Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

#FosterPrograms

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Kellie Jordan
Foster Coordinator
Tallahassee Animal Services
FL
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Hello,

I'm excited to share that we have a Foster-to-Adopt program at WAGS Pet Adoption, which we launched in 2024. So far, we've successfully placed about 40 dogs through this program, out of a total of 90 we are caring for  we often have 20 in  traditional foster care and 10 are foster to adopt, and it has been consistently active throughout the year.  We do foster to adopt typically 3 days. There are times we extend to a week. 

We are fortunate to have an amazing volunteer coordinator who engages with the foster families very actively. I believe the program's success is largely due to this level of engagement. It helps mitigate risks and allows the adoption process to move forward without feeling rushed.

Through this program, we collect valuable information, pictures, and videos. All foster families are part of a cloud-based community app called Band, which is free to use. This app shares stories, offers support, and provides access to administrators, veterinarians, and others who can help off-site 24 hours a day. Additionally, they have a community of other WAGS. fosters to help them on the application. 

We cover the medical needs and access to our  until they are adopted, which helps potential adopters understand what long-term care or medications might be required. This transparency allows them to assess their ability to commit both financially and in terms of lifestyle.

Our traditional fostering program has also led to many "foster fails," which we celebrate! While we may lose a foster home, the pet gains a forever home.

I hope this information is helpful. If you're interested, I can connect you with our exceptional coordinator.

Best regards!

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hello,

I'm excited to share that we have a Foster-to-Adopt program at WAGS Pet Adoption, which we launched in 2024. So far, we've successfully placed about 40 dogs through this program, out of a total of 90 we are caring for  we often have 20 in  traditional foster care and 10 are foster to adopt, and it has been consistently active throughout the year.  We do foster to adopt typically 3 days. There are times we extend to a week. 

We are fortunate to have an amazing volunteer coordinator who engages with the foster families very actively. I believe the program's success is largely due to this level of engagement. It helps mitigate risks and allows the adoption process to move forward without feeling rushed.

Through this program, we collect valuable information, pictures, and videos. All foster families are part of a cloud-based community app called Band, which is free to use. This app shares stories, offers support, and provides access to administrators, veterinarians, and others who can help off-site 24 hours a day. Additionally, they have a community of other WAGS. fosters to help them on the application. 

We cover the medical needs and access to our  until they are adopted, which helps potential adopters understand what long-term care or medications might be required. This transparency allows them to assess their ability to commit both financially and in terms of lifestyle.

Our traditional fostering program has also led to many "foster fails," which we celebrate! While we may lose a foster home, the pet gains a forever home.

I hope this information is helpful. If you're interested, I can connect you with our exceptional coordinator.

Best regards!

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hello,

I'm excited to share that we have a Foster-to-Adopt program at WAGS Pet Adoption, which we launched in 2024. So far, we've successfully placed about 40 dogs through this program, out of a total of 90 we are caring for  we often have 20 in  traditional foster care and 10 are foster to adopt, and it has been consistently active throughout the year.  We do foster to adopt typically 3 days. There are times we extend to a week. 

We are fortunate to have an amazing volunteer coordinator who engages with the foster families very actively. I believe the program's success is largely due to this level of engagement. It helps mitigate risks and allows the adoption process to move forward without feeling rushed.

Through this program, we collect valuable information, pictures, and videos. All foster families are part of a cloud-based community app called Band, which is free to use. This app shares stories, offers support, and provides access to administrators, veterinarians, and others who can help off-site 24 hours a day. Additionally, they have a community of other WAGS. fosters to help them on the application. 

We cover the medical needs and access to our  until they are adopted, which helps potential adopters understand what long-term care or medications might be required. This transparency allows them to assess their ability to commit both financially and in terms of lifestyle.

Our traditional fostering program has also led to many "foster fails," which we celebrate! While we may lose a foster home, the pet gains a forever home.

I hope this information is helpful. If you're interested, I can connect you with our exceptional coordinator.

Best regards!

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hello,

I have shared your information with her. She will reach out to you. 

Sincerely, 

Hello,

I'm excited to share that we have a Foster-to-Adopt program at WAGS Pet Adoption, which we launched in 2024. So far, we've successfully placed about 40 dogs through this program, out of a total of 90 we are caring for  we often have 20 in  traditional foster care and 10 are foster to adopt, and it has been consistently active throughout the year.  We do foster to adopt typically 3 days. There are times we extend to a week. 

We are fortunate to have an amazing volunteer coordinator who engages with the foster families very actively. I believe the program's success is largely due to this level of engagement. It helps mitigate risks and allows the adoption process to move forward without feeling rushed.

Through this program, we collect valuable information, pictures, and videos. All foster families are part of a cloud-based community app called Band, which is free to use. This app shares stories, offers support, and provides access to administrators, veterinarians, and others who can help off-site 24 hours a day. Additionally, they have a community of other WAGS. fosters to help them on the application. 

We cover the medical needs and access to our  until they are adopted, which helps potential adopters understand what long-term care or medications might be required. This transparency allows them to assess their ability to commit both financially and in terms of lifestyle.

Our traditional fostering program has also led to many "foster fails," which we celebrate! While we may lose a foster home, the pet gains a forever home.

I hope this information is helpful. If you're interested, I can connect you with our exceptional coordinator.

Best regards!

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hey! 

While we don't have a specific foster to adopt program at our facility at Grand Prairie Animal Services (TX);  I did implement Home Trials about 8 yrs ago under previous management. Newer management removed the program from the shelter but I begged for it to still be accessible to me for event adoptions as the Event Coordinator. I was granted approval and have a 93% success rate with this option. With being at random places with adoptable dogs we get people who are interested but on the fence. If after having a conversation with them I think the dog would be a really good fit for them, they just need to get it home without the commitment of adoption right then, I offer the home trial. They fill out an adoption application and a home trial contract. They are granted 1 week with the dog to see how it's going. If they need longer, I allow it as long as they stay in contact with me. This has been a very popular option especially because no other shelters around here really offer anything like this! Now that we have a new foster coordinator who is abslutely amazing, i want to pitch the idea to her about bringing the program back to the shelter as well but under her direction.

Good luck! 

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

We do a sleepover program at our shelter with a 3 day time period to see how an animal fits into a home.  Basically, the animal is ready to adopt but not sure about the fit. We do everything like an adoption but don't process it for 3 days. We contact the family at the end of the period to follow up, if everything is a go then we process the adoption. If not, then we don't and ask them to bring the animal back.  This rarely happens but sometimes it gives a person the peace of mind to take the leap and take the animal home. Its not fostering per se (but in actuality it is). 

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

I created a foster-to-adopt program in 2019 and have been improving every year with it! Would love to share our information with you. I can send you our contract and handbooks for reference if you'd like. We do foster to adopt with underage/unaltered animals, heartworm positive dogs and medical cases. We have about 460 animals in foster care currently and I would say more than half are FTA. We cover 100% medical and help with food while on FTA.

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

We call our program Foster First and 99% of our adoptions are done this way.  It started during Covid when it was hard to do personal Meet and Greets.  We use our standard foster form and mark the foster type as Foster to Adopt.  It is treated as an adoption in every way except the long term commitment doesn't take place until they are ready.  We don't have a hard time limit.  For hard to place animals we realize it may take longer to decide if its a good fit.  Some people are ready in a week and some take several weeks.  When they are ready we send them a link in Shelterluv via text or email and they do the paperwork online so there is no need for a return in person visit.  It also works great for kittens or puppies who are too young for spay/neuter surgery as they can be in their forever home before they are technically ready to adopt.  There is some follow up required but I can't imagine doing adoptions any other way.  

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie

Thank you for sharing! I see a lot of people mentioning shelterluv, I will need to look into that.

We call our program Foster First and 99% of our adoptions are done this way.  It started during Covid when it was hard to do personal Meet and Greets.  We use our standard foster form and mark the foster type as Foster to Adopt.  It is treated as an adoption in every way except the long term commitment doesn't take place until they are ready.  We don't have a hard time limit.  For hard to place animals we realize it may take longer to decide if its a good fit.  Some people are ready in a week and some take several weeks.  When they are ready we send them a link in Shelterluv via text or email and they do the paperwork online so there is no need for a return in person visit.  It also works great for kittens or puppies who are too young for spay/neuter surgery as they can be in their forever home before they are technically ready to adopt.  There is some follow up required but I can't imagine doing adoptions any other way.  

Hi everyone,

We currently have a full foster program in place at our shelter, but I'm interested in adding a foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to "foster" an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it's the right fit for their home. This would be a separate initiative from our existing foster program, as one of our main goals for fostering is to advocate for the animal and find its adoptive home, rather than keeping the pet while we cover expenses.

Does anyone here have a foster-to-adopt program in place? I'd love to hear how your shelter or rescue manages it, how it's structured, and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. I have a few ideas outlined, but I'm eager to learn from others who have successfully implemented this.

Thanks in advance for any insights or resources!

Best,

Kellie