Child and Pet Relief Fund

Someone to comfort, to dry up your tears - Someone to be there, to quiet your fears
A companion, a pal, a very best friend - Someone to trust and to love 'til the end.

Information

Fostering FAQ

How do I choose my foster dog? A few times a week “inmate lists” are emailed to the group. These are dogs in immediate danger of being euthanized from local Animal Control facilities. Pictures and brief descriptions of the dogs in need are included in the email. If you see a dog you would be interested in fostering, just let us know.
What does CPRFund provide for my foster dog? We provide you with a crate, collar, leash and dog food. Treats and dog toys are usually also available. We also provide all necessary veterinary care ( spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, dewormer, Heartworm preventative and microchipping ) for your foster.
Are these dogs up to date on vaccinations? Will he or she get my personal pets sick? As soon as we pull a dog in need they are given a vaccination for Bordatella ( kennel cough ) and combo vaccine for Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Parainfluenza. The dogs are also dewormed. However, kennel cough and upper respiratory infections are contagious and cannot be tested for so, it is imperative that your personal pets be UTD on their own vaccinations before you bring in a foster.
Will he/she already be spayed or neutered? Usually not… Your foster dog will need to be taken to one of our participating veterinary clinics for surgery. CPRFund pays for the surgery, but, transportation and caring for the dog post operative is a foster parents responsibility.
What happens if my foster dog gets sick or injured? Immediately contact us about the illness or injury and for approval to see one of the three veterinary offices we use. Dogs MUST be brought to these locations only, or CPRFund will not pay for any medical expenses.
Will you know if my foster has any behavioral issues? CPRFund cannot guarantee the temperament of any dog. The “in need” dogs are accessed by the animal control officers but, these dogs are there for so short a time before they are scheduled to be put down, a thorough evaluation is usually impossible. We rely on their impressions of the dog and would never knowingly place an unbalanced dog in your care. We understand that these dogs will be living in your home and with your family and CPRFund wants what is best for all involved!
How long will I have my foster? Until they are adopted out in to a safe, loving, forever home. This varies greatly depending upon the particular dog you chose to foster. Most puppies and small breed dogs will be adopted within a few weeks of coming into your home. Young adults of what the public considers “desirable breeds”, will likely be with you slightly longer. Older dogs and bully breeds can take MANY, many months to adopt out. This is something to seriously consider when choosing your foster.
Will my foster dog be housebroken? Usually not… This is one of the many reasons CPRFund provides and requires that you crate train your foster. Crated dogs are much easier to housebreak! Most adults will catch on fairly quickly. Puppies and younger dogs require a bit more work.
What happens if my personal pets and my foster dog do not get along? Here is another reason we provide a crate. If after an adjustment period they just can’t learn to be friends, we suggest you “crate and rotate”. One dog is safely in a crate while the other gets his attention and exercise. Then you switch. Its not an ideal situation but, not every dog will get along with every other dog out there. If there is a serious aggression issue it will be addressed and a dog may have to be moved to a different foster home. However, since we are not a shelter, there is never an “extra cage open” to move your foster to and patience is required. You will need to crate and rotate until another foster home opens up or switch dogs with a different foster parent. This can take some time.
What are some of my responsibilities as a foster parent? First and foremost is to provide them a safe and loving home! These dogs have been discarded and some have been neglected and/or abused. Your kindness and attention will make them whole again… We also need you to participate and bring your foster dog to scheduled adoption events, screen and chose adoptive homes for them and also transport them to and from veterinary appointments.

Please consider
making a donation
Online

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Make checks payable to:
Child and Pet Relief Fund
P.O. Box 303
Lowell, IN 46356