All About Fostering
One of the most critical volunteer positions for any rescue is the foster home. Foster families provide a temporary home and evaluate the basset's personality and behavior around other dogs and pets, adults, and children. By observing and reporting on the basset's personality, attitude and temperament, the foster home is able to help our Adoption Coordinator match the hound to the best adoptive family. Foster homes also help the basset hound to make a smooth transition to their forever home.
We Need Foster Homes
The following bassets are all in desperate need of foster homes.
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What should I expect?
A foster basset may be in the foster home for any period of time ranging from a couple of days to several months, depending particularly upon the age of the basset, the number of eligible adoptive families, and the general temperament and health of the dog. If you already have a basset hound, you are well versed and experienced with the breed. Adding a temporary foster to your home can be a very rewarding experience.
Many rescue hounds need help in some way, whether it is with house-training, separation anxiety, shyness, jumping on people or just plain house manners. While we do not expect our foster homes to handle serious behavior problems, we do ask the foster home to help with basic training so that the hound will become a better pet. The Intake, Adoption and Foster coordinators are always available to help with any questions you might have. If we do not know the answer, we also have a professional trainer with whom we can consult if you run into any difficult behavior issues.
Who pays for what?
UFBH pays for ALL necessary medical expenses such as vaccinations, medical testing, spaying or neutering. We have accounts with various veterinary clinics across the state and take our bassets to these vets for all their regular check-ups. We only ask our foster homes to provide the basset with the essentials: food and water, patience and love. Should an emergency arise, such as the hound displays signs of bloat, gastric hemorrhaging, or a severe laceration, we ask the foster home to seek immediate emergency veterinary care for the hound and contact UFBH's Adoption, Intake or Foster Coordinators as soon as possible. UFBH will either pay the emergency clinic directly or reimburse you for your expenses as necessary.
How do I qualify?
The process to become a foster parent is very similar to the adoption screening. Potential foster homes complete an application similar to the one completed by our adopters. After you have submitted an application and completed a phone interview with the Foster Coordinator, a home visit will be scheduled. UFBH looks for answers to following questions during the home visit:
- Would I allow my basset hound to live in this home? (We are not looking at housekeeping skills; rather, we want to know about the family’s lifestyle, and whether there is room for a basset hound in their lives.)
- Does the applicant have time to spend with the basset?
- Do all the family members want a basset hound?
- Is the housing arrangement basset friendly? Is there a fenced yard?
- Is anyone allergic to dogs?
But, what if I REALLY cannot give up the basset?
Many people are hesitant to foster because they are afraid of growing too attached to the basset. Giving up the basset is usually bittersweet. While it is sad to see the basset go, it is very satisfying to see the hound again at various UFBH events healthy, happy and well loved. It is a great feeling to know that you played such an important role in that dog's life, not to mention the joy you helped bring to their new family!
If it should happen that you absolutely cannot give up the basset, you always have the option to adopt the hound. There is no shame in being a "failed foster!" However, in making this decision, please keep in mind that you are essentially leap-frogging ahead of other families that have already applied to adopt. To be fair to those families, we simply ask that you notify the Adoption Coordinator as soon as you possibly can to declare your interest in adopting your foster basset. You will then be sent an adoption contract that you must sign and return along with the appropriate required adoption donation.
And, finally...
UFBH recognizes that bringing a rescue basset into your home is a big step that requires thoughtful consideration and commitment. We know that fostering is not for everyone. We encourage you to think long and hard before you make your decision. Be sure to discuss fostering with your family.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the possibility of fostering a needy basset.
Send questions to our Foster Coordinator.