Our Foster Program
I.CA.R.E. would not begin to save as many animals as we do every year without the extremely valuable help of foster parents! Before rescue dogs are adopted into their forever homes, they are first placed in the safe haven of a foster home. This loving and supportive environment plays a huge role in helping each dog begin to recover from the anguish of their past life and once again know how to experience love and trust.
If you’ve always wanted the opportunity to care for a dog but were unable at times to commit to long-term care, then fostering a dog in need is the ideal solution. Until adopted, a foster dog could be with you anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. We do ask that you commit to at least two weeks at a time in order to provide the continuity of care necessary during the dog’s healing process. We also require an approved application and home check prior to placing a dog in a foster home.
Once you’ve become a foster parent, I.CA.R.E. will provide everything that your foster dog needs, including a collar (with ID tag), a leash, toys, and food. A crate will be provided as well if needed. We also cover all medical expenses for the period of time the dog is in your foster care.
We are always available, day or night, to discuss any concerns or issues that you may be having with your foster dog. We have our own personal trainer/behaviorist on board ready to help you if there are any behavioral issues that need to be addressed. Helping rescued dogs work through such issues while in foster care will set them up for success with their new forever families.
Perhaps you find that you’ve fallen in love with the dog you’re fostering and want to make your home his or her forever home. The loving action of adopting one’s own foster dog is a fairly common occurrence that is affectionately referred to as a “Foster Failure” within the rescue community. Once your adoption is finalized, you have the option to further help us by fostering other dogs in need.
If you’re a resident of either Orange County or Riverside County and are ready to begin the rewarding experience of fostering a dog, please click the button above and fill out an online foster application. You also have the option to download an application and email it to us at savealife@icaredogrescue.org or fax it to 877-865-2321. For any additional questions about fostering, contact us at savealife@icaredogrescue.org. Also, you can always follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with especially urgent fostering needs.