dogs are coming from a highly stressful situation it can be expected for them to have some excess energy. In addition we suggest that all foster homes approach house and crate training as if the dog has no skills (regardless of age). Our foster dogs are all pre-screened for temperament.
We do not accept dogs that show signs of fear, aggression, shyness or intolerance towards humans. If any of these traits develop once the dog has entered foster care we insist that your BIN representative is contacted immediately.
As a foster home what am I expected to teach my foster dog?
We assist our foster homes in fully crate training their foster dog. We also ask that our foster homes create an environment where the foster dog can learn to become a household member. As our dogs are adopted out as companion animals the foster experience is intended to prepare the foster dog for life in a family.
The requirement of our foster homes is to prepare their foster dog for easy transition into a permanent adoptive placement. This includes safely introducing your foster dog to new people, situations and environments.
We ask that foster homes inform us immediately if they have any concerns regarding their foster dog’s temperament or behaviour.
What if my foster dog needs to go the vet?
If your foster dog needs non urgent veterinary care we ask that you contact your BIN representative and arrangements will be made to get your foster dog to a BIN approved veterinarian. If it is an emergency (life or death) situation we ask that you act immediately as you would for your own pet and contact a BIN representative as soon as possible. Costs are covered by or reimbursed by BIN.
What if my foster dog does not get along with my current pet(s)?
We welcome foster homes that have other dogs and pets. Often times owned, well socialized, animals play a crucial role in helping your foster dog to acclimatize to being a household companion. We require though that your foster dog be securely separated from any other pets when no one is able to provide direct supervision.
In addition a qualified BIN representative will help you introduce your foster dog to your fur family at home. We will discuss multiple dog management with you and assist you in learning how to watch for signs that play or interaction is becoming inappropriate and how to safely separate your dogs should an altercation occur. You will have a BIN representative’s contact information and can contact us at any time with concerns or questions that you may have.
What if I can’t handle my foster dog?
BIN works to match foster dogs to the skill level and lifestyle of foster homes. We appreciate our foster applicants being open and honest with us, prior to a match, in terms of their expectations, experience and abilities. We will work with you to ensure that the foster dog in your care has the personality that best suite YOU. We want this experience to be positive for all involved. Should you for some reason become unable to care for your foster dog BIN will remove the dog from your care.
Can I take my foster dog to events?
YES! We welcome our foster homes and foster dogs at events. Events are a great way to promote the breed and for foster homes to feel part of the BIN community. Through our online forum you will be kept up to date on future events. If you hear of other events that you’d like to attend we welcome you to post on our forum so that others may join you. We do require that 3 of 3 whenever in public foster homes manage their foster dog to show off the best bully ambassadors as well as be fully compliant with Bill 132.
What if I need to leave town on business or travel?
No problem. With advanced notice it is generally possible another foster home or volunteer may be able to doggie sit your foster dog. On occasions where this is not possible we may be able to recommend a boarding center for your foster dog. Should you secure your own care for your foster dog we require that your BIN representative have the contact information of where the foster dog will be staying and approve the accommodations prior to your travel.
Can I pick the adoptive home for my foster dog?
Our foster homes are not responsible for adoptive home screening, phone interviews or home visits. On occasion we will allow foster homes to participate in the process while ensuring that contact information and privacy are protected. You will be asked to make your foster dog available for potential meet and greets at a mutually convenient time and location and with a BIN representative present.
Can I adopt my foster dog?
In situations where you are fostering a dog that is legally permitted to remain in your location it is possible to “fail at fostering” and adopt your foster dog. BIN will still require portions of the adoption process to be completed and the adoption fee may apply.
How do I get the foster process started?
We are always looking for good foster homes as they truly are the backbone of our rescue. Basically our foster home application process is very similar to our forever home application process. We match dogs to foster homes based on personality and behavior traits. If you are interested we ask that you send an email to bullies_in_need@hotmail.com. We will then send you a foster application, once that is completed we will check your references and have a follow up phone conversation with you and then finally a house visit.
Other things to consider:
Do you own or rent your home?
If you rent your home we will require your landlord’s contact information and consent prior to being approved to foster. If you own your home we recommend you ensure that your insurance company will continue to cover you with a pit bull type dog in the home.
Have you discussed fostering with your entire family?
This included individuals residing in your home as well as family who will visit and who you will be visiting. While we require all members of your household be present at out home visit we also recommend you discuss your new foster addition with extended family to avoid upset in the future.
Are you emotionally prepared to foster?
While our foster homes know that there is no greater joy than knowing you helped safe a life and prepared a foster dog to go “home”, it is also difficult to say good – bye. Our network of representatives, foster homes, volunteers and friends all help by providing emotional support.