Welcome

 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 and wish to assist our rescue, please see the "How You Can Help Us" tab or the short term foster/transporter information under "foster" on our website.

Why do we only need fosters in Canterbury? 

For a number of reasons:

1. Our base is in Canterbury, all of our core team such as our Trustees, our trusted behavioral consultant, animal physio and veterinarian are located here. We are a close-knit team of experts on the breed in one location.

2. We need to be able to meet our fosters in person - check in on them regularly and their foster dogs and attend any health appointments for the foster dog, alongside the foster, if needed. It is far easier to be able to meet and communicate in person if required when fosters are located within our city or general area.

3. With each foster dog, we provide the crates, bedding, pens, food etc. This is more costly (in shipping) and far less practical if we are freighting items to fosters in other locations.

4. Our veterinarian is located in Canterbury and does not charge for her consult time. We pay for the operations and medications but her time is donated free of charge. We do not get such a wonderful discount with any other vet (and we have consulted vets in the North Island prior). It is much cheaper to fly a dog to Christchurch for surgery (even taking into account flight costs!) and almost double the price to have it completed up North.

5. Costs wise - it works out cheaper. We are a small rescue with limited funds so cost is always a factor. We are very fortunate to have many relationships with businesses here in Christchurch who keep our costs as low as possible. We do not have the same contacts up North.

6. We have trialed out a North Island foster programme prior. The results were not great, it was much more complex and it simply added more stress to our team down here, trying to manage others in other locations.  Sorry, we understand there are many who wish to help us in the North Island. However, you can assist in other ways - please see the "how you can help us" page in the tabs above.

What do you provide for fosters?

We are able to provide our foster carers with dog food, dog treats, medications required, crates, dog pens, beds and bedding, leashes,  bowls, harnesses and anything else required. Please note  down anything  you need in order to foster, on your foster application  form. 
Please note: these items (aside from beds and bedding) do not go with the dogs  once they are adopted. 

These items are to be returned to NZCR for use  on the next dog(s) that enter care. Items such as: Beds,  bedding, vet  books and council tags, alongside any toys or other items gifted to the  dog by fosters or the Trustees are the only items to be passed on to  Adopters.

What about if I want to adopt a dog I foster? 

We do not offer foster to adopt arrangements. If you are looking to add a  dog to your family permanently please submit an adoption application. We  offer one month trials on all adoptions to ensure that the dogs are a  perfect fit for the family. Foster forms are for those looking to foster from the outset and that have the  intention to adopt out their foster dog. However, if you do fall in  love with your foster baby and they are not already going through the  adoption process with a family, we do adopt to foster carers.  In  this instance the adoption fee is still required by the Trust, to be  used for the next dog coming in to care. Full details in the foster  application.

How Can Help if Based in the North Island or Otherwise Outside of Canterbury?

We understand there are many who wish to help us in the North Island, it just isn't practical (or possible!) for us to be based all over New Zealand.

However, you can still assist us in many other ways - please see the "how you can help  us" page in the tabs above, OR  click the button on right to access information about becoming a Short Term Foster or Transporter for the Trust.

Can I foster if I have dogs or cats?

Yes! We take fosters with their own pets. 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.

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?

Yes! We feel its extremely important to have foster carers involved in the adoption selection process.