IS IT THE RIGHT FIT?

 

The Foster-to-Adopt Arrangement

​

If a dog is not already in a foster home, we allow adopters the opportunity to foster the dog which they are interested in adopting. This means you would be allowed to house a dog temporarily to see if you think it is a good fit. Fostering-to-adopt also gives you an advantage in that you would be first in line to adopt the dog. Often, this is the best way to adopt our most highly adoptable dogs, because they tend to get adopted very quickly.

​

You will need to complete a Dog Adoption Application and a Foster contract before fostering.  

​

Things to Note:

 

• While you are fostering and have not adopted the dog, the dog is still Spark Rescue's property.  We will be the decision maker on veterinary care, grooming, etc. Spark will provide all necessary items for the dog and will pay for food, grooming and medical care.  Spark reserves the right to pick up the dog at any time, if we deem that he or she is not properly cared for

​​

• You will have 14 days to decide if the dog is a good fit for you. After that time, the dog will be posted for adoption.  You will then continue to care for the dog as foster-only and assume responsibility for showing the dog to prospective adopters and during events. Please remember that once an applicant from the general public has been told the dog is available, we cannot allow you to adopt over that applicant. 

 

• You must never leave the dog in the care of others without express Spark permission while fostering .  If you are fostering a puppy that has not received a full set of Parvo shots, you must not take the dog out in public places (including dog parks, the beach, your neighborhood, etc.) no exceptions! Santa Barbara has a high risk of the deadly Parvo disease which is contracted via ground contact.  Also, naturally, fostering will not be allowed if you have any aggressive animals in your home.

​

Will the adoption fee be less if I foster-to-adopt? 

​

No, unfortunately the adoption fee will be the same as if you didn't foster. Our fees pay for medical, food and material costs and we do not receive government funding.

​

For a more comprehensive view on our Foster Program, please download our Foster Brochure.