Embarking on the journey of fostering a dog through Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue (SSR) is not only a rewarding experience but a crucial contribution to our mission of rescuing and rehoming dogs in need. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SSR's guidelines, foster responsibilities, and the expectations throughout the fostering process.
SSR's Commitment to Fosters
Routine Veterinary Care:
SSR goes the extra mile by covering all routine and necessary veterinary care for foster dogs, ensuring their health and well-being. This care must be obtained from SSR's approved network of veterinary practices. If you're wondering what vets to use in your location, check out the following information.
Located in the Rio Grand Valley area?
Located in the Houston or Cleveland area?
Located in the San Antonio area?
Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?
Located in the Austin area?
Located in the Corpus Christi area?
Setting up Veterinary Appointments
As a foster parent, you will be required to set up standard veterinary appointments for your foster dog. Standard veterinary appointments include anything on our Approved List of Standard Services (below), in addition to their spay/neuter, if applicable. To learn how to set up your foster dog's veterinary appointments, please click here.
Setting up an SSR account at a new Veterinary Office
As a foster parent, you may find the need to establish an SSR account at a new veterinary office. The reasons you may need to establish a new SSR veterinary account can vary, but primary reasons include:
Distance to the nearest SSR approved veterinary office,
Price of unique services needed at existing SSR approved veterinary office does not meet SSR standards
Regardless of the reason you need to explore additional veterinary offices, please ensure your account setup is approved by Jennifer Aufdenberg before establishing the account.
To learn how to establish an SSR Account at a new Veterinary Office, please click here.
Required Veterinary Care
SSR requires a standard set of veterinary care be performed on all of our dogs. If you receive a new foster, please review their accompanying records to confirm they've received all required care. If they have not, please schedule an appointment at the closest SSR approved veterinary office to have them completed (see list above for approved veterinary offices by location).
Approved List of Standard Services
For dogs over 16 weeks: | For puppies under 16 weeks |
Rabies Vaccination | Three (3) DHPP Vaccinations |
Two (2) DHPP Vaccinations | Fecal/Deworm |
4DX | Bordetella Vaccination |
Fecal/Deworm | |
Bordetella Vaccination | |
Heartworm Prevention | Heartworm Prevention |
Essential Supplies:
While SSR provides necessary supplies like dog food, collars, leashes, supplements, and crates, fosters are encouraged to create wishlists for additional support. The SSR community, often found on platforms like Amazon or Chewy, can contribute to these wishlists.
Whenever necessary, please create a wishlist for your foster dog's needed supplies. Our recommended wishlist location is Amazon. Please post your wishlists to the Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue Community Facebook group before requesting supplies from the rescue.
Note 1: SSR Volunteers are prohibited from posting their own private Venmo, PayPal, bank (etc) accounts for funds solicitations.
Note 2: SSR does NOT issue reimbursements for any purchases made for your foster dog. If you have a supply need for your foster dog, please utilize the above methods.
Networking and Support:
Join SSR's private Volunteer Facebook group to connect with fellow fosters and volunteers. It's a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and seeking advice.
If you require more urgent support, please utilize the Foster Support Live Chat, located within the SSR Volunteer's Facebook group. Please do not message individual volunteers for general support.
Expectations from Texas Foster Parents
As a foster parent, SSR expects you to fulfill several responsibilities:
Dog Care:
Provide daily care for your foster dog, including feeding, grooming, and exercise.
Communication:
Communicate with potential adopters professionally, representing SSR with integrity.
Transportation:
Be able to transport your foster dog to events, veterinary appointments, and Meet & Greets (M&G).
Biography Updates:
Provide a basic biography of your foster within 72 hours of arrival, updating information regularly.
Photos and Videos:
Post clear photos and videos of your foster on SSR's Facebook groups.
Click here for tips on how to craft a great story or take an eye-catching photograph.
Be sure to post in the following groups at least once a week:
SSR Volunteers - This group helps get your dog in front of Caseworkers and other Volunteers so they can help match you with the perfect adopter.
Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue Community - This group is full of German Shepherd enthusiasts and SSR supporters. They can help network your dog.
Adoptable Dogs of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue - This is a page where you should post about your foster being available for adoption. Feature interesting and fun facts about your foster dog, or other things that might entice an interested adopter.
Behavior Reporting:
As a Texas foster, you are very likely one of the first homes your foster dog has been in. They'll be learning what it's like to be an "in house" dog. During this transition period, you should begin to notice behavior traits. Please be sure to update your dog's bio with everything you learn about them as they settle in.
Report any undesirable behaviors promptly to SSR by emailing dogs@shenandoahrescue.org. Undesirable behaviors are defined as ones that cause significant issue to a person, property, or other animal.
Health Concern Reporting:
Notify Jennifer immediately if you observe any concerning medical issues. You may notify Jennifer via Facebook Messenger, Text, or Call for urgent medical issues. For non-urgent medical issues, please email dogs@shenandoahrescue.org.
Have a dog with suspected Parvo?
Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue recommends the Parvo Recovery Center in Pearland, TX.
Contact #: Phone: (832) 736-0852
Website: https://parvorecoverycenter.org/
Transportation Protocol:
As the Texas foster, you will play an involved role in setting up and getting your dog on their transport up North when the time comes. Please make every best effort to be available to transport your foster dog to a vet for their pre-transport Health Certificate, as well as to drop off on the day of transport. We are unable to assist with transporting your foster dog to and from location.
Obtaining a Health Certificate Prior to Transport
One of your biggest roles as a Texas based foster will be to get your foster dog their Health Certificate prior to transport. Health Certificates are good for 7 days, so must be obtained close to the date of departure.
Please see this post for more information on obtaining a Health Certificate for your foster dog.
Thank you for being a front line foster in Texas!
Being a foster parent with Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue is not just a role; it's a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of dogs in need. The dedication and compassion of foster parents play a pivotal role in SSR's mission. Together, we can make a lasting difference, one foster home at a time!