Foster homes are in big demand and short supply. There are far more dogs needing a place to stay, than homes available for them. Many wonderful dogs are killed each day, simply because of lack of space.

Foster homes give the dogs the opportunity to learn what it is like to be in a family environment, to be around people, and even other pets, and to receive more individualized attention than they would receive in a shelter.

Fostering also gives the dogs extra time to find a permanent home. Many shelters have a very rapid kill rate. Depending on available space, a dog may stay in the shelter for only a few days are less.

The main requirement to be a foster is that you take the dog into your home and love it like your own until a permanent home has been found. Foster homes must also meet the same requirements as adoptive homes. All applications for permanent adoptions are scrutinized for suitability by GSDRescueCTX. We have high standards and will not adopt out one of our dogs unless we are convinced that it is in the dog's best interest.

Many people shy away from fostering for fear of the pain in giving up a dog they have cared for and come to love. Of course that is hard! Letting them go to their new home is one of the most difficult parts, but it is also very rewarding. By placing your dog in a loving home, you will have really made a difference to that animal; perhaps saved it's life and certainly provided it a better quality of life. Furthermore, allowing one dog to go to a permanent home, frees up a space to save yet another dog. GSDRescueCTX will be there to provide advice and moral support and may be able to provide some assistance with food, supplies, and discount veterinary services.

If you are interested in becoming a foster home for German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas please complete the foster application and we will be in touch.

* Provide legal help
* Donate your professional services as an accountant or lawyer
* Go to shelter with the Director to evaluate a potential dog for rescue
* Make a few phone calls
* Take good photos of foster dogs for the web site
* Conduct a home visit or go with rescue on the home visit
* Have a yard sale and donate the money to rescue
* Volunteer to do rescue in your area
* Talk to all your friends about adopting and fostering rescue dogs
* Interview vets to encourage them to offer discounts to rescue groups
* Provide post-adoption follow up or support
* Go to local businesses and solicit donations
* Write a column for your local newspaper or club newsletter on dogs looking for homes or ways to help rescue
* Maintain web sites listing/showing dogs available
* Help organize and run fund raising events
* Use your video camera to film a rescue dog in action
* Help pet owners be better owners by answering training questions
* Put together an *Owner's Manual* for those who adopt GSDs
* Donate other services if you run your own business
* Organize a rescued dog picnic or other event to reunite the rescued dogs that have been adopted

* Walk a dog
* Groom a dog
* Transport a dog
* Drive a dog to and from vet appointments
* Go to the foster home once a week with your children and dogs to help socialize the dog
* Take a dog to a *Do It Yourself* grooming place.
* Let rescue know when you'll be flying and that you'd be willing to be a rescued dog's escort