A: Fosters are the most important part of our rescue group. Without our foster homes, we would be able to save only a fraction of the animals that we do. Foster homes provide potential adopters with answers to questions such as is an animal housetrained, good with other pets, etc. They also allow a traumatized animal the time necessary to recuperate and show their true, beautiful colors.
Q: How long does a pet usually stay in foster?
A: The average time that an animal stays in a foster home is generally around two weeks. Some may stay only a few days; some may stay months. In any case, if a foster family finds themselves unable or unwilling to keep the pet we will always be willing to make other arrangements.
Q: What if I want to keep my foster pet?
A: While we hate to lose a good foster home, we also love to see an animal in a loving, permanent home. (Many of our own pets are "fosters gone wrong"!) It is ultimately the decision of the foster family where the animal goes, or if it goes at all.
Q: What if I don't live in the Lake Tahoe area? How can I get involved?
A: If you are not a registered rescue group, there are still many ways you can help. W.A.R.F. actually got its start when two members went to a local shelter to adopt a dog with the intent of fostering, and ended up taking all four of the dogs that were due to be euthanized that evening. Out of the chaos that ensued over the next few days trying to locate homes or fosters for those dogs, a rescue group was born. If you have the stomach and the energy, rescue an animal from a shelter that would otherwise be destroyed. Run an ad, screen potential adopters carefully, and always keep a record. Make sure that no animals are adopted out until they have been altered, and be sure to make follow-up calls and/or visits. If you would like more information on how to start your own rescue group, or maybe just a simple grass-roots effort , please contact us.
