Most of our dogs come to us from their lifelong homes, where they were someone’s beloved pet, but for a variety of reasons, the owner could not keep them. Some of our dogs are able to stay with their current owners until we can find a foster or adoptive home.

We ask that our foster volunteers:

Live within 30 minutes of veterinary services in case of emergency

Are willing to limit the time your senior foster dog is typically home alone (less than 4 hours each day )

Are willing to ensure your foster has regular access to the outdoors and on leash or in a secure fenced backyard when outside 

Ensure that all dogs in your home be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations

Are able to communicate by email outside of emergencies

Are willing to drive to the vet in the event your foster dog needs medication, medical care

Many dogs come with their own supplies, but SDRO will also provide whatever other supplies are needed. Examples include a collar, leash, bed, ramps/stairs, medicine, and food.

Ideally, surrendered dogs are current with vet exams and vaccinations before they are surrendered to SDRO, but that is not always the case. SDRO covers necessary veterinary expenses, including senior dog lab work, vaccinations, dental work, exams, additional care. Our adoption coordinators are responsible for approving vet visits and will work with foster volunteers to schedule them. If fosters live outside Corvallis, we can sometimes arrange fora vet clinic closer to the foster’s home.

SDRO does not expect Foster volunteers to purchase items for your dog. If you wish to do so, you may make a purchase as a contribution to SDRO, which would be deductible as IRS laws allow.

Your new foster dog may be stressed and bewildered. Many foster dogs come with their own bed and sometimes with an article of clothing from the previous owner. Please do not wash these items for at least a week. They were provided to give your foster dog something with a familiar scent and will be quite comforting to them. The quickest way to help a foster dog settle into your household is to play with them or take them for a short walk.

It may happen immediately, or it could take two weeks or more for your new foster dog to become comfortable with new surroundings, new people, and, in many cases, other household pets. Moving to a new foster home can be bewildering and traumatic for dogs that have only known one or two homes or owners. Patience, love, and kindness are what your foster dog needs.

Your new foster dog may not eat for the first few days, or they may just pick at their food. This is a common occurrence. If you have other household pets, please feed your foster dog in a separate area and NEVER leave the dogs alone during feeding time. New dogs in a new home can sometimes exhibit food aggression for the first few days.

Introductions should be done carefully and gently. Talk to one of the SDRO staff if you have questions. Make sure you feed your dogs separately and always monitor the feeding.

Yes. It’s a win/win when foster volunteers want to adopt their foster dog! Because all adoption applications are reviewed when they come in, we can not guarantee your foster will be available. Please complete an adoption application and let our adoption coordinator know you want to adopt your foster.