Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions from our fosters. If you see a question not listed here or need additional clarification, please contact your KYHP representative immediately.

I’ve been approved to foster. What’s next?

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect when fostering:

1. Please notify your KYHP representative of the type and number of dogs you’d like to take, including any type of dog your current animals would not accept. Would you do better with puppies? Prefer an older dog? Male or Female? We will try to accommodate specific types of breeds, size, or personalities, but please remember that it is not just the cute and fluffy dogs that need fosters. We generally take in cases of dogs that need work, and prefer fosters to be flexible when making requests.

2. We will notify you of when we have a foster that is available, and generally it is a first-come, first-served basis. In some situations we will specifically reserve dogs for fosters that are easier to transport to or are willing to come to the dog’s location in order to pick up.

3. Some dogs will come to you having already seen the vet, and with additional medications. Others will need to be seen by the vet upon arrival to you. Please contact your KYHP representative for a list of veterinarians that work with our rescue closest to you. You will be responsible for making appointments and taking your foster to the vet just as you would your own dog. All costs will be covered by KYHP as long as the correct vet is used.

4. Although the risk of contracting diseases between dogs is low as long as your pets are up-to-date on current vaccinations, we recommend keeping pets separate until fosters have been able to see a vet and have been vaccinated. Please also pick up foster dog’s stool immediately in order to avoid any transmission of intestinal parasites.

5. Please send your KYHP rep a few clear photos of your foster so that they can be posted on the website and through social media. Start posting your foster pup on social media, neighborhood forums, and spread the word that this baby needs a home! The more people that see the dog, the bigger chance that your foster will be applied for. Direct all potential adopters to the website to fill out an application.

6. Once we have a number of approved applications for your foster, we will forward the applications to you to make the final decision on who the dog goes to. Please contact your chosen adopter and discuss any questions they may have, as well as asking any questions you might have, in order to determine if this is the right home. This could include a meet-and-greet with existing family pets or children, or sending videos and photos to the prospective new family. If you need help with this step, please ask.

7. You’ve chosen your adopter - great! Next, you’ll meet to deliver your foster to their new family. If transport help is needed, please let us know. Please make sure that the family fills out our adoption application prior to handing over the foster, as well as sending the adoption fees to KYHP.

8. Congratulations! You’ve just helped out a dog in need! Let us know when you’re ready to take on your next foster.

How long will I have my foster dog?

We prefer that you commit to fostering your animal until an adoptive home can be found. Unfortunately, we cannot predict how long this will take. It depends on the animal’s breed, age, temperament, and the time of year, as well as how proactive you are about marketing your foster animal and attending adoption events. If you can only foster for a specific period of time, please be certain to indicate this up front to the KYHP representative you are working with. Sometimes another foster home can’t be found, which means that your dog must go to a boarding facility. We prefer to avoid boarding dogs because it’s both expensive for KYHP and stressful for the animal. Still, if you find you cannot continue fostering your animal, contact your KYHP representative immediately.

How quickly will applications be processed?

We are a volunteer-based organization and will try to process applications as quickly as possible. That being said, if a vet or personal reference is not available, we are at the mercy of those individual’s schedules to call us back. Please be patient and understand that we are trying to get through a number of applications each day.

What happens if my foster has to go to the vet?

As you signed in the Foster Agreement, vet care for foster dogs must be provided by an approved KYHP vet. All vetting is paid for by KYHP, but only if you take the dog to one of KYHP’s vet partners. With very limited funds, KYHP must utilize the partnerships we have whenever possible. This is very important, and non-negotiable.

The procedure: First, contact your KYHP representative to determine whether vetting is necessary. There are many ailments for which KYHP keeps treatment supplies on hand in our Med Shed (worms, kennel cough, coccidia, etc.). If a visit is deemed necessary, and it is a non-emergency issue, simply contact an KYHP vet partner to make an appointment. You are then responsible for taking the animal to the vet. If your schedule does not permit, you will need to find another KYHP volunteer to take the animal.

What if I have a vet emergency?

We always want to make sure all of our animals get the very best medical care – especially in the case of an emergency. If your animal has an obvious and clear emergency (hit by car, serious fight with an animal, ingestion of dangerous object) then contact your KYHP contact person and inform them that you will be taking the animal to your nearest emergency vet. KYHP does not usually receive discounts from emergency vets, so you will likely just go to your nearest emergency vet. Again, as much as possible, any emergency vet visit needs to be approved by your KYHP rep.

What if I don’t like a prospective adopter?

KY Hopeful Paws feels that Foster volunteers should, as much as possible, make the decision regarding the home in which their foster animal gets permanently placed. We recognize that you have probably developed a close bond with your foster animal and want to make sure he/she gets only the best home. Once an adopter has been conditionally approved, it is up to the Foster to determine if a home is right for their foster dog.

What if my foster isn’t working out?

KYHP will make every effort to ensure a good and safe foster match. However, there are times when this will fail. In this case, contact your KYHP representative as soon as possible. If the issues are minor, KYHP will work with you to address them. Many times, problems can be solved by trying a few new things and/or by giving the animal time to adjust to your home. For example, we can switch crates, switch foods, or offer simple behavioral solutions to try. We may also have a trainer work with you. Other times, an animal may simply not be a good fit for your home or lifestyle. KYHP will always take the foster animal back if an issue cannot be resolved. However, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours to make a plan. If that is not possible, we will make emergency arrangements. KYHP never wants to put the safety of the Foster person, their own animals, or the foster animal in jeopardy.

Can I adopt my foster dog?

Yes, so long as we all feel it makes sense. But keep in mind that adopting your foster animal may mean that you can no longer foster. We’ll be sad to lose you! Think through the decision carefully so that you are not deciding to keep the animal solely because it is too difficult to let him/her go. The first few foster experiences can be difficult, as you’ll get attached and may have trouble letting go. But remember, your role as a Foster person is invaluable! As an adopter you may only be able to save one animal’s life, but as a foster parent you have the potential to help dozens of animals. You will need to work with your KYHP contact to discuss whether your adoption is truly in the best interest of your foster animal.

What if I have to leave town?

Please notify us ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for your foster animal to go elsewhere while you are gone. Some foster people (who have other pets) have dog sitters who will also watch their foster dog. Other Foster volunteers like to travel with their foster dog. Others may have a boarding facility they work with. We are open to ideas, but generally cannot afford to cover the costs of dog sitters or expensive boarding facilities. If you wish to pay for these options once they are approved by KYHP, that is great (and can be considered a donation)! If you cannot, KYHP will allow you to make arrangements either with one of our boarding partners or with another Foster volunteer. Be sure to give us enough warning so that we can help you make these arrangements. Keep in mind that holidays can be difficult to find space and are expensive. The more advance time we have, the better! If an emergency occurs and you need to leave town suddenly, please contact KYHP right away. We will work with you to find a suitable placement for your foster.

Am I expected to buy supplies for my foster?

All fosters are covered for being spayed or neutered, fully-vaccinated, with flea and tick preventative and heartworm preventative. Whenever possible, we try to provide fosters with food and supplies for your dog. If not, it is expected that you will provide the same supplies you would for your own animals. Purchases made for foster care are considered donations to KY Hopeful Paws and are tax-deductible. Keep your receipts. We will be happy to issue you a tax donation letter. If you want to be reimbursed for a purchase, you must get prior approval from your KYHP rep.

Have another question you don’t see here? Contact your KHP representative for more information!