I was wondering if there is a thread/site someone could point me to about what the requirements of fostering are. I might be willing to take a foster in for a few months, but I can't afford to pay for vet bills, food, etc. As you might know, I am in school and broke as it is. However, I think I am a pretty good trainer, and I go to the dog park everyday, so...well I won't say it won't be more work, but I am considering it. Though GF might veto. :p:

Can someone inform me or point me to a thread or site? Thanks!

Hi! I foster for a group in upstate NY, but most places run similar to this:
We do a vet check, and a home visit just as if you were adopting before we allow someone to foster. The rescue covers all vet bills, but usually the foster home provides the food - sometimes something else can be arranged if really needed. Most of our dogs are in foster care 2-6 weeks. We try not to move a dog once it is in a foster home until it is adopted so we really like people to commit to it. If the dog doesn't work out in your home that is a different story (aggression, etc). We don't require fenced in yards for our fosters (that may vary with rescue), but we do require the dog to be 'contained' at all times - i.e. on a leash and not left unattended.

Hope this helps some! Let me know if you have any other questions I may be able to answer.

I foster sometimes for the Utah Lab Rescue. They are really good about taking care of everything for the dogs. They provide all vet care, food, supplies, anything that the dogs need while in foster care. I rarely have to pay anything out of pocket for the foster dogs. When I do, the rescue reimburses me for whatever I spend. So, there are rescues out there that cover all the costs of the animals. Some will cover specific things related to the care of the animals. I would just say to research the different rescues around your area. If you contact your local humane society, they can probably give you a good idea about what rescues are in your area.

Doing a search on google.com for rescues in your area will usually return good results on what rescues are in your areas. Each rescue is different so my advice would be to contact the rescues and ask them what their requirements are for fostering. Wish you luck in your efforts! Fostering is something that is SO needed. Good luck!

I know it probably varies but would the fact that I live in an apt be a problem?

I go to the dog park everyday so the foster would have pleanty of training, socialization and exercise.

I guess there are some rescues that won't allow that. Personally I feel if you exercise the dog, love it & care for it, who cares if it is in an apartment. It's not like you'll be turning it loose outside. Good for you for considering this. It is very rewarding and sometimes ver aggravating, too. So far the good outweigh the bad though. :)

Well, I have been vetoed on fostering for the current moment. sigh. GF is right: I am broke, stressed and overworked and probably don't need another responsibility, but I feel so for those dogs in the pound...

Maybe after this summer I guess. Then I'll have more time.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I AM going to foster eventually, but I guess it would just add more stress to my already hectic life at this point.

Well, good for you for realizing now is not the time. You'll know when the time is right and go for it then.