Fostering Second Chances for Greyhounds

Make a meaningful impact by welcoming a greyhound in need.

Submit Foster Application
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Happy dog in motion outdoors

Open Your Home, Change a Life

Foster homes for FHGA's greyhounds are always critically needed. By being a foster home, you provide a temporary home for one of the greyhounds that has been brought into FHGA's adoption program. You acquaint them with "life inside a home" versus life at the kennel or track. It can be one of the most rewarding and sometimes challenging experiences.

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A Little Heartache, a Lot of Hope

The most common comment about fostering a greyhound is "I'm afraid I will get too attached". Well, that is very true for each of us, but remember, “If you adopt, you can save one; if you foster, you can save many.” As a foster, you sacrifice a bit of your heart and your home to the greyhounds. The dogs bond quickly. You may be the first person who has been kind to them. It is hard to give them up when they are adopted. But remember, "The gift is in the goodbye." Fostering is a lesson in unselfish love.

Covid-19 Update

IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ADOPTIONS.
All meet-and-greets have been suspended until further notice.
OUR SERVICE AREA IS UPSTATE AND WESTERN NY.
NORTH to PLATTSBURGH - WEST to ROCHESTER -
SOUTH to BEACON and WAPPINGERS FALLS.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
[Our service area DOES NOT INCLUDE NYC or the BOROUGHS.]
*NOW SERVING GETTYSBURG, PA (within 100-mile radius)*
*Please DO NOT apply if you, or any family members, are ill.
The dogs will wait, and so will we!*
Questions: (518) 428-3254

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Greyhound dog walking outdoors

Cesar Millan on the Magic of Fostering a Dog

Being fostered is a wonderful opportunity for a dog to prepare for his forever home. He will have more one-on-one time with humans, and he can experience more of the world around him instead of being limited to the confines of a shelter. It can significantly increase his chances of fitting in with his next family. And of course, his foster parents can make sure his new family is the right fit by helping them to understand his energy level, any issues that are being worked on, and any special needs the dog has.

Fostering isn't just good for the dog—it can do wonders for the human as well! A dog needs daily exercise, and that helps us to get up, get out of the house, and experience simplicity. Dogs help you to appreciate the world around you. They smell the ground so intensely. They look at the trees as though they are seeing them for the first time. It helps us to remember the wonders that we take for granted. So if you're stressed or anxious, it goes away for that moment when it's just you and the dog. People say I do magic, but it's the dogs that do magic. In an instant, they can help you feel calm. They just come in and make it happen without a word.

But I think it's important that you don't form too much of an emotional attachment with the dog. Remember, you are preparing the dog to detach himself from you and live with another human. If not, it can be damaging to his relationship with his new family. He can move on, but it will just make it harder for him. The way I think this can be achieved is by switching dogs. They use this system to train dogs for the blind. If people stay with a dog for a month and then get a new one, the dog doesn't become confused. When he is in his forever home, he will know he is with his new pack! As a professional, I have to do this with the dogs I work with. If I am going to help a dog that is not mine, I can't connect all the way. I need to let the owners finish it!

Stay calm and assertive!

Cesar Millan

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Wanted: Dedicated, Qualified Foster Families

Please read BEFORE you apply.

Qualifications

Foster families are a very important part of any rescue organization's structure, but it is not an easy job and not always fun. As a foster, your responsibilities are many. You will have to deal with upset tummies, stress diarrhea, and a dog who has never even seen the inside of a house before. He does not know how to climb stairs, how to behave inside, or, in many cases, even how to accept a treat from your hand. In other words, your foster Greyhound is a blank slate. Foster families are responsible for teaching the Greyhound in their care how to ask to be let outside to relieve themselves and how to climb stairs. They must be taught all of the social graces and learn that it is inappropriate to jump up on people, counter surf, and beg at the table.

Foster Responsibilities & Commitments

Support We Offer Our Foster Families

Get in Touch
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Take the First Step to Foster

If you are interested in becoming a foster home, please fill out the Foster Application and submit it as instructed. This application allows us to better match a foster greyhound to your particular home environment. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email or call. On behalf of the greyhounds needing the loving care needed in preparation for their "forever" homes, thank you for your participation.

FHGA Foster Care Application

Thank you for your interest in fostering a Greyhound. Please complete the form below to the best of your abilities. We will contact you after we have reviewed your application.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Information
Address
About the Household
Ages of children in the home*
Is everyone in the household aware that greyhounds must ALWAYS be kept on a leash, or in a completely fenced area?*
About My Residence
Currently, do you*
[Renters Only] Section
Is there an animal size/pound restriction?
Do you have permission from your landlord to adopt a dog?
[Homeowner's Only] Section
Is your yard fenced in?*
Other Household Pets
If you own a cat, is it
Do you provide dental care for your pets?
Pet Care
Do you already have a veterinarian?*
Is your veterinarian familiar with a greyhound's special needs?*
Is there a legal ordinance in your area pertaining to animal/pet ownership? (i.e., leash laws, required vaccinations, dog licenses, etc.)*
Do you agree to bring the greyhound to the Veterinarian for his/her scheduled neutering/spaying appointment? (**See Note below.)*
Do you agree to bring the greyhound to our Adoption Clinics or other events or make him or her available for one of our volunteers to pick up if you are unable to come yourself? (**See Note below.)*
**NOTE: If you are unable to bring the Greyhound for his/her scheduled Veterinary appointment or to an Adoption Clinic or event, we will make arrangements for a Forever Home volunteer to transport the dog. We would request that you provide us with as much notice as possible so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
About Your Interest in Greyhounds
Do all adults in the household agree to the adoption?*
Do you have a gender preference?*
Occasionally an older greyhound, or one with special needs, is available. Would you consider fostering such a dog?*
It may take SEVERAL WEEKS for a greyhound to adjust to its new home. Are you willing / prepared to allow this much time?*
Do you desire to foster with intent to adopt?*
Where will your fostered greyhound spend the majority of his/her day?*
Where will your fostered greyhound spend the majority of his/her night?*
What type of (greyhound) personality/temperament do you think would best fit your household and lifestyle?*
What research have you done about the breed?*
A home visit may be required. Do you agree to allow a Forever Home representative to do home visits and phone calls during the fostering period?*
You and the Greyhound will be assigned a "Foster Advocate." Do you agree to keep the Advocate advised as to how the Greyhound is doing and to contact him or her with any concerns or questions that you might have, or to arrange for transportation if you are unable to bring the Greyhound to an Adoption Clinic or other scheduled event?*
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References

Please list two references that you have known for more than one year. At least one of your references should be a neighbor. References cannot be family members.
Reference #1
Address*
Reference #2
Address*
References

I/We authorize my/our veterinarian to release information regarding my/our pets to a representative of Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions. Further, by typing/entering my/our name(s) I/we affix my/our electronic signature(s) acknowledging that the information supplied herein is true and correct. If the information in this application is found to be false, Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions retains the right to decline this adoption request.
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