FOSTER

Every animal rescued by TBBR is immedietely placed into our fostercare program as we do not have a shelter. Therefor, we rely on our amazing network of volunteer foster parents who help an animal in need of human support and to further develop them to get ready for their furever family.

TBBR provides all of our fosters with the necessary supplies, vetcare and support needed throughout the fostering duration.

APPLY TO FOSTER

HOW OUR FOSTER PROGRAM WORKS

FOSTER PROCESS

Step one

Complete and submit TBBR's foster application.

Step two

Once your application is submitted, one of our volunteers will reach out to you and ask what the 3 best times are for you both to schedule a video screening call.

Step three

Please submit a video of where you will be taking the dog to release themselves (state how far in distance away from the home is) and where you plan to exercise the dog.

Step four

All approved applicants will then receive our "Welcome To The Foster Family” package! This includes everything you’ll need as a TBBR Foster Parent! Including our rewuired foster parent training program provided by Petcademy and our optional (but highly reccommended) training program by the Dogget Style Training.

Step five

Once you're equipped and have completed The Barking Billboard Foster Parent Training program, we will contact you to see your availability.

Step six

Begin Fostering! After we've matched you with one of our rescue animals, we'll contact you to arrange a pick-up and drop-off time for the dog as well as your foster package/supplies.

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FOSTER FAQS

WHERE IS THE BARKING BILLBOARD RESCUE LOCATED?

The Barking Billboard Rescue is a non-profit, foster/adoption focused rescue based in the downtown core of Toronto.

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL FOSTER PERIOD?

While we can give you a general estimate, this is really on a case-by-case basis. At TBB, you can expect a firm minimum of 3 weeks commitment. This accounts for 2 weeks of decompression, and an additional week to process an adoption. On average, a foster won’t be in your care longer than 4 weeks, however with some behavioural and medical cases, a longer fostering period may be required.

We will give all the information we have before the dog arrives, and as your daily foster diary, and check ins are updated, your Canine Coordinator will keep you vigilantly updated on timelines as things progress.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BE A FOSTER PARENT?

Aside from the one-time $37 fee paid to complete the optional Dogget-Style training program, travel costs to vet appointments, and any extra toys and approved treats you may want to gift your pup for fun, everything you need to foster will be covered by TBB!

I LIVE IN A CONDO, CAN I STILL FOSTER?

Definitely! TBB launched to showcase that there are rescue dogs available for adoption in the downtown core of Toronto. We love having our fosters and adopters reside in the city either it be in a townhouse, home, condo or apartment.

With that said, we do understand not every dog is going to do well in this setting. Downtown can be a lot for a skittish foster. If after the first 3 days you find this to be an issue, please contact your Canine Coordinator immediately so we can triage the situation.

CAN I BRING MY FOSTER DOG TO THE COTTAGE WITH ME?

We highly recommend for our foster parents to show our foster dogs as many environments as possible, but only once they have settled in and are ready for an adventure. Typically, overnight stays in a new environment can begin around the 3 week mark when engagement training has been thoroughly conducted.

Please contact your Canine Coordinator to develop a plan of action for any away trips you want to bring your foster on!

CAN I STILL FOSTER IF I DON'T HAVE A CAR?

Of course! Foster humans are responsible for taking their foster dog to vet appointments. Our vet is located in Corktown/Canary which is on the streetcar line and a 5 minute drive from Union Station. If you don’t have a friend who drives, or you are reluctant to bring a dog to their appointment via public transit, Uber also offers an “Uber Pet” option that allows dogs to ride with you.

Always plan ahead, but if a ride falls through, or you find yourself stuck, reach out to our network via our Facebook group for support.

CAN I STILL FOSTER IF I HAVE OTHER ANIMALS IN THE HOME?

Definitely! Within our foster application we have a whole section dedicated to resident pets in order to match you and your pets with the perfect foster.

CAN I FOSTER MORE THAN ONE DOG AT ONCE?

Fostering multiple dogs is an art form that very few people can master. In very rare cases, we may need to home a bonded pair — two dogs that are emotionally inseparable — and we’ll reach out to see if there are any fosters equipped to deal with a duo. That being said, we really discourage multiple dogs per foster. Fostering is just as much about your wellbeing as it is the dog(s)’s and if you’re overwhelmed, it can really quickly become a dangerous situation for you and the pup(s). Fostering really is a marathon, not a sprint.

IS IT HARD TO LET GO OF THE FOSTER DOG AT THE END?

The short answer: every time.

The long answer: A lot of people assume this is the most difficult part of fostering, but watching a foster dog find their forever home is also the reason we do it and can be the most rewarding moment of the entire foster journey. If you’re doing your job right, not only will that foster leave you a thousand times happier than they were, you will also teach them how to trust and love. We want you to fall in love with your foster, and we want you to connect with them. You’re teaching them what love and connection feels like, and that’s a crucial part of a successful foster period. So, yes, it’s incredibly difficult to feel the emptiness of your home once your foster leaves, but it is an incredibly bittersweet feeling. We’ve found that little rituals marking each pup’s last day in your home can help you transition from foster-brain back into your usual routine.

One foster liked to take polaroid portraits of each dog and stick them on a specific wall in her room to commemorate each foster passing through. One couple on TikTok would do a dog-safe ink print of their paw and frame those on their adoption day. Local vendor and advocate Sam Casey started her company One Dog Co. because she commemorated each of her fosters with a specific, hand-sewn bandana.

Finding your own creative way to commemorate your foster dog can help give you closure and celebrate your journey together!

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO ADOPT MY FOSTER DOG? AKA FOSTER FAIL!

Fill out the adoption application, and let your Canine Coordinator know so we can get the process started and transition you from foster to forever. Once your application is submitted, our team will schedule a meeting with you.

WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?

No experience is needed! All of our foster humans will be enrolled in an extensive training program to make sure you and your home are ready to take on the tiny dog-shaped tornado taking a pit stop at your house for the next 3+ weeks. We want to provide you with the tools you need — both physically and mentally — to lead your foster dog seamlessly from their life, to their forever home. It’s you who provides the training, stimulation, and love to these pups.

WHAT SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED?

All of TBBR foster dogs are equipped with everything needed in order for a successful start to the good life! Everything from food to training tools and customized meal plans with step by step instructions for your conveninece is all provided by TBBR.

I HAVE KIDS, AM I STILL AN ACCEPTABLE APPLICANT?

Of course! Fostering a rescue animal is an opportunity that should be open to families of all shapes and sizes. In order to match your foster with your family as best as possible, please provide as much detail about your family and home within your foster application.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE PLANS AND REQUIRE A SITTER?

Our foster program has been thoughtfully organized to provide the best of care for not only our foster dogs, but for our foster parents as well and it really takes a village sometimes. For this reason, we have a specialized program "The Puppy Sitter's Club". We understand that life exists beyond fostering, and the Puppy Sitter’s Club is there to help!

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO FOR THE MEET & GREET?

Once the dog has an adoption pending, your Canine Coordinator will arrange a meeting between the foster parents, the potential adopters, all family members in the adoptive home, yourself and of course the foster dog!

We absolutely love having TBBR foster parents apart of this provess, and gives you the chance to provide feedback on whether you think it’s a good fit. It’s also an opportunity to answer questions they may have and for you to offer any advice!

Meet and greets will be scheduled by your Canine Coordinator and conducted in person at a location that works for all parties.

Please keep in mind that TBBR pre-screen applicants before we schedule a meet and greet. So if you have a friend, family member or co-worker who wants to adopt your foster dog, please contact your Canine Coordinator and have your interested adopters submit our adoption application.

After a meet and greet with a potential adopter, please share your feedback with us — we will take your thoughts and insight into consideration in selecting the best home for your foster dog. After all, you live with them!

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DISCOVER THAT THE FOSTER DOG IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR MY HOME?

Unfortunately, sometimes this happens, but we've been here before and pride ourselves on being a supportive network of rescuers. Please let your Canine Coordinator know at the earliest convenience so we can find another placement for the dog in a more suitable area.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT WITH THE BARKING BILLBOARD RESCUE?

The Barking Billboard highly recommends for those who reside within GTA to apply to become TBB fosters. Becoming an approved foster with TBB enables us to plan future intakes and save more dogs. However, to foster with us, you must…

Be 21 years old or older
Live in a home that allows pets, including foster pets
Read through the entirety of our foster manual and partake in the TBB foster training program
Be available to take time off / work from home for at least three full days after intake
Provide your foster dog with daily engagement training games/walks
Crate train your foster dog for the duration of their time in your home Invest time in training to equip them with basic commands (e.g., sit, stay, recall, etc…) Accompany your foster dog to ALL vet appointments
Provide written updates, pictures and videos to your Canine Coordinator
Promote your foster dog on social media
Participate in meet & greets with potential adopters
Attend TBB adoption/fundraising events with your foster dog

CAN I TAKE MY FOSTER DOG TO THE DOG PARK?

Simply put-no we do not allow you to bring your foster to a dog park. If you decide to use a dog park, we require you to cover all costs if any incidents occur. Our reason for this is the ol' saying "better safe than sorry". Our goal is to ensure our dogs are safe at all times where unforutunately, scary incidences to occue at dog parks.

CAN I STILL FOSTER IF I HAVE OTHER PETS IN THE HOME?

Definitely! Within our foster application we have a whole section dedicated to resident pets in order to match you and your pets with the perfect foster.

I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE GTA, CAN I STILL FOSTER?

Sure! Our vet clinic is located downtown Toronto, so if you're willing to drive the distance for that along with meet and greets, we would love to have you on our foster roster!

WHERE ARE THE RESCUE ANIMALS FROM?

The dogs that enter our care come from Northern Canada, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Southern Texas and California. To learn more about why we rescue from these particular zones, please visit our About Me page!

I HAVE MORE FOSTERING QUESTIONS, WHERE CAN I CONTACT SOMEONE?

We'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at thebarkingbillboard@gmail.com for one of our volunteers to answer your inquiries!

Do you offer a foster-to-adopt program?

Definitely! We LOVE foster-to-adoptions! If you're interested in fostering first before adopting, we recommend submitting our foster-to-adoption form by clicking the tab "FOSTER-TO-ADOPT"!