Foster A Lab

Thank you for considering fostering for L.E.A.R.N,  t he backbone of our organization is foster homes. The more foster homes in our network, the more dogs we can save.  If you have made the decision to join us as a foster home , please complete and submit our Foster Application.

The Cold Hard Fact About Fostering a Dog

  • It’s not always an easy job.
  • It can be exhausting.
  • It’s often-times challenging.
  • It can be hard to let go.
  • BUT, it can be very rewarding and fulfilling for both your foster dog and you!

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions potential foster homes may have.  

Fostering a Lab F.A.Q.
What am I financially responsible for?

L.E.A.R.N. will cover all medical expenses for the foster dog.  Foster homes provide a loving home, premium food, fresh water, healthy treats, and safe toys for the foster Lab. (Oftentimes we receive donations of food, toys and other items and they are available to foster homes)

We recommend keeping a close eye on and crating your foster dog until you know more about their behavior. L.E.A.R.N. is not responsible for anything your foster Lab may chew or destroy. (i.e. a couch, your clothes, etc.)

What are my other responsibilities?

The foster home is responsible for completing any veterinary visits. This can include getting the Lab up-to-date on vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter surgery and other veterinary needs. L.E.A.R.N works with several veterinary clinics to pay directly for services. When you become a foster, you will receive the lengthy list of approved vets.

The number one goal for the foster home is to prepare the Lab for adoption. Aside from veterinary care, this may include obedience training, housebreaking, crate-training, socialization, general nutrition, and anything else the Lab needs.

What do you know about the Lab that I am fostering?

Most of our Labs come from shelters or are surrendered directly from their owners. We only have the information that is provided. Not all owners tell the truth about the pet they are surrendering. In addition, everyone has a different perspective of acceptable behavior.

We try to have a L.E.A.R.N. volunteer conduct a behavior assessment of the Labs that we take in, but in some cases we have to rely on the shelter or owner's representation.

Is it my responsibility to find my foster Lab a home?

No, we work as a team. As a foster home, you will certainly have input in the LabMatching process. It is helpful to have your foster available for public relations events. In addition, you can help get the word out on your foster Lab. Just walks in the neighborhood can help spread the word about your foster dog and L.E.A.R.N.  

What risks are involved in fostering?

There are risks any time you bring a strange dog into a household. L.E.A.R.N. has a hand-out on introducing a new dog to other pets in the home. You should also exercise care until you are more familiar with your foster dog. We recommend crating the foster Lab when you are away, sleeping or not monitoring them until you are certain of their behavior.

There is also the risk of becoming attached to your foster dog. The adoption can be bittersweet, until you remember that you just saved a life, and the L.E.A.R.N. network found your foster dog a loving, forever family.