Become a Schnauzer Foster Parent
MSRNT depends on its Fosters to house and care for our rescued dogs. We have no shelter or facility—dogs are fostered in loving private homes. Without foster parents, there is no rescue program! To find out more about fostering for MSRNT go to our Foster Page. If you have already decided that you are ready to open your home and temporarily foster one of these wonderful, deserving Schnauzers please fill out the volunteer application.
PLEASE MAKE NOTE: MSRNT does not have a foster-to-adopt program to ‘try out’ a dog before adopting it. We ask our foster parents to commit to a minimum of one year with us. Fortunately, most of our foster parents are happily hooked on fostering and stay with us for many years!
Dog Foster Process
Foster homes are one of our greatest needs! Are you interested in being a foster parent for MSRNT? We believe that fostering is the most important role at MSRNT, because it directly determines how many dogs we can save. Since MSRNT has no facility in which to house our dogs, all dogs live in private foster homes before being adopted. Quite simply, the more foster parents we have, the more dogs we can save and bring into rescue.
So what does a foster parent do? At MSRNT, the foster parent plays several major roles:
· Brings the dog into their home, where it lives as a member of the family
Provides love, attention, supervision and crate training
· Assesses the dog to determine what the dog ‘knows’ — i.e., is he housetrained, how does he get along with other people and animals, is he active or quiet, does he need more training, etc.
· Shares findings with MSRNT so that he can be matched with the right family situation
· Meets or talks to prospective adopters and introduces them to the dog
· Does a safety inspection of the prospective adopter’s home
· Delivers dog to his new home and completes formal adoption paperwork
· Follows up by phone periodically to check on the dog and see how the adoption is going
MSRNT will provide a dedicated volunteer to work alongside each new foster parent during the first three adoptions to provide guidance, training, and to answer questions, ensuring the foster parent is comfortable dealing with all parts of the job.
Your home, time and love will forever change a dog’s life! MSRNT is always looking for volunteers who can provide loving foster homes for our Schnauzers. Quite simply, the more foster parents we have the more times we can say ‘yes’ when we are called to rescue a dog in need. By fostering, you are giving dogs that might otherwise not get a second chance at life the experience of knowing love, finding a forever family and the great home they deserve.
If you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and are willing to open your home to foster a deserving Schnauzer, the next step is to fill out the foster application.
WHAT ARE THE REWARDS OF FOSTER PARENTING?
“Being a foster mom has given me a very challenging and rewarding way to spend my retirement. I absolutely love seeing the faces of the adopters as my foster dogs enter their new homes. What is even more heartwarming, however, is hearing the success stories and getting pictures from the adopting families to let me know how well everyone has adjusted.” — Kris K., MSRNT foster parent
“I love being a foster parent, because in most cases I am saving a great dog from being put down at the shelter. I never cease to be amazed by how many great dogs end up in our rescue group.” –April P., MSRNT foster parent
“This is my fourth year being a foster parent for MSRNT, and I can’t imagine how my life would be without helping and loving these wonderful dogs. It’s an amazing feeling when one of my foster dogs has been adopted. Not only have I helped save that one dog, but I have helped save two dogs-–the one that got adopted and the one that will take his place.” — Pam S., MSRNT Foster Parent
I’ve fostered over 100 dogs in my home and I’m asked every day how do I give them up. Seeing the happy faces of the adopters on adoption day makes it easy. It’s also knowing that their time with me was just temporary, and their new home is forever.” — Keith C., MSRNT foster parent
“In thinking about the rewards of fostering, there is great satisfaction in knowing a fostered schnauzer is happy and healthy. Annual reunion events, Happy Tails articles – or an occasional alumni drop by in Petco/Petsmart are always gratifying.” — Carole S., MSRNT foster parent
“Being a foster parent is incredibly rewarding. Seeing the joy on the faces of the new family as they welcome our Miniature Schnauzer into their home is a fantastic experience.” — Richard F., MSRNT foster parent
Dog Fostering Q&A
Q: How much does it cost to foster a dog?
A: MSRNT pays for all medical bills, grooming and other expenses while the dog is in rescue. We only ask foster parents to provide food for the dog (if they also have dogs).
Q: I have a full-time job. Can I still serve as a foster parent?
A: Yes. Many of our foster parents work outside the home, but as long as your schedule allows you to be home to care for the dog properly, and ensure that he is safe and secure with access to relieve himself at appropriate intervals. It is ideal if you work from home.
Q: How long is the average dog in foster care before it is adopted?
A: On average, 3-4 weeks. Some dogs may be in foster care for a longer period of time; for others it may be shorter.
Q: If I like a dog, can I adopt him?
A: MSRNT does not have a “foster to adopt” or “try out” program for its dogs. We are looking for foster parents who are willing to make at least a one-year commitment to us. That does not mean a foster dog would be in your home 365 days/year. Everyone takes vacations or needs a periodic break from fostering due to family, work or social commitments. Most of our foster parents eventually adopt a dog from us, but still continue to provide a foster home for other dogs after the adoption.
Q: Is it OK to foster if I already have pets in my home, or children?
A: Yes, if your animals are generally friendly with other dogs. All of our foster parents have their own personal pets, and their pets usually enjoy the company of foster dogs. If you have indoor cats, they should be dog friendly, and you should understand that all foster dogs may not be cat friendly. We don’t recommend foster parenting for people with small children in the home, as some dogs do not respond well to the noise and activity of young children.
Q: Can I live anywhere in Texas and be a foster parent?
A: Because MSRNT’s volunteers, veterinary care providers and prospective adopters live in the DFW Metroplex, fosters should be located in the same area. This makes it convenient to transport a dog, take it to the vet if necessary, or to visit a prospective adopter’s home. Those living further away would find it more difficult to work with our group.
Q: I live in an apartment building. Can I still be a foster parent for MSRNT?
A: Yes, as long as the property permits you to have pets. You would of course need to ensure that you could be present at the proper intervals to walk the dog and care for him properly. Because some Schnauzers are known for barking, you would want to make sure that your work situation and time at home allows you to properly monitor the dog to ensure he is not making noise that would bother other residents.