Ready to Foster?

The benefits of fostering a rescued dog cannot be measured. Yes, it can be an emotional day when the adoption happens. But you know you have done an immeasurable service for this dog, you’ve helped save a life, and you’ve been gifted with the trust of an animal who has faced it all and still can love.

We frequently rescue blind and/or deaf dogs and have a foster who specializes in their care. If this is something you might be interested in, we will assist with that training.

 We have also taken in a number of puppy mill survivors which also requires specialized knowledge and fostering. We take our dogs to some events, if appropriate for that dog. The foster will have contact with and input on potential adopters.

If you are interested in fostering dogs through Coastal Sheltie Rescue of Virginia, please read our Foster Guidelines below and fill out a foster application. We will be in touch with you as soon as possible (usually within a couple of days). 

Foster Guidelines

This section covers general CSR+ requirements for potential fosters. Once you have finished reading, please accept the foster terms by filling out a foster application. Please read and complete our Foster Handbook along with your application.

HOME VISIT: A home visit is a pre-requisite for potential fosters. This is NOT a white-glove inspection. CSR+  would like to meet the members of your family as well as your current pets. Should you be outside our immediate area, we may utilize a nearby reputable rescue to conduct the home visit. This valuable step helps to prevent the re-homing of adopted pets.

AGE REQUIREMENTS: CSR+ prefers a foster to be at least twenty-one years of age.  All children must be over the age of 5.  

FOSTERING MATERIALS: CSR+ will provide you with all things necessary for our foster dog, such as a crate, food, heartworm medication, leash, collar.( food voucher if not within 2 hrs of Virginia beach)

NEIGHBOR CONSIDERATIONS: Collies and shelties can be vocal, although not all are. Please consider your home environment and that of your neighbors when fostering.

EXERCISE PLANS: A fenced in yard is ideal, although CSR+ understands this is not always possible. Should this not be an option, the foster must be committed to daily walks and exercise in all kinds of weather. Please keep your foster dog on a leash and supervised unless in a secure area. Note that a fenced yard may be required based on individual dog’s history and age.

LANDLORD APPROVAL: Written proof of landlord approval and pet deposit, if required, is necessary if your residence is a rental, condominium, or part of a Homeowner’s Association.

MICROCHIPPING. All CSR+  dogs are or will be micro-chipped. You agree to ensure the dog wears it’s collar including the CSR+  ID tag at all times.

VETERNARIAN CHECK: Your veterinarian will be contacted as part of the screening process. Current pets in the household should be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, heartworm testing, current heartworm prevention, and there should be a consistent history of wellness care. Please provide CSR+  with rationale as to why a pet is un-spayed or un-neutered so due consideration can be made.

FOSTER PROCESS: The foster process of CSR+ purposefully includes several steps. This helps match you with a dog that is most compatible with your family and lifestyle. Expect one to two weeks from the time an application is submitted until a foster is finalized. 

ACTIVE FOSTERING: Foster parents agree to maintain open communication with the Foster team to ensure the dogs best interest.  This may include discussion about upcoming veterinary care (service, pricing, and veterinary provider).  Fosters agree to have all canine services approved by CSR+ Foster team member before encumbering service and subsequent expense. ( Coastal must be listed as the owner on the account and be a pre approved vet we already work with)

CSR+  RIGHTS: Coastal Sheltie Rescue of Virginia reserves the right to deny any application.

FOSTER TO ADOPT : What if I want to adopt my Coastal Sheltie Rescue Foster ? We would be thrilled to have you give your Coastal Sheltie Rescue Foster a permanent home - with a couple of exceptions. 

We do not foster to adopt Puppies unless you help with Momma dog and her puppies.

There is a point during the adoption process where we have made a commitment to our adopters that they will get a particular dog. If that point has been reached and an application as been paid for a dog or a meet and greet has take place, or a verbal or written agreement between the adopter and their application processor that they will be able to adopt the animal then it is too late.