Question 1

Where are Happy Bark dogs from?

Accepted Answer

Happy Bark dogs come from overcrowded shelters in other areas of the country.(https://www.happybark.org/partnershelters)  We are very blessed in our area to have several animal shelters and rescues serving the needs of homeless dogs in our community.  As a result, we are able to focus our time and resources on other areas where those dogs are less fortunate and are facing uncertain futures.

Question 2

How long do dogs usually stay in Happy Bark foster care?

Accepted Answer

The time a dog stays in Happy Bark foster care varies. All dogs spend at least 14 days in foster care before they are available for adoption. This period allows us to learn about each dog and find the ideal family for them. Some dogs find an adopter quickly, while others may take longer. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, sometimes longer. We strive to ensure each dog is placed in the best possible home.

Question 3

Can I adopt my foster dog if I fall in love with them?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you fall in love with your foster dog, let us know right away. We often have a waiting list of approved adopters, so it's important to inform us immediately. If you do adopt, we hope you'll continue to volunteer as a foster home! 😊

Question 4

How are Happy Bark foster dogs advertised and marketed?

Accepted Answer

Photos and stories of all Happy Bark adoptable dogs are posted on our website, Facebook, Instagram, Petfinder, and AdoptaPet.com. We use a phone app (Android and Apple) to allow foster parents to send us pictures and update us easily about what they are learning about their foster dog. An important aspect of the foster parent’s role is to help advertise the availability of their foster dogs to friends, family, and associates via personal social media and by taking them out (and showing them off!) in public. This is a huge part of Happy Bark's success. Foster dogs are also promoted at special events around town throughout the year. Foster parents are invited to create and participate in programs and events to increase the visibility of their foster dog to potential adopters. Even taking a walk around the neighborhood may help find the perfect home!

Question 5

I already have pets.  Can I still foster for Happy Bark?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We welcome foster parents who have their own dogs.  We think you will find your dogs showing your foster dog "the ropes" on their new daily routine.  Foster dogs also serve as wonderful companions to your own pets.  Dogs coming to Happy Bark foster homes are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, dewormed, heartworm negative, microchipped, and treated with flea/tick preventative.

Question 6

What will it cost me to foster for Happy Bark?

Accepted Answer

Foster parents provide space, basic training, exercise and love for the dog.  Happy Bark will provide all the other supplies and equipment needed throughout the foster experience, including dog food, toys, leashes, collars, bedding, and veterinary care.  There is no out of pocket expense to the foster home!

Question 7

What if I go on vacation or have a business trip?

Accepted Answer

Given enough notice, we can always make other arrangements or find volunteers to foster sit for short durations.  We ask that foster parents always keep their Happy Bark partners aware of any need for temporary foster sitting situations.  We also appreciate resourcefulness from our foster homes, so if a solution can be found for the foster dog while you are not available, we would love to hear about it.

Question 8

How can I learn more about fostering for Happy Bark?

Accepted Answer

You can contact us via any of our various contact methods.(https://www.happybark.org/contact)  You can also submit a foster application.(https://www.happybark.org/fosterapplication)  Submitting an application does not commit you to foster, but is the first step in fostering.

Either way, you choose to get in touch, we will reply to schedule some time to chat about the foster program at Happy Bark and answer any of your questions.

FOSTERFAQS