What are foster families responsible for?
A foster’s role is to expose the dog to all sorts of new situations, sounds, and other animals. You will work on housebreaking and learning about steps, sliding-glass doors, riding in cars, household appliances, etc. Dogs coming from Ireland must be bathed within 24 hours of entering the U.S. You will also facilitate the adoption process by coordinating a meeting with approved adopters, completing paperwork, and collecting the adoption fee.
Foster parents play an important role in the placement and adoption process and may be asked to provide information and attend special events so that the foster dog gets the exposure necessary to be adopted in a timely manner. Meet and Greets and Hound Hikes are scheduled throughout the state each month and foster parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Special one time CGA events are also scheduled throughout the year and foster parents are expected to bring the foster dog or make arrangements for a CGA volunteer to pick-up the dog and deliver to and from the events.
What supplies are provided?
The foster parent will be given supplies including a crate, muzzle, collar, ID tag, and leash. Frontline and wormer/heartworm medication will also be provided. You may submit for reimbursement for food.
Will I have to take the dog to a veterinarian?
Usually not. Retired racers visit a vet for spay/neuter and teeth cleaning before going into foster homes.
How does the adoption process work?
Foster parents must forward any interested adopters through the adoption process. The adoption process begins when the potential adopter fills out a CGA adoption application. The adoption coordinator speaks to the applicant and determines their viability for adopting a greyhound. A home visit is scheduled by an adoption rep and vet references are checked. Once an adopter is approved, the adoption coordinator will forward a contract to the foster home and will look to the foster parent to complete the required information, sign as the authorized CGA representative, and collect the adoption fee/mail it to CGA. The foster dog will go to their forever home with their collar, CGA ID tag, and medical paperwork which will be given to the foster parent at the time of foster dog pick-up.