HOW TO FOSTER
A SENIOR DOG
Dog Foster Program for Senior and Hospice Dogs
The Animal Welfare League of Frederick County's Dog Foster Program allows senior and hospice dogs in need to find loving and temporary homes while they await their forever families.
AWLFC relaunched its dog foster and adoption program in 2023. The program is open to senior dogs and those in need of hospice care.
Your support and compassion can make all the difference in the lives of these deserving animals.
ABOUT OUR DOG FOSTER
PROGRAM.
At AWLFC, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and promote responsible pet ownership. Our Dog Foster Program is a crucial part of this mission. By opening your heart and home to a senior or hospice dog in need, you provide them with a safe, comfortable, and loving environment that can be a stepping stone to a brighter future.
Fostering a senior or hospice dog, who has long-term medical needs, is a rewarding experience, but can mean:
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Longer-term commitment
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Dispensing medication
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More frequent vet visits ​
A dog in need of hospice care is typically one with a terminal illness or a condition that significantly reduces their quality of life. Hospice care for dogs focuses on providing comfort, pain management, and support for the dog in the final stages of its life. It aims to ensure that the dog's remaining time is as pain-free and comfortable as possible.
Common reasons for a dog to receive hospice care include:
Terminal Illness: Dogs diagnosed with conditions such as cancer or organ failure may be candidates for hospice care when curative treatments are no longer effective or appropriate.
Age-Related Conditions: Older dogs may experience age-related health issues, such as arthritis, cognitive decline, or multiple organ dysfunction, that can benefit from hospice care.
Incurable Diseases: Dogs with chronic and incurable diseases may be candidates for hospice care when further treatment options are limited.
Hospice care for dogs involves working closely with veterinarians to manage pain, provide supportive care, and make decisions that prioritize the dog's comfort and well-being. This may include pain medication, nutritional support, and modifications to the dog's environment to accommodate any physical limitations. Additionally, hospice care often involves emotional support for both the dog and its human caregivers during this challenging time.
Ultimately, the goal of hospice care for dogs is to ensure that the dog's final days are filled with love, comfort, and dignity, allowing them to pass away peacefully.
In all cases, AWLFC provides food and covers the cost of veterinary care and medicine. It is the foster’s responsibility to properly manage the dog’s care, including medical needs; provide a loving, safe home; and dispense medication when needed.
Why Foster a Dog?
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1. Saving Lives: Fostering a dog can mean the difference between life and death for many shelter animals. It provides them with the care, attention, and socialization they need to thrive and ultimately find a forever home.
2. Temporary Commitment: Fostering is a flexible and temporary commitment. Whether you can offer your home for a few weeks or a few months, your support is invaluable. AWLFC provides food and medical care. You provide a safe, loving home.
3. Personal Fulfillment: Fostering a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You'll be giving a dog a second chance at life, and the love and companionship you'll receive in return are immeasurable.
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How Can You Get Involved?
If you're interested in becoming a dog foster, or if you'd like more information about the program, please contact Erin at erinc@awlfc.org.
Applications
If you're ready to make a difference in the life of a dog in need, you can start by filling out a foster application. You can also explore our dog adoption application if you're considering giving a forever home to one of our incredible dogs. Click the links below to get started:
Foster Application - Help a dog in need by providing temporary shelter and love.
Please send completed applications to erinc@awlfc.org.
