Animal Welfare Professionals

Hello! I run a small foster based sanctuary/rescue in Arizona and would love to hear ideas for foster retention! We currently have around 40 active fosters (some who foster one dog at a time, either adoptable or fospice depending on foster preference, and others who foster up to five at a time including a mix of fospice and adoptable). Even though our main focus is seniors and medical dogs we do have a program for younger at risk dogs from overcrowded rural shelters. I feel like we have been pretty fortunate to retain many/most of the same fosters over the past 4-5 years and have gained a few new ones each year but would love to hear what others do to keep their fosters because I know many rescues are experiencing a decline. We have limited ability to provide financial incentives but do of course take care of all medical, food and other supplies as needed. Pre-Covid we did alot of events (potlucks and such) but that kind of fell by the wayside during Covid and we have only had a couple since. TIA for all ideas and strategies! 

#FosterPrograms

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Pauline Haas-Vaughn
Director
Cherished Tails Senior Sanctuary
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Hi Pauline 

For our foster program, we use social media to get new fosters. We have start to do fun post to help get our pets adopted. For examples, we do Foster Friday post. We post any pets we have in fostering that is available for adoption. We also post pets on Friday if they need a foster. 
We try to do post of our pets in fostering throughout the week as well. 

we just start day out foster and weekend foster. That for fosters that doesn't want to do long terms and can take a dog for a day out or for the weekend. 

We use BAND App so that fosters can post their foster pet on the app and we can use it to post pictures. Foster also has an option to text us pictures and DM us on instagram for videos. 

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Amelia Pham
Assistant Manager
WAGS Pet Adoption
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Definitely interested in hearing others' approach to this as well! We are a 100% foster based rescue, as well.

I think a really important thing is taking care of fosters. Making sure they feel supported and that they don't have to stress about things like vacation coverage, help with dogs that may need to be walked/run throughout the day while fosters are at work, etc. 
We are incredibly fortunate in that we have a partnership with a local group called Running Dogs. They work with local rescues and have volunteers who will walk or run dogs who are in foster homes or kennels. It's an amazing help! 

I think when fosters feel really supported and good about the work they're doing, they encourage other people to join. I've also thought about starting a quarterly meet up for anyone who is interested in fostering to come out and ask questions. Maybe pair it with another adoption event so you're getting double exposure, but I think it could encourage people who may just be a little hesitant to take the next step. 

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Lindsey Kelly
Volunteer / Board Member
Maggie's Mission Rescue
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We have had highs and lows this year. We had such a huge winter that now that the weather is nice, it seems to be hard to get any fosters since so many are traveling. We created a foster video (which did cost us some coin) and we did a social campaign using that. We've done that twice now (using the same video) and have had really great success with onboarding new fosters each time, however, I'd love to hear ideas from other shelters as well. 

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Erin Ellis
Community Engagement Director
Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

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Foster Program & Volunteer Management Specialist
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Retaining foster volunteers is crucial for the success and sustainability of a rescue organization. Here are some effective strategies to help retain foster volunteers:

1. Recognition and Appreciation: Show genuine gratitude for the foster volunteers' dedication and hard work. Recognize their efforts publicly through social media shout-outs, volunteer appreciation events, or personalized thank-you notes. Feeling valued and appreciated goes a long way in fostering volunteer loyalty.

2. Clear Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication channels with foster volunteers. Provide clear guidelines, expectations, and support. Regularly update them on the rescue's activities, upcoming events, and any changes in policies or procedures. Respond promptly to their queries and concerns.

3. Training and Education: Offer comprehensive training programs to equip foster volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge. Provide resources, workshops, or online materials on animal care, behavior, and any specific needs or challenges they may encounter. Continual learning opportunities ensure volunteers feel confident and empowered in their roles.

4. Mentorship and Support: Pair new or inexperienced foster volunteers with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and emotional support. Foster a sense of community and teamwork among volunteers, encouraging them to share experiences, challenges, and successes.

5. Appreciation Events and Social Gatherings: Organize regular social events or gatherings to foster a sense of camaraderie among foster volunteers. These can include picnics, volunteer appreciation parties, or group outings where they can bond, share stories, and celebrate their contributions.

6. Flexibility and Understanding: Recognize that foster volunteers may have other commitments and responsibilities. Offer flexibility in scheduling and accommodate their availability as much as possible. Understand and support their personal circumstances while maintaining open lines of communication.

7. Feedback and Input: Encourage foster volunteers to share their ideas, suggestions, and feedback regarding the foster program and overall rescue operations. Create a culture that values their input and actively seeks their perspectives. Foster volunteers who feel heard and involved are more likely to stay engaged and committed.

Remember, each foster volunteer is unique, so personalized approaches may be necessary. By creating a positive and supportive environment, offering ongoing training and recognition, and fostering a sense of community, a rescue organization can increase the likelihood of retaining valuable foster volunteers.

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Leslie Veret
Rescue Secretary
Advocate and Rescue Companion Animals
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I work with a rescue group that is also entirely foster-based.  We take in 60-70 animals a month and have to do lots and lots of begging to get help!  We are in NC but we network with a rescue group in Pa and send up 40 or so dogs a month.  The demand is high but burn out is so easy that I try to encourage our lead team to remember everyone needs a break.  It's hard not to place pups in home, one right behind another, but try to give everyone a short break, even if they aren't asking for it.  There is a fine line between too much and not enough for some so it takes a little intuition to find the sweet spot.  I have fostered almost non-stop for almost five years and woke up one morning just overwhelmed, realizing that my personal pets needed a break and so did my personal life.   From all of those words-- read this--try not to overwork your fosters!  Try to give every foster a "clean up/ rest up" break-- even if only for a few days.  

Another thing....we have amazing, dedicated foster families and supporters! We have worked super hard to provide fosters with any and everything they need... food, crates, toys, pee pads, leashes, collars, etc...   If we don't have something they need, we get it for them.   A while back, we did a "foster spotlight" that told about a foster mom, dad, or foster family and promoted it on social media.  The goal was to highlight everyone and showcase photos and a story every week.  We ran out of steam but it's time to pick that up again!  

We set up communication threads using Facebook messenger with a core group of individuals and the foster and we try to respond quickly to questions, crisis, and comments.  We also have a vacation schedule so that we can get coverage well in advance so fosters don't have to sweat it as the vacation approaches.  Nothing like having four foster puppies in your mud room and knowing your plane is leaving in two days and no one has stepped up.  

Thanks for posting this in the discussion thread!  I look forward to reading responses that I can take back home and share with the team!

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Debbi Long
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