Foster Dogs and Puppies - Volunteer Position

Why Foster with Path of Hope Rescue?

Path of Hope Rescue is 100% foster-based and relies on volunteers and fosters to help our mission. Simply, we cannot rescue a dog if we do not have a foster home for them to go to while they wait for their forever home. At Path of Hope Rescue we strive to decrease the euthanasia rate of high-risk dogs in the southern United States by transporting pregnant dogs and puppies to the Pacific Northwest to find adoptive homes.

What is My Role as a Foster?

Becoming a dog Foster means you get to help play a critical role in saving the lives of puppies and momma dogs in overcrowded shelters on the euthanasia list by giving them a second chance at life and a loving home. A Foster provides a temporary, nurturing environment to recover, grow, and thrive while waiting to be placed with a new family. Other duties would include the following:

• Daily care and grooming. Feeding and making sure the dog is maintained helps with their overall health.

• Transportation. Taking the dog to events and appointments.

• Socialization. Exposing the dog to different environments, people, and other animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident.

• Basic Training. Teaching commands and potty training to help their adoptability and help their transition to a permanent home.

• Helping with the adoption process.

  • Showcase the dog at PHR events where they can meet people and maybe their new family!

  • Provide information and pictures to the Rescue to post and give to prospective adopters.

  • Conducting home visits to ensure a good match.

Your dedication and commitment are crucial in giving these dogs a second chance at life, making you an indispensable part of their journey to finding loving forever homes. The Rescue provides all the supplies, food, and healthcare your foster dog(s) need.

Who We are Looking for as Fosters

• Our homebase is Spokane, Washington, and we require Fosters to live within two hours of Spokane.

• A safe and caring home for dogs to chill and learn while they wait for their future home.

• Time to commit to training, caring for, and attending events with the dog in your care.

• Being a Foster is a full-time commitment while there is a dog in your care. The majority of our dogs are puppies, pregnant mommas, and some older dogs (mommas whose puppies have been weened). Depending on the dogs age and health, they may need different levels of care and time.

  • Mommas with their puppies (less than 8 weeks) require constant care to make sure everyone is doing well and thriving.

  • Puppies between 8 and 16 weeks will need potty training and be able to go out every few hours throughout the day and night.

  • Older puppies and dogs will need training but do not have to go out as often.

Steps to Becoming a Foster with Path of Hope Rescue

Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you will complete a Three Day Trial where a dog (or two) on our current roster will be placed in your care for three days and three nights. This is to ensure that Fostering is the right fit for you and your family. If fostering is a good fit for you, you will have the opportunity to complete a full foster application to join our Foster Pack. You will be supported in each step of the process and provided with a community and resources to be successful on this journey.

*WE DO NOT FOSTER TO ADOPT. If you are interested in adoption, please fill out our Adoption Application.