Foster an English Setter

We need fosters!

In order for us to function as a rescue, we need to have approved foster homes ready and willing to help when we get notice of a dog in need.

Unwanted dogs tend to come across our desk from every direction. We don’t have a choice as to if they are male or female, young or old, cat friendly or not. Many times we do not have the time to wait to find a foster home as they require a commitment immediately.

We are contacted by shelters and individuals who know of dogs in need of rescue. Breeders have contacted us as well. Sometimes people can no longer care for their dog because of health issues. We cannot help these dogs if we don’t have a place for them to go, and they must be turned away.

Fostering can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life for you and your family. Often we are asked, “how can you let them go” after seeing the transformation of a foster dog. The simple answer is this: our approved adopters are some of the best homes out there. We carefully screen each applicant to ensure our dogs go to safe and happy homes. We match the dogs needs with the applicant. Some dogs need more attention than others. Some would do best in a young household, where others need a place to retire. The foster home has great influence as to where their dog will go. Keep in mind the whole fostering program is about giving your dog the best chance they have at a new life. Once your dog has been placed in a new home and you see the first photos of your dog, you will know you did the right thing. Now, there is room for another dog that has been waiting for that same chance at a new and happy life.

Of course if you decide to adopt your foster dog, you may do so with our blessing.

Fostering FAQ

  • You will be asked preferences on your foster application, male/female, younger/older, cat friendly, kid friendly, good around other dogs, etc. We will do our best to match you with the right dog. Unfortunately, dogs in shelters are not themselves and it becomes difficult to determine some personality traits.

  • We ask that you help your foster dog to become a welcomed new family member. Potty training is very important. Teach him to sit before getting treats or gets his leash clipped to his collar. Get him used to riding in the car and visiting new places. Try to calm any anxieties they may have regarding other dogs/cats or leash walking. If you have any problems, please feel free to ask any one of us for advice. There is also information in your foster packets on how to help your foster become adoptable.

  • We only ask that you provide food, love, and lots of TLC for your foster dog. We normally try to have the dog completely vetted before they get to you, but sometimes you may have to arrange a vet visit for a booster shot or to check on a previous condition. All vetting will be paid for by the rescue upon approval.

  • We will work with you to resolve any problems that arise. Usually, there is a simple solution. Keep in mind, your new foster dog will need time to decompress once he gets to you. We will cover the proper steps to introduce your foster before he gets there. This will be of tremendous help in assuring everyone gets off on the right foot. If we cannot find a workable solution, we will move the dog, but keep in mind it may take a week or two for us to find another home.

Once you get your foster, we will request a progress report in 2 weeks. At this time, we will ask you about their temperament, likes/dislikes, and skills learned while in your care. We will also ask about any areas of concern you might have. When your foster is ready for adoption we will ask for a short biography of your dog along with a couple cute photos to post on our website. Once they are posted, you will be expected to speak with potential approved adopters interested in your dog. If you have an applicant that you think your dog will be happy with, you will have a major influence as to where your dog goes. We generally let the foster decide, but we do review the decision before we give the final approval.

If you are interested in fostering or have questions about fostering please contact us at foster@oesr.org  Or apply to foster online.

Foster dog application

Dogs in our foster program will need to be medically and behaviorally evaluated. All dogs must be micro chipped, up to date on vaccines, and spayed/neutered and all copies of medical records submitted to us prior to posting them for adoption.

Foster to adopt program

Dogs listed as coming soon may be directly adopted by their fosters and may not become available for adoption. 

Have you always wanted to help a dog, but aren’t sure if fostering is the way to go? Do you want to help save a life, but aren’t quite sure if he/she is the right fit?

Then try our Foster-To-Adopt program! If you foster to adopt, you will foster the dog for approximately two weeks to evaluate whether your home is the right forever home for each of you. During that time, the dog will be medically and behaviorally evaluated per our requirements.

You must have an approved adoption application and a home visit prior to entering the Foster-to-Adopt program. You may want to start the  process prior to finding a dog since some of our more popular dogs are adopted very quickly. You can also start  the process when you see an eligible dog you like on our site.

Forever Foster

Our Forever Foster program is for dogs that may have a terminal condition and require regular medical attention, are way up on their years, or have a behavior issues that need constant attention. These dogs are not normally available for adoption, and therefore remain in their foster home to their last day.

OESR pays the expenses associated with medication and veterinary care while their Forever Foster Family provides food, a warm bed and LOVE. It takes a special person to give of themselves this way, and when we find them, we try and provide the resources we can to help.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of one of our Foster Forever pups, please click here.

Below are some of the dogs in our Foster Forever Program:

  • Brady is a special needs English Setter with overpowering fear of the outside and any noise. After returning from an adoption and being more fearful than ever, Brady’s foster mom started from scratch. Brady retreated to his crate, wouldn’t leave it, marked all over the house, was terrified of the leash and any rooms that led outdoors, and shook violently and drooled at any loud noise. She sought help from a dog behavior consultant and started Brady on behavior meds and behavior modification. After months and months of slow-going work to get Brady closer to the door, Brady finally had a breakthrough and started going out on his own with the help of two of his foster siblings. But even then, Brady doesn’t always want to go out on his own and needs to be carried out. His foster parents made the decision to not put him through another move and relocation and chose to forever foster him. Brady will live out his days with his foster family.

  • Story coming soon.