Hi! We're also a foster-based rescue and completely understand the challenges that come with limited resources and managing everything manually. It's great that you're taking the time to analyze your data and look for ways to grow your impact.
For us, we do try to follow a general process from intake to adoption to help move dogs through the system more efficiently. Once a dog enters our care, we prioritize getting their veterinary needs addressed right away (vaccines, spay/neuter if needed, and any medical treatment). At the same time, we work with the foster to gather photos, videos, and notes about the dog's personality and behavior in the home.
We typically begin promoting the dog fairly early-often shortly after intake-especially on social media and adoption platforms. We've found that early exposure helps build interest while the dog is settling into foster care. As the foster learns more about the dog, we update the listing with additional details so potential adopters have a clearer picture of the pet.
Another thing that has helped us is hosting meet-and-greets or adoption events when possible. They've been a great way for people to interact with the dogs in person and often lead to quicker placements.
That said, we do try to stay flexible since every animal is different. Some need more time in foster to decompress or work on training before being promoted heavily.
We're always learning and adjusting our process as well, so we'd also love to hear what strategies others have found successful!
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Julie Beatty
Grants Coordinator
Ziva Dog Rescue
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-15-2026 05:18 PM
From: Michele Ting
Subject: Intake to adoption time foster based rescue
Hello all,
We are a small foster based rescue. We take in dogs, cats, small critters and birds and on occasion, farm animals if we can find a foster or adopter available. We have been looking at our data for the past few years and trying to figure out ways to increase our impact given the limitations we face. We are still collecting and submitting all of our data manually (to save money) so this takes some doing. We are committed though and always looking at ways to grow.
My question to everyone (and I apologize if this has been asked and answered elsewhere) is, if you are a foster-based rescue, do you have a specific process that you follow in terms of the time an animal comes into your care to the time they are adopted? Do you follow certain steps or rules to promote a quicker adoption (start promoting the pet on intake for example) or do you let things flow without any set plan? If you have a plan, would you be willing to share your process?
Thank you for any insights you are willing to share!
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
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Michele Ting
Resource Manager
Pawsibilities
NV
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