FOSTER A PAWS DOG
Why We Need Fosters
Paws and Stripes takes in animals from local shelters and rescue groups throughout New Mexico. We focus specifically on pets in shelters and in rescue groups. We are a small organization, and we want to save as many lives as possible, and the foster program allows us to maximize our resources.
Sometimes, a Veteran may leave the program due to various factors, or during the course of our program we find that the dog may not be cut out to do service work. These dogs need a loving foster home to care for them until Paws and Stripes can find a new working partner or a new home more suited to them.
How long should I expect to have a foster dog in my care?
Ideally, foster dogs stay in their assigned foster homes for 2-3 weeks at the longest. Some dogs only need to stay for a weekend, depending on where they are in the program. In rare situations, a foster home may be needed for a few months. We do not have a boarding location to house animals overnight, so we rely on foster homes.
What if I want to adopt my foster dog?
In most cases, Paws and Stripes foster dogs are not available for adoption. They are in foster in preparation to become an assistance dog for a Veteran. In situations where the dog is unable to complete our Veteran Service Dog program, their foster may be given first chance to adopt the dog. If you want to adopt a foster dog, please let the foster coordinator know. In the event your foster dog becomes available, you will need to complete an adoption application and follow the full adoption process.
How does Paws and Stripes find a forever home for dogs that do not become service dogs?
Paws and Stripes will place a dog in a foster home if the dog is in need of finding a pet home while we look for the best placement for a dog in our program. We also partner with local area rescue groups to help place dogs that do not become assistance dogs.
