+ How long is the foster commitment?

The average length of stay for a Wags pup is approximately 2 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 the 2 weeks), please let us know as far in advance as possible so that we can accommodate and make sure we line up another foster home for the pup.

+ I have my own 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 spayed/neutered. You won’t be able to meet your foster dog in advance but Wags & Walks 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 I foster if I work a full-time job?

Absolutely! As long as you are committed to making sure your foster pup gets a break throughout the work day to get some exercise and food/water, we are happy to work with fosters who have a variety of lifestyles and careers. We ask that dogs are not left in their crates for longer than 3-4 hours at a time without an exercise break.

+ Can I foster if I live in an apartment?

Yes! We will do our best to match you with a pup that we think may do well in an apartment setting. Please review your lease agreements prior to fostering your first foster dog to familiarize yourself with any pet policies and verify whether there are any breed restrictions

+ What supplies do you provide?

Wags and Walks Nashville will provide you with the following supplies: Crate or kennel (for keeping dogs safe and out of trouble while you’re away and to help with house-training), dog bed, blankets, or towels for a comfortable place to sleep. Food and treats, bowls, collar and leash, chew toys, appropriate to the size and age of your dog or puppy. Please be sure you are always supervising your foster dog if they have access to a bone. We want to avoid choking hazards! Poop bags and potty training pads for young puppies

+ Do I get to choose my foster dog?

For the most part, yes! You are welcome to respond to a foster request with the pup(s) you are most interested in fostering. Our team will strategically match you with a foster dog based on your application. We take your preference for age/breed/size in consideration before matching you with a dog. Our ultimate goal is to find the best foster home for our dogs based on what we know about them and what we know about you via your application.

+ Will my foster dog be potty trained?

The truth is, we just don’t know! It’s impossible to test this out in a shelter environment, so it’s important to be comfortable with a bit of uncertainty before bringing your foster pup home. Remember, our team will guide you through any questions and share appropriate resources you might need.

+ Will vet care will be required?

We can’t always predict what care a dog may need, but there are some things that most, if not all, of our pups receive while in foster care. This includes basic oral medications that they will receive at home, including dewormers, monthly preventatives, and antibiotics. Some pups may also require at least one vaccine while in foster care. In order for your foster dog to receive their vaccine, we will ask you to visit one of our vet partners. If your dog needs to visit the vet while in your care, we will do our best to work within your availability. If you cannot bring your foster dog to their vet visit, we can reach out to our volunteer drivers to see if they're able to assist. All veterinary care must be approved by Wags & Walks staff. Unapproved veterinary appointments will not be paid for by Wags & Walks.

+ Do you cover vet bills?

Wags & Walks covers all essential vet costs for our dogs, and we have several vet partners in the Nashville area who work with us to provide them with the best possible care. All medical expenses and vet visits must be approved by Wags & Walks staff.

+ Can I adopt my foster dog?

We love when our fosters find a match with their foster dog. If you find that you cannot part with your foster dog and would like to adopt (we call that “foster failing”), please let our Foster team know ASAP. If there is already a meet-and-greet scheduled or in the works, we must honor that. If not, you can go through the normal adoption process of filling out the online application and speaking to our Adoption Team to make sure it is a perfect match for you and your foster pup. Once a dog is available for adoption we cannot hold them, even for foster parents.

+ What type of support will I receive?

Every foster parent is given our foster phone line to text our foster team for one-on-one support. All foster parents are also invited to join our private Instagram page with training tips and resources and our Foster Facebook group - a community in which you can share photos, experiences, and ask advice from seasoned foster parents. You will also receive our comprehensive foster handbook after completing our application process and onboarding call.

+ When will my foster dog be adopted?

Our foster dogs become adoptable at different times depending on their age, medical, or behavioral status. Most of our pups get adopted within 2-3 weeks. Please note that all adoptable dogs may not be promoted at the same time.

+ Can my friend or family 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 apply to become pre-approved to adopt. Our Adoptions Team will be in touch via email. While we will always considered and review referred applications, we do require they go through the same formal process to be approved.