B.A.R.K.
Being Advocates for Rescued K-9's

B.A.R.K. | Being Advocates for Rescued K-9's
MN
ph: 651-554-9284
barkmn@gmail.com

B.A.R.K. Foster Homes "It's all about commitment!"

Nothing is more rewarding than working with a dog in your home, giving it the love and attention that it may have never had, and then handing over the leash to the new forever home which you selected just for them. It can be difficult to give up your foster dog but seeing the new family so grateful and the dog so happy is worth all of the hard work.

Currently, B.A.R.K. has about 12 active foster homes and many more volunteers who assist with administrative functions, transports, and adoption events. Below is some information on the B.A.R.K. foster system and how to become a foster home.

The First Step: Let Us Know

If you're interested in becoming a foster home, please use the Contact Us page. If you leave an email address, we will send you a foster packet to read, fill out and return.

The Second Step: We Will Review

We will review your application and a volunteer will contact you. Please allow at least 2 business days as we are often processing adoption applications and preparing for adoption events as well.

Further Fostering Information

Food will be provided for your foster dog.
Any supplies such as leashes, collars, crates, toys and grooming supplies will be provided at no cost (when available).
B.A.R.K. utilizes Southview Animal Hospital in Inver Grove Heights as a primary veterinarian for the foster dogs. Just contact the B.A.R.K. director with the health concern and they will direct you from there! Transport assistance can be arranged.
Adoption events are 2 times per month. If you have a foster dog that doesn't do well at the events other arrangements can be made. Adoption events are not mandatory.
All B.A.R.K. adoptable pets are posted on Petfinder.com but you are welcome to advertise your foster dog in any way you choose.
If the dog becomes a danger to itself, any foster family member or animal at any time, a different arrangement will be made within the system.
If you have a breed, temperament, or size preference in foster dogs B.A.R.K. will try to honor it.

Our Philosophy on...

Commitment

This is a very important trait that we need in our foster homes. Be ready to have your lifestyle changed! Some foster dogs are wonderful and transition into a new home with ease. Some dogs will have a harder time adjusting to a new situation. That's OK. Just keep in mind that there is a person out there who will fit with them perfectly. It's our job to find that person, and commit to the dog from "save to adoption". It may take days or months but patience and commitment will get you through!

First Time Foster Homes

Sometimes fostering turns out to be more than people bargain for. For our first time foster homes, we try to look for compatible dogs that are already in our system, who wouldn't mind a change of scenery, and will not be stressed in a new home. In the event that you realize that dogs aren't for you, if resident dogs take a strong disliking to the foster, or if there is an emergency, then that established foster dog can go back to a familiar home and it will minimize the stress on the dog. We will try to work with breed, temperament, and age preferences as much as possible the first time.

Foster-to-Adopt

Adoption is a lifetime commitment and we will not send our foster dogs out on "trial" if you can't decide if you want to adopt or not. However, if you foster one of our dogs and just can't see them living anywhere else but with you, you will get first priority on adopting them! Otherwise, you must see the dog through to it's adoptive home.

The Adoptive Home

B.A.R.K. foster families care for the dogs and are with the dogs 24/7. You decide which adoptive home will benefit the dog the most, and where you think the foster dog will be most happy. You have the right to decline any application for any reason and the applications are not decided on a first come-first serve basis. If advice is needed you can certainly ask what the other volunteers think, but ultimately, the decision is with the foster home and you will be supported in your decision.

Communication

As a foster home you can communicate as little or as much as needed for your dog. If you need supplies, food, or assistance there are a variety of ways to contact any volunteer at any time of the day. Any behavior problems, health questions, or general foster fun are often communicated through a general yahoo group forum. If someone is going on vacation, needs a dog-sitter, or just wants to share a fun photo the yahoo group is a great way to let everyone know. Great communication makes a rescue work!

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