Question about Fostering whilst working ft

[AprilRose]

I'll try to keep this brief. Simply put - I would love to be a fosterer for dogs 'between homes'. I have a dog already (9 y/o lab cross, is used to meeting new dogs fairly often, is a rescue herself.) and would love to take on another, but I work full time. I currently am able to take my dog into work with me, but as we are moving to new offices in the next year or so, and are not guaranteed to be moving to the rural settings we currently have.

I have the facilities to leave my dog at my mother's house while I work (dog flap, fully enclosed garden, etc) so when necessary, I can do that and she's laid back enough to not be fussed.

Obviously I'm not in the right position to be taking on a new dog at this point. However, a recent post by Val about a dog desperately in need of a home else it would be PTS (I think...) got me to thinking. In a situation like that, surely it would be perferable to get the dog into a slightly-unsuitable home which would buy it some time, some food, and training/socialising during off-work hours, than leaving it to be killed. However most places (understandably) seem to want their fosterers to be around for all/most of the day.

Is there anything at all I can do? I work flexible hours, so could (if required) leave the office to collect dogs/take them to full-time fosterers/rescue kennels/meet potential new owners.

It breaks my heart to hear tales of dogs who had outstayed their 7 days in the pound and to not be able to do anything about it, simply because I have to work. I live alone, have a dog and three cats (who have their own room, and are used to strange dogs turning up) I own my own house (well, the bank do, but you know what I mean) and have an enclosed garden, live near woods and fields, and have had all manner of dogs of all shapes and sizes. I would not be able to bring a fostered dog to work as I have to have owned them for 4 weeks and be able to account for behaviour around people/dogs, which is a bit much for a potentially traumatised pooch.

Is it worth phoning around local rescue centres, or are they all just going to rule me out on the work thing?

(Not very brief, sorry!)

I'm also looking at fostering in not ideal circs (we have young children and cats too). I've read so many posts on here and the overall advice seems to be to contact rescues and see what their policy is. I've filled in a couple of forms online today (one local and also Many Tears who foster nationally) and am waiting to hear what they say. There might well be dogs out there who could be fine being left for the day, especially given you've got another dog for company, you won't know unless you ask :)

You won't be able to take dogs from the pound - this I do know. They have to be taken by a rescue first.

Not sure about the work thing and the rescues but there are some on here that will be able to tell you. I have occasionally seen dogs offered up who's history is known and are stated to be fine to be left for up to 8 hours - but that is in no way common, or probably desirable.

If you want to help and are deemed unsuitable as a fosterer there are many ways you can help rescues if you have a little bit of spare time, by offering to homecheck/transport/fundraise. All of these help dogs move on faster and free up a space to allow the next one to be rescued and rescues will often snap your hand off if you offer these sort of things. You don't even have to be affiliated to one. Just make the contacts and you'll be as busy as you want to be

Thanks loads for your responses. I've been looking at Many Tears, and have just now filled out their fostering forms (with an essay in the 'any other notes' section!) they travel out far enough along the M4 that I could easily collect. Have mentioned that am happy to transport/do very short term respite or holiday fostering if they don't think I'm suitable for longer term fostering, so will see what they say.

Will check out some more local ones as well, see if anyone can find a use for me!

The rescue I am in touch with will consider you if you work f/t. They also won't turn you down flat if you have cats or young children. It's a very small, local rescue. They take everyone on a case by case basis. You just need to be honest with them about your circumstances so they can match you with the right kinds of dogs.

Smaller rescues tend to be less rigid with their rules.

MT came back this morning with a very definite no. I do understand; they have to do what's right for their dogs, but it's still a little frustrating to want to help but to not be in the right situation.

Shall look elsewhere, but try to remain realistic...