+ Are there requirements to become a foster?
All foster registrants must be 21 years of age or older and live within a 90-minute radius to Manhattan. If you are outside of this radius due to living in a suburban or rural area, please register and our team will be in touch to discuss potential special circ*mstances for pups who require placement outside of the city.
+ How long is the foster commitment?
The average length of stay for a Muddy Paws pup is approximately 2-3 weeks, but that can vary depending on factors like age, breed, size, etc. If you have a time constraint (for example, you can only foster for 3 weeks), please let us know as far in advance as possible so that we can accommodate and make sure we have another foster home for the pup if necessary.
+ What type of support will I receive?
Every foster parent is matched with a foster buddy - a seasoned volunteer member of our foster team - for one-on-one support. All foster parents are also invited to join our private Facebook group - a wonderful community in which you can share photos, experiences, and ask advice from seasoned foster parents. You will also receive our comprehensive foster manual after completing our online orientation and registration process.
+ What am I expected to provide?
We can provide you with a crate, food, toys, and treats - we just ask that you provide shelter, basic supples (and love!). You are not responsible for medical care costs. If you are fostering and have a question about medical care, please contact your Foster Buddy immediately.
+ Do you cover vet bills?
Muddy Paws Rescue covers all essential vet costs for our dogs, and we have several vet partners in NYC and surrounding areas who work with us to provide them with the best possible care.
+ Do I get to choose my foster dog?
Yes! As a registered foster, you have access to a portal where you can see pups who need placement. You have the ability to submit interest in fostering specific pups! Or, our team can strategically match you with a foster dog based on your registration information. We take your preference for age/breed/size in consideration before matching you with a dog. With either option, our ultimate goal is to find the best foster home for our dogs in need.
+I already have a dog. Can I still foster?
Yes, you can still foster with a resident dog as long as your dog is up to date on vaccines and is altered. You won’t be able to meet your foster dog in advance but Muddy Paws will always make a conscious effort to match you with a foster that we feel both you and your dog could do well with. Our team will help you take all necessary steps to ensure you and the dogs stay safe and comfortable.
+ Can my family, friend, or neighbor adopt my foster dog?
If someone you know is interested in adopting your foster dog, please direct them to our website and encourage them to register to adopt. Please note that our Adoptions Team cannot expedite applications for friends or family of our fosters, and because our adoption registration process takes time, the dog may be adopted before your friend or family member is fully registered to adopt. Luckily, they will be registered to adopt a Muddy Paws dog for a year after that, and our Adoptions Team will be happy to work with them on finding their forever dog!
+ I'm registered! Where can I update my upcoming availability?
We are so glad to have you as part of our foster community! You can always update your availability in your portal at any point. Note that you do not just have to choose transport weekends, as sometimes we have instances where dogs might need a different foster mid-week and it is a huge help to know everyone who is available at a given time.
+ I CAN'T KEEP MY DOG, CAN I GIVE THEM TO YOU? / I FOUND A STRAY, WILL YOU TAKE IT?
Generally, we don’t take in owner surrenders or stray pets that were not originally adopted from Muddy Paws, as all our foster homes are at capacity with dogs that we take in from open-intake shelter partners. We recommend reaching out to Animal Care Centers of NYC - they will accept the dog where it will be available for adoption/rescue placement. Rescues are more likely to help a pet in the shelter as this is where they get medical treatment and evaluated based on their behavior. Or, ACC has a deferred intake program, which means that you or someone you know can act as a foster until they find rescue/adoption placement.
