Please read below for the frequently asked queries about fostering:

What is fostering a dog?

Fostering is a rewarding experience, but it does require time, commitment, and patience. Your job is to prepare the dog for adoption and must always keep in mind that this is the overall goal that you are working towards.

Fostering a dog means temporarily welcoming a dog into your home until they find their forever family. However, it’s more than just providing food, shelter, cuddles and playtime. Some dogs may come to us in rough shape (mentally or physically) and need your commitment, patience, and time to recover

You’ll be responsible for helping these rescue dogs through their ‘diamond in the rough’ phase - improving their behavior or nursing them through any medical procedures. It’s a rewarding experience and you will learn a lot along the way. But it requires dedication and a willingness to support dogs on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves!

What does fostering involve?

Each dog is different but generally speaking...

1. Training the foster dog. The goal is to make them more adoptable so they are crate trained (for sleeping) and toilet-trained at minimum. Sometimes general obedience. Working to improve or resolve naughty behaviors that might hinder their future adoption. Plus socialising a dog and getting them used to people as best as possible. Please note that this will be in conjunction with one of our trainers supporting you. We only expect you to engage with the professional and to follow their advice - not to know how to train a dog from the outset without any help!

Fostering dogs can also involve working on any specific behavioral or medical needs the dog may have, helping them become more adoptable. But again, we wouldn't pair a high needs foster dog with a beginner foster as this would be unfair on the dog and the foster parent.

2. Restoring them to health or looking after them while they heal from physical or mental trauma. Examples of this may be in the form of caring for an underweight dog that needs to gain weight, or who is recovering from a desex or dental operation. We provide all essential vet care for the dog prior to adoption. 

3. Mental adjustment to being a pet or helping them adjust to a home environment - some dogs have been abused or neglected and simply need to learn what it is like to be part of a loving family enviroment! This takes patience, support, love and gentle training (again - in conjuction with the experts).

The goal is to provide a loving and stable environment for the dog while they await their forever home. For this reason, we try not to move a foster dog from a foster home, unless there is an issue requiring the same.

4. As a foster carer, you provide the dog with daily care, including feeding, exercise, similar to any pet dog.

5. You may also be responsible for taking the dog to vet, physio or training appointments and/or collecting supplies from our trustees (ie. food, flea/worming, medications).

Why do dogs need fostering, why can't they just go right to their forever home?

Dogs need fostering for several reasons, and it's not always possible or ideal for them to go directly to their forever homes:

1. Recovery and Rehabilitation: Many dogs come from difficult situations—such as neglect, abuse, or homelessness—and need time to recover physically and emotionally before they are ready for adoption. Fostering provides a safe, nurturing environment where they can heal and regain trust in humans. They can also learn routines and work on skills that would make them more adoptable or learning general obedience.

2. Behavioral Assessment: Fostering allows us to observe and understand a dog’s behavior in a home setting. This helps identify any training or socialization needs and ensures that we match the dog with the most suitable forever home. This makes it more likely that their adopting home will be their forever home.

3. Transition to Home Life: Some dogs have never lived in a home environment and need time to adjust to household routines, such as being house-trained, learning basic commands, and becoming comfortable with the sights and sounds of a typical home. For others, they need some naughty behaviours that could jeopardise their forever home, taken care of prior.

4. Tailoring to special needs or dogs needing medical assistance prior to adoption: Puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with medical conditions often require more attention. But also may need medical care or operations to be completed (ie. such as a dental) prior to being adopted. Fostering ensures these dogs get the individualized care they need and will head out to their new home 100% ready! They are also recovering at the foster parents' home prior to starting their new adventure in a fresh home!

Fostering is a crucial step in ensuring that dogs are well-prepared for their forever homes, giving them the best chance of a successful and happy adoption. We want their next home to be their forever home.

My elderley or senior family member or friend would like the company of a dog, but doesn't want their own. Would fostering be a good option for them?

Fostering a dog can be a wonderful experience for elderly individuals, but whether it’s suitable depends on several factors and you need to consider honestly whether the goal is to help a dog in need or provide comfort and company to a family member.

Activity Level: Some dogs, especially younger ones, may require a lot of exercise and active play, which could be challenging for elderly individuals. An older or calmer dogs may be a better fit, but will still need walking and mental stimulation.

Physical Capability: Fostering may involve tasks such as walking the dog, lifting, or handling medical care. It’s also essential that foster parents are cognitively healthy and have a good memory to manage these responsibilities effectively. Please carefully consider whether your friend or family member can safely and confidently complete these tasks. 

Time Commitment: Fostering requires a commitment to daily care, attending vet appointments, and possibly training or socializing the dog. If your parents have the time and are able to manage these responsibilities, fostering could be a great way for them to stay active and engaged.

Expectations and reasons for fostering: Remember the dogs that come into the rescue aren’t all loving, friendly, toilet-trained little dogs - those dogs don't often come to a rescue. The rescue dogs often have behaviour or medical needs to be taken care of. Please read above information about what fostering involves for a better idea of whether this is your friend or family members’ expectation or not.

If the dog’s needs align with your friend or family members’ abilities and lifestyle, fostering could be a rewarding experience for them and very beneficial for the dog. But it’s important to honestly consider the persons’ reason for fostering, ability to foster and expectation of the dogs they may encounter.

Am I ready? How will I know? 

Consider this information carefully and if you are still keen, you're probably ready!

Do you need fosters in other parts of New Zealand or only Canterbury?

Sorry, at present, we only require fosters local to us and we are based in Christchurch, New Zealand, although we take dogs from all over New Zealand, they are flown to our base here. If you are in the North Island, please contact your local rescue - they're always looking for reliable foster parents.

What do you provide for foster parents?

We provide our foster carers with everything they need, including dog food, treats, medications, crates, pens, beds, bedding, leashes, bowls, harnesses, and more. Please list any specific needs on your foster application form.

Please note we ask foster parents to keep track of these items and ensure they're well looked after so they can be utilised for future dogs. These items are to be returned to NZCR after the dog is adopted. Items such as beds, bedding, vet books, council tags, and any favourite items, toys or other gifts from fosters or Trustees to the dog will be passed on to the adopters.

Can I foster to adopt? If I love it, I keep it and if not, they go to their new home.

Sorry, we do not offer foster-to-adopt arrangements as our foster and adoption programmes are completely seperate as the goals are very different. We don’t place dogs in foster care with the expectation that they can be adopted if the foster carer likes them. Fostering is intended for those committed to helping the dog find its forever home, not as a trial for adoption

If you’re looking to add a dog to your family permanently, please submit an adoption application. We offer a one-month trial for all adoptions to ensure the dog is a perfect fit for your family.

But what if I am fostering and I fall in love with my foster dog - can I apply to adopt them?

If a foster parent unexpectedly falls in love with their foster dog (and the dog is not already set to go on trial with another family) they are most definitely welcome to apply to adopt the dog. We have a special form to be submitted (please contact us as soon as you feel this may apply to you!) If you find yourself wanting to adopt your foster dog, please let us know as soon as possible so we can ensure the process is smooth and respectful of everyone’s time and avoid hurt feelings.

Please note: the adoption fee is still required to be paid as it helps support the next dog(s) coming into our care. 

How can I help if I'm not in Christchurch and can't foster?

We understand that many people in the North Island wish to help, but it simply isn’t practical (or possible) for us to be based all over New Zealand. However, you can still support us in many other ways. Please visit the 'How You Can Help Us' page in the tab above. We appreciate you wanting to help us out!

Can I foster if I have dogs or cats?

Yes! We take fosters with their own pets and most have their own animals in the home. When we have a dog needing foster care, we will advertise whether/not they are good with cats or dogs and send them to the appropriate foster. We try our best to ensure the dog will be as good match as possible for your home - this is why we ask you so many questions in the application!

Can I foster if I have children?

Yes! As long as they are over 6 years and understand the rules of being around dogs (ie. not touching them while sleeping, eating or playing with toys etc). We expect you to supervise all interactions between children and foster dogs.  

Can I take a foster dog to my vet?

No! Sorry, a condition of fostering is that they visit our vet practice, Tram Road Animal Care Services in Ohoka, North Canterbury.

Do I need to have transport to be able to foster?

It certainly helps, as Trustees work full time we aren't able to always collect/drop off dogs on foster carers behalf. However, we can work around this on occasion - inquire with us!

Do I need to have a fully fenced property to foster?

Yes! No holes or gaps in fencing, we can't have escapees! If you live in a rural property, provided there is some form of secure back yard and the dog cannot get out and roam freely - this is OK. Please note: hidden fences (ie. shock or vibration collars and tags are not acceptable. It must be a constructed fence with no holes for the dog to slip through.

Is it difficult to foster?

Please carefully consider whether you are seriously able to commit to becoming a foster carer, prior to submitting your application. Fostering a dog is more than simply providing a roof over it's head. It involves a lot of time, patience and training. It is a considerable commitment to make as it requires passion and commitment. 

Becoming a foster carer means you have helped a dog that may not otherwise have been given a chance at a whole new life! You will also be involved in the process of finding them a new forever home. 

Do we get to help choose the adopters?

Our foster carers are involved in the  selection process and setting the "adopter requirements".

Why do we only need fosters in Canterbury? 

1. Our base is in Canterbury, where our core team of trustees, trainers/behavioral consultant, animal physiotherapist, and veterinarian are also located. We are a close-knit team, frequently meeting in person to discuss the dogs’ medical and behavioral needs and attending appointments together. Managing foster homes scattered across the country would make it difficult to maintain the level of communication and care we strive for, which is why we focus on keeping our foster homes within our local area.

2.  Our trusted trainers, vets, and animal physiotherapists are all located here in Canterbury. We’ve built strong, trusting relationships with these professionals over time, and it’s crucial to maintain those ongoing connections. Establishing similar networks across New Zealand would be impractical and challenging, which is why we focus our efforts locally. 

3. Cost is a significant factor for us as a small rescue with limited funds. We're fortunate to have many relationships with businesses here in Christchurch that help keep our costs low through discounts. Additionally, we provide all necessary items—crates, bedding, pens, food, etc.—for each foster dog. Shipping these items to fosters in other locations would be more costly and impractical. It wouldn’t make sense to use our limited resources this way when they could be better utilized for the dogs in our care.

4. We previously trialed a limited North Island foster program, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out as we’d hoped. It added complexity and stress for our team here, which is why we decided not to continue with it. We truly appreciate the willingness of North Island supporters to help. While fostering may not be an option, there are many other ways you can assist. Please visit the 'How You Can Help Us' page in the tabs above for more information.

Please remember there are rescues all over the country seeking comitted, passionate and reliable foster families - research those in your area to still contribute and make a difference to dogs' needing help in New Zealand.

Do you have recommendations for trainers in [NAME] location?

Please contact a rescue local to your location for a recommendation of trainers they would utilise in your region. If in Canterbury, the trainers we work with are noted under our “sponsors and supporters” page on the website and our social media. Please contact them directly.

We are going away and looking for recommendations for dog-sitters or kennels in [NAME] location? or Do you care for dogs temporarily?

Our focus is on the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs, so we aren't able to assist and cannot offer “short term foster” placements. 

We don't have specific businesses to refer you to. We recommend seeking advice from local dog owners your area, your vet clinic or approaching trusted friends and family for assistance and offering to pay them rather than a kennel.

If you are considering a kennel or dog-sitter, our advice is research them thoroughly and choose a professional business. We would not advise entrusting your pet to a stranger found online.