Frequently Asked Questions
How does Foster to Adopt work?
Once you have applied online to foster or adopt, and you pass screening you will be contacted for a video interview and reference check. If you are selected, we will coordinate with you to get the dog(s) to your home (or rendez-vous spot) on their pre-booked flight date. You have a period to decompress with the dog, and see if they will be a good fit in your home and current living situation. The choice is yours to adopt and provide a forever home, or foster until a forever home is secured. Some dogs, given their history will require experienced fosters for their decompression period to ready them for their foster-to-adopt home. If you pass screening, but are not selected to foster/adopt a particular dog, we will put you on a first-choice list for new arrival dogs as they come to us based on their needs and your particular lifestyle. Unlike other rescues, you need not re-apply
What if my Foster to Adopt is not a good fit?
It happens. We will do everything we can to support you. If you, other pets, the dog or your family are at risk in any way, we will immediately remove the dog to go to another foster. If you are able to continue to foster, but choose not to adopt, we understand and will help with training and work hard to find a suitable forever home for your foster pet as soon as possible. Once adopted can make no guarantee or warranties regarding the health or temperament of this dog due to various factors in their new surrounding. The organization shall not be liable for the behaviour of the dog or any damages it may cause.If for any reason, you cannot keep the dog, you will be obligated to return him/her to a member of the Pawsitive Steps Rescue organization. You may not sell, abandon, or give him/her to any other person(s) or shelter.
What supports do I have as a Foster or Adopter?
We offer weekly online rescue training video sessions, in-home consults (when needed) and have a robust active online fosters and adopters facebook group where members post all sorts of questions and tried and true tips for our rescue dogs. As time goes on we have noticed a lot of common experiences for the dogs, especially in the decompression period that by no means are an indicator of how the dogs will be once they settle. Having a group of people have “been there, done that” is priceless!
Are the dogs up to date on their shots? Spayed? Chipped?
Yes, yes and yes (mostly)! Although do note that once your adoption contracts are submitted and adoption fees are processed, you will have to register your dogs chip. If they haven’t been spayed/neutered (circumstances do arise), our rescue will provide a deadline for you to have the procedure completed. It will be your responsibility to inform a member of our team it is done by providing documentation from your veterinarian.
What if something happens to my dog while Fostering?
Ongoing vet care for pre-existing conditions and injuries or accidents will be covered by the rescue while you are fostering. We work with a licensed veterinarian to ensure that all dogs are medically cleared for travel and/or adoption. If a dog has a known medical condition/disease(s), our policy is to make the adopter entirely aware prior to adoption. With any animal, it is impossible to foresee future medical conditions that may develop; therefore, we do not guarantee that health issues will not arise in the future. Date of births for the animals is an approximation based on a veterinary examination.
Once adopted you will be responsible to ensure that the dog’s welfare needs including proper veterinary treatments are taken care of. You will be responsible for ensuring that the dog is safe and treated humanely as a family pet and companion.
What are your terms and conditions?
I did not get accepted for a specific dog – Do I have to keep re-applying if I am interested in another dog?
No. Unlike other rescues we will keep you on a short list of approved fosters/adopters and will make sure you get a dog that suits your life situation and preferences
What is the adoption fee?
Adoption Fees are outlined on the contracts page. As of Nov 2023, our adoption fees are $850 CAD with some exceptions. Consider the contracts page the most up to date
Is there possibility the dog would be taken back?
If the terms of the adoption agreements are not being adhered to by the adopter, Pawsitive Steps Dog Rescue may chose to repossess the dog.