FOSTER | Legacy Paws Rescue

"Fostering isn't a lifetime commitment. It's a life changing one."

SAVE A LIFE MAKE A DIFFERENCE BE THE CHANGE

FOSTER APPLICATION

Full name

Address

Phone

How did you hear about Legacy Paws?

Your home

A quick picture of where a foster dog would land.

There is no perfect answer here.

A dog doesn't need a mansion.

They need safety, consistency, and someone willing to see them.

These questions simply help us understand what type of dog would thrive in your home.

Do you rent or own?

Own

Rent

If you rent, we may ask for a quick okay from your landlord. Just so a foster dog never has to be uprooted partway through. We have seen that and we work to prevent it.

If you have a fenced yard, roughly how tall is the fence?

Some of our dogs are talented escape artists. This just helps us rule that risk in or out before it becomes a problem.

Who else is in the home? Adults, Children (and ages), Other people in the household, Current pets, Any children, family members, friends, or pets that visit frequently

Some dogs love a busy home full of activity, kids, and visitors. Others need a quieter place where they can decompress and learn that they are safe. Knowing who shares your space—full-time or part-time—helps us match you with a dog who will truly thrive there.

Tell us about your current pets or animals your foster dog may regularly interact with. Please include: Species, Breed (if known), Age, Sex, Spayed/neutered status, Personality, How they do with unfamiliar dogs or cats

Some foster dogs need a confident animal friend to help them feel safe. Others need to be the only animal while they settle in. Knowing the full picture helps us match personalities, not just pets.

On a normal day, how long would a foster dog be home alone?

Be honest. Some dogs are fine on their own and some need company while they heal. Knowing the truth helps us match, not judge.

Your Routine & Lifestyle

A little about your everyday life.

Dogs are not looking for a perfect person.

They are looking for someone whose life fits with theirs.

A dog who has spent months scared and confused may need a quieter home. A young, energetic dog may need someone who loves adventure. A senior may just need someone who believes slowing down can be beautiful.

This section helps us understand what kind of dog would fit naturally into your world.

On a normal day, how long would a foster dog be home alone?

Be honest here. There is no "right" answer. Some dogs are perfectly happy relaxing while their people are away. Others need a little more support while they learn that being alone is safe. Knowing your routine helps us make the right match.

Where would your foster dog spend most of their time when you are home?

Hanging out with the family

Sleeping near me while I work or relax

Mostly indoors with outdoor time for play and potty breaks

Crate or designated safe space when needed

Other

Every dog has a different comfort zone. Some want to be right beside you learning what love feels like. Others need a little space while they settle in. We want to understand what life would look like for them in your home.

Where would your foster dog stay when you are away or sleeping?

Some dogs come to us already comfortable with a routine. Others have never had one. We will help you create a setup where your foster feels safe—not trapped.

How would you describe the everyday energy level in your home?

High energy — we're active outdoors most days and want a dog who can keep up

Moderate — regular walks and playtime, with plenty of downtime too

Calm — short walks, a lot of couch time, a low-key pace

Not sure yet, tell me what's realistic

What size dog do you have the space and strength to handle comfortably?

How much hands-on dog experience do you have?

Very experienced — I've owned multiple dogs and handled challenging behaviors before

Some experience — I've owned a dog before and I'm confident with the basics

Limited experience — I've been around dogs but haven't owned one as an adult

First-timer — new to this, and excited to learn

What kinds of dog behaviors or needs have you experienced before?

Many of our dogs are not "broken." They are simply dogs whose previous situations did not allow them to thrive. The right person can completely change a dog's story.

Are there any breeds or breed types you're not able to foster, or not comfortable fostering?

No judgment here at all — this might be a landlord or insurance restriction, a past experience, or just a preference. Telling us up front means we never send the wrong dog to your door.

Are there any situations that would make a foster dog a difficult fit for your home?

Everyone has boundaries. We want to know yours so we can celebrate the right match—not create a situation where everyone struggles.

Finding your foster match

The heart of fostering is the match.

Not every dog needs the same thing.

Some dogs need someone who can give them structure and confidence.

Some need a quiet place to finally relax. Some need someone willing to sit on the floor and wait for them to decide they are ready for love.

And some just need someone to say, "You are safe now."

This section helps us understand what kind of foster experience would feel good for you and what kind of dog would thrive with you.

Remember—there are no wrong answers.

The goal is never to find the person willing to take the hardest dog.

The goal is to find the right person for the right dog.

How long could you keep a foster dog at a stretch?

Just a short bit, a few days to a couple weeks

A few weeks to a couple months

As long as the dog needs, even if it is a while

Not sure yet, depends on the dog

Which kinds of foster dogs feel right for you? Pick anything you are open to.

Short stays. Emergency or overflow, a safe place fast while we sort the next step

A dog recovering from surgery, heartworm treatment, or an illness

A scared or undersocialized dog who just needs time, patience, and a calm home to come out of their shell

A senior in their last season, who deserves to feel loved and safe to the end

A regular healthy dog who just needs a soft place between homes

I am open to whatever you need most, point me where I am needed

There is no wrong answer, and you can always change this later. Most fosters start with one or two and grow from there.

Which of these could you navigate with our support? Check anything you'd be okay handling, even with coaching.

Still working on house-training

Leash reactivity toward other dogs

Resource guarding around food or toys

Separation anxiety or distress when alone

Needs to be the only dog in the home

Not safe around cats

Noise sensitivity — storms, fireworks, loud environments

A daily medication or feeding schedule

Mobility issues or senior-specific care

We are a text away for every item on this list. This just tells us where to start you, not where to leave you.

How do you feel about a foster who needs some extra help?

Bring it on, I want to be useful and I will lean on you when I need to

A little is fine, as long as I am not on my own with it

I would rather start easy and work up from there

Not sure, tell me what is realistic

Medication, a feeding schedule, house-training, a dog still learning to trust. We coach you through all of it and we are a text away. We just want to know your comfort level so we never overwhelm you.

Are there any behaviors or needs you know you are not able to handle right now?

This might be the most important question on the application.

Knowing your limits does not make you a bad foster. It makes you a responsible one.

The best foster homes are not the ones who say yes to everything. They are the ones who know what they can give and communicate honestly.

Why do you want to foster? Tell us in your own words.

There is no right answer. Maybe you lost a dog and are not ready to adopt but cannot stay away. Maybe you want to help and this is the way you can. Maybe you just have love to give and time to give it. Whatever it is, we want to hear it.

The practical stuff, made simple

Let's talk about the things people sometimes worry about.

Fostering should cost you love, patience, and time.

It should not cost you your peace of mind.

We believe in being upfront so everyone understands what support looks like before saying yes.

Do you have a vehicle and a way to get a foster dog to vet visits if needed?

Yes

Sometimes, would need a little coordination

No, I would need help with transport

Not a dealbreaker at all. We have volunteers who help with rides. We just like to know up front.

Do you currently have a veterinarian you use?

If you do not currently have a veterinarian, would you like help finding one?

Yes

Not applicable

We know finding a trusted vet can feel overwhelming. We are happy to help.

Are you comfortable providing basic care such as medications, feeding schedules, and monitoring changes?

Yes

Yes, with instructions and support

I would prefer a foster with minimal extra care needs

I would like to learn

You do not have to already know everything. We can teach you.

Making Sure Everyone Is Set Up for Success

Fostering is a team effort.

A foster dog becomes part of your household, even if only for a short time.

The best experiences happen when everyone involved understands what to expect, feels comfortable, and knows they have support.

Is everyone in your household supportive of fostering?

Yes — everyone is excited to help

Mostly — we have talked about it and are on the same page

Not everyone is fully sure yet

I would like help talking through it

Fostering can bring a lot of joy into a home, but it is also a change. Making sure everyone understands the commitment helps create a calm, supportive environment for your foster dog.

Are there any household routines, schedules, or circumstances we should know about?

Life happens. We would rather know the real picture so we can make a match that fits your world.

Are there any children who regularly spend time in your home?

No children visit regularly

Yes, children are frequently in the home

If yes, please tell us about their ages:

Some dogs absolutely love kids. Some need a home without children while they learn confidence and trust. Knowing who your foster may interact with helps us make the safest match.

Are there any other animals your foster dog may regularly interact with outside your home?

Sometimes a dog’s world is bigger than just their own home. Understanding those interactions helps us prepare you and your foster dog for success.

Support, Safety & Communication

We believe communication saves dogs.

If something feels off, if you are unsure, or if you simply need reassurance—we want you to reach out.

A small question early can prevent a big problem later.

What is your preferred way for us to communicate?

Text message

Phone call

No preference

We want staying connected to feel easy, not like another responsibility.

How often would you like updates or check-ins from us?

I appreciate frequent check-ins, especially at the beginning

A few updates during the first week and then as needed

I am comfortable reaching out when I need help

Whatever Legacy Paws recommends

Every foster is different. Some people love having someone check in often. Others feel confident once they know they can reach us.

Would you be willing to participate in adoption meet-and-greets or share updates about your foster dog?

Yes, I would love to help

Sometimes, depending on my schedule

I would prefer Legacy Paws handle those details

Your foster home gives us something we can never create in a kennel—a real picture of who this dog is. Your stories help their future family see the amazing dog you already know.

References & Emergency Information

We ask for references because our dogs are family.

This is not about judging you.

It is about having another person who can help us understand the amazing human opening their home.

Please provide two references.

Please include:

Reference 1

Name
Relationship
Phone number

Reference 2

Name
Relationship
Phone number

Emergency Contact

Please include:

Name
Relationship
Phone number

Is there anything else you want us to know?

This is your space.

Tell us something we didn't ask. Tell us about your experience with dogs. Tell us why you are here. Tell us anything that will help us understand you better.

Foster Commitment

Before submitting, please read and agree:

I understand that foster dogs remain the property and responsibility of Legacy Paws Rescue while in foster care.

I agree that I will not give away, rehome, sell, or transfer my foster dog to another person without approval from Legacy Paws Rescue.

I agree to communicate with Legacy Paws Rescue about any concerns, behavioral changes, medical issues, or emergencies.

I understand that veterinary care must be approved by Legacy Paws Rescue except in a true emergency.

I understand that every dog is an individual, and I will provide patience, compassion, and a safe environment while my foster dog adjusts.

I understand that fostering can be emotional, and I have support available if saying goodbye becomes difficult.

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

What Happens Next?

A real person reads every application.

Usually within a few days, we will reach out to talk, answer questions, and get to know you a little better.

Then we will start thinking about the most important part:

Finding the dog who fits your home.

There is no pressure.

There are no quotas.

There is no expectation that you have to say yes to every dog.

The best foster homes are built on honesty, trust, and communication.

Legacy Paws is a veteran-owned 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue based in Catawba, North Carolina.

We believe rescue is where we begin—not where the story ends.

Because dogs don't just need someone to save them.

They need someone willing to see them.

Thank you for being willing to be that person.

With everything,

Domenica and the Legacy Paws Family