Fostering a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a pet lover, but it also comes with challenges. Having been a foster for over 30 years with various pet rescue groups and independently, I’ve learned that the early stages of fostering can truly make or break a dog’s future. The way you approach those first few weeks will set the stage for their success in finding a loving forever home. Let’s dive into the process I follow to give each dog the best start possible.
The Crucial First Two Weeks: Decompressing and Settling In The first two weeks in a foster home are critical, and this time can look very different depending on the dog. Some foster dogs arrive with emotional scars, survivors of neglect or abuse, needing extra time and patience to decompress. Others may be in need of continued medical care. And then there are those well-adjusted, owner-surrendered dogs who settle in quickly. Regardless of their past, each dog needs time to adjust to their new surroundings.
Decompression is the first step, and I can’t stress enough how important this is. Rushing through this process guarantees future problems. During this time, the dog needs a quiet, peaceful space to feel safe and adjust. This process can take anywhere from three to four days, but in some cases, it might take a bit longer.
Step 1: Creating a Safe Space I set up a designated quiet area for the foster dog, usually a guest bedroom or a space away from the bustle of the household. A crate is set up in this room, and I make sure it’s cozy with a blanket, a pillow, and maybe a toy or two. Many people see a crate as punishment, but in reality, it’s a dog’s “den” — a safe, secure place where they can retreat and relax.
At this point, I’m also establishing a daily routine. Dogs thrive on consistency, so I maintain the same schedule as my own pets: potty breaks, meals, and playtime all happen at regular intervals throughout the day. I give the foster dog extra attention during these breaks, and we always follow a calm, reassuring routine.
Tip: Some dogs benefit from calming music, so I’ll often play soft, meditative music from iTunes or Pandora. If a dog seems especially anxious, this can work wonders in soothing them.
Step 2: Gradual Introduction to the Pack Once the foster dog has settled in and the first few days have gone smoothly, it’s time to introduce them to the rest of the household. This needs to be done gradually and with care to ensure everything goes well.
I start by setting up a dog gate in the doorway of the guest room, allowing the foster dog to observe the household from a safe distance. This allows them to hear and see the other pets without direct interaction. I pay close attention to their reactions — if they seem relaxed, I slowly begin the introduction process.
After a few days, once everyone seems calm and curious, I take the next step and begin introducing them to my own dogs on walks. This is called parallel walking, and it’s an excellent way to gauge how the dogs will react to one another. We walk on opposite sides of the street at first, allowing them to get comfortable with each other’s presence without pressure. If the dogs are relaxed and curious, I slowly allow them to come closer and sniff each other. I stay calm and collected throughout — dogs can sense our energy, and a calm demeanor will help keep them relaxed.
Step 3: Backyard Play and Bonding Time After the walk, I move the interaction into the backyard. Again, I use leashes to maintain control and ensure everyone stays safe. I allow the dogs to gradually close the distance, making sure they have time to get comfortable without being forced into too much too soon. I try to keep the mood light and avoid any aggressive body language or intense staring — this can escalate things unnecessarily.
A play bow — when a dog lowers its front end with its rear raised — is a great sign that they’re feeling friendly and playful. It’s one of those moments that make you realize how rewarding the fostering process can be!
Step 4: Managing Behavioral Issues and Avoiding Rivalries Once introductions are done and everyone is getting along, I move the crate to the living room, leaving it open so the foster dog still has their retreat space when they need it. During this time, I carefully monitor body language and make sure there’s no competition for toys or attention. Dogs need to feel safe, and keeping their space and belongings respected is key to maintaining harmony.
I pick up all toys and chews during the initial phase of fostering to prevent any potential rivalry. Over time, I can reintroduce toys once the dogs have established a bond. If a foster dog is a fast eater, I’ll feed them in their crate, giving the other dogs space and time to finish their meals peacefully.
Step 5: Keeping the Peace and Preventing Conflict Sometimes, playtime can get too rough, too loud, or one dog may not be enjoying the game. I step in immediately to stop the play and separate them letting everyone cool off. After a short break, I’ll allow the dogs to interact again in a more controlled manner. The key is consistency — if any tension arises, I remain neutral and avoid taking sides. This helps prevent jealousy or rivalry, which could cause long-term issues between dogs.
Saying Goodbye: A Bittersweet Moment As a foster parent, saying goodbye when the dog is adopted is never easy. It’s emotional, knowing that the dog is moving on to their forever home, but it’s also a deeply fulfilling experience to know that I played a part in their journey. That’s the beauty of fostering — you get to be a part of a dog’s life story and help them find the happiness they deserve.
I absolutely love receiving updates from the families who adopt my fosters. If you ever adopt a pet, please send updates — photos or videos — to the rescue group. It means the world to the people who helped that pet along the way!
Finding a Rescue to Support I prefer working with local rescue groups that I know and trust. If you’ve adopted from a nearby nonprofit, that’s a great place to start. If not, there are other ways to get familiar with how a rescue operates. Volunteering in different capacities—such as conducting reference checks for adopters or performing home visits—can be a valuable way to get involved without too much commitment right away.
Rescue groups vary in structure; some rely on a foster network, while others operate shelters to house pets. If they have a shelter, you can volunteer by feeding, walking, and socializing the animals in their care. Taking the time to understand how a rescue group functions will help you feel more confident and supported. You’ll gain insight into their organization, how they interact with fosters and adopters, and the level of care they provide for their animals.
Some rescue groups allow fosters to have a say in selecting the right adopter for the pet they’ve been caring for. This is an ideal arrangement, as your insight is invaluable. The rescue should listen to your feedback on potential adopters, respect your opinion, and take it into account. While the final decision rests with the organization, your voice should be heard and valued.
Why Foster? Fostering a dog is a big commitment, but it’s one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. You may face challenges along the way, but the joy and satisfaction of watching a dog transform from nervous and uncertain to a happy, thriving pet is worth every moment.
If you have the space in your heart and home, consider fostering a dog. You’ll not only help save a life, but you’ll also experience the true meaning of unconditional love. It’s a journey full of ups and downs, but in the end, it’s always worth it.
Suzette Maffi is a devoted animal advocate whose heart and home have been open to animals in need for over three decades. As a seasoned foster mom to both dogs and cats, she has nurtured countless rescue animals on their journey to finding forever homes. Her lifelong passion for animal welfare has fueled her work as a tireless volunteer and voice for the voiceless in the rescue community. Suzette lives in Austin, TX with her supportive husband, her own pack of beloved dogs and charismatic cats, and a revolving door of foster pets—all of whom bring joy, purpose, and a bit of chaos to her home.
Click the image below for a useful guide for helping a foster or newly adopted dog adjust to your home:
