Where do homeless bassets come from?

Homeless bassets are from shelters, are strays whose owners cannot be found, or are relinquished by owners who no longer want them. Changing lifestyles, the economy, and lack of responsibility are just a few of the countless reasons bassets come into rescue organizations. This problem is not specific to bassets, but is true of all breeds and mixed breeds.

Why do bassets need foster care?

Having homeless bassets in foster care improves the chances for a successful adoption. It’s best to have homeless bassets stay in an environment where they can be evaluated and receive love and care while waiting for their forever home.

How often are foster homes needed?

The number of Bassets in need of rescue is constantly increasing which increases our need for foster homes. The homeless pet population fluctuates during the year. For example, many rescues and shelters see an increased number of pets after the holidays. Rescue work is unpredictable. Many of our foster homes care for foster bassets on a regular basis, while others may not be utilized more than a few times a year.

What is expected to happen during fostering?

Foster homes provide food, treats, love and attention for homeless Bassets. The foster parent evaluates the health (with veterinary assistance), emotional stability, attitude towards adults and children and other animals, state of training, and any issues that will make the basset’s placement in a new home a permanent one. Is the basset active? Does the basset need to be in a one-dog family? Does the basset need another dog as a playmate? In special cases, BBR will assist with the evaluation through referrals to dog behaviorists and obedience trainers. BBR expects foster bassets be treated as part of your family, as you would your own pet. Safe places to sleep, eat, rest and play are essential. Children should never be left alone with a foster basset or made responsible for the foster basset’s care. Fostering is not to be used as a learning experiment for a child.

What do foster parents do?

After a family agrees to foster a basset in need, transportation is arranged. Many foster parents pick up their foster basset at the shelter or home from which they are relinquished. Foster parents then take the basset to a designated veterinarian where their records are reviewed. An exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter and medication are administered as necessary. During the fostering period, foster parents are expected to evaluate the basset. Foster parents work with adoption coordinators to recommend appropriate placement in permanent homes. Foster parents typically meet and evaluate the potential adopters, and prepare the appropriate paperwork. Following adoption, the foster parent submits adoption paperwork to the director and makes follow up calls to the new family.

How much notice will I receive when a foster home is needed?

Rescue is an unpredictable business. Sometimes BBR receives several bassets within a short period of time. It is important for foster families to be flexible and available as much as possible. BBR will contact foster families as soon as we receive word of a homeless basset in need of foster care. Most bassets are transported during weekends when most volunteers are off work and available.

What are the costs associated with fostering?

The foster family is expected to provide good quality dry dog food in quantities appropriate for the size and age of the basset. Should a foster basset require a special diet, please notify BBR. A dog bed or blanket and toys are also needed. BBR will loan foster families a crate if necessary. The most important thing a foster family provides is LOVE!

What does BBR pay for?

BBR pays for all approved veterinary expenses, including vaccinations, spay/neuter, heartworm and flea preventative. We work with vets who offer reduced rates and bill us directly. If a foster dog is injured or needs emergency care, we ask foster parents to seek appropriate medical attention and notify their Foster Home Coordinator as soon as possible. If a foster basset needs obedience training or if other special circumstances arise, the foster home should contact their Foster Home Coordinator so that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

What kind of problems can I expect?

In most cases, the dogs that come in are happy and healthy. These dogs generally do not present any problems. They will many times be nervous or a bit restless for the first few days/nights, as they do not understand what is happening. They usually settle in within the first few nights. Some dogs take a little longer. An occasional accident can occur during the first few days. This may happen until you are able to understand that particular dogs’ signs that they need to relieve themselves, and until they get used to the routine in your home. These initial accidents do not indicate a lack of housetraining, but are a clear reminder of how confused and/or stressful these dogs can be during this transition. In some cases, maybe they are not sure what door to go to, or even where the door is. A crate can be a welcome and safe place for all parties involved.

What about extreme problem dogs?

We occasionally get in a dog that needs some very special help. He/she may have been living outside and does not understand what it means to live inside and follow the “house” rules. Maybe they have been crated whenever they have been in the house, and haven’t learned the “house” rules either. Sometimes we will get a dog that has not been fed or trained properly, and has some issues around food or feeding. Some dogs have never been socialized properly, and are extremely shy or fearful of objects or strangers. All of these problems are directly related to their prior lifestyle, and not the fault of the dog. We need foster homes for these dogs too. We have a lot of resources to help you help these dogs as well. With your help, and with gentle and loving guidance, these dogs can go on to live normal well-adjusted happy-basset lives. If you feel that you are prepared to take on one of these bigger challenges, please talk to our Foster Home Coordinator.

As a foster parent, do I have a say in who adopts my foster basset?

Yes. In cooperation with the adoption coordinator, foster parent’s work to find the best match for your foster dog.

What if I love my foster basset too much to allow his/her adoption?

Foster families are given first priority for adoption of their foster dog. However, fostering is designed to provide temporary care to homeless bassets.

What happens if I go on vacation while I have a foster basset?

If you will be away from home while you are fostering, please contact your Foster Home Coordinator as soon as plans are made. BBR will make arrangements to have your foster basset cared for in an alternate foster home or designated kennel while you are away.

How long are bassets in foster care?

Every basset is different and many factors affect a basset’s adoptability, including: age, temperament, appearance, time of year, and location of foster home. BBR has had bassets in foster care for only days, while others have been fostered for months.

What if problems occur with the foster basset?

BBR does not abandon its foster families and is committed to providing guidance throughout fostering experiences. If there is a problem or question, contact your Foster Home Coordinator immediately so the appropriate action can be taken.

I'm interested in being a foster parent. What do I do next?

The first step to becoming a foster parent is to read and understand our Foster Home Policy. It contains requirements and restrictions for our potential foster homes. It is designed to provide a safe environment for our dogs. The next step is to complete and submit the Foster Home Application.

After you submit your completed application, the area Foster Home Coordinator will contact you for an interview, and will answer any other questions you might have. He/she will also do a veterinary and/or reference checks to ensure you have treated your past and current pets well. We will arrange to do a home visit whenever possible. If everything works out, you will then be required to sign a Foster Home Agreement. That's all there is to it! You are then ready for your first foster experience.