FOSTER
Fostering saves lives. When you open your home to a foster dog, you become a bridge between rescue and forever - offering safety, love, and stability to a dog in need. At Rebel Dog Rescue, our foster families are at the heart of what we do. They provide care and compassion that help dogs heal, trust, and prepare for their forever homes. Every cuddle, walk, and kind word brings them closer to the happy ending their deserve.
Why Consider Fostering?
Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have (other than adopting, of course). By taking an animal in need temporarily into your home you’re:
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Freeing up a spot so that RDR can take in another dog (save another life!)
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Giving your foster dog the time he needs to be ready for adoption.
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Helping the rescue learn more about the dog so he can end up in the best home possible.
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Socializing the dog to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.
Fostering faqs
I have other pets/I live in an apartment/I have young kids/I don’t have a fenced yard. Can I foster?
Yes! We will work with you to ensure that the dog you foster is suitable for your lifestyle.
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Can I pick the dog I foster?
Sort of...Our team will work with you to determine the types of dogs that would be a good fit for your home. When we have a large group of dogs that need fostering, we ask our available fosters their preferences and will then match the dogs to the most suitable homes taking into account the foster’s preferences.
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I want to foster but travel occasionally for work/have an upcoming trip planned.
No problem! We will work with you to place the dog in a temporary foster home or boarding while you are away.
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What does it cost to foster?
We provide all supplies and take care of any medical expenses. Some fosters provide their own supplies, but this is not necessary. We ask our fosters to purchase Doggett Style's 7 Elements Online Training Program for $40. This ensures that our fosters can receive on-the spot training at any time.​
I want to adopt the dog but would like to trial the dog by fostering.
If you apply to foster a dog in hopes of adopting, understand that our goal is to find a suitable adoptive home for the dog and that he may become adopted before you get the chance to foster. If you are fostering and want to foster-fail, we must be informed as soon as possible as adoptions will be open for the dog. We offer a 15-day probation period for our adoptions, so if your intention is to adopt, apply to adopt.
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Will I have to take the dog to the vet?
Maybe! Our dogs from Texas are vetted before travel, however if there are any concerns with the dog’s health you may be required to take the dog to the vet. Dogs from Canada often need to be fully vetted while in local foster care, which may require multiple appointments. There are certain vets that we use within the Niagara and Hamilton regions.​
Where do I have to be located to foster?
You must be located within one hour of Hamilton or Niagara.