What does the typical foster process involve?
When we are contacted by someone wanting to surrender a pug, we evaluate the needs of the dog and match that against our list of available foster homes. Whenever possible, we try to find the closest available foster parent to wherever the pug being surrendered is located.
When there is a dog needing rescue in your area that we believe will mesh well in your home, your coordinator will contact you to inquire if you are available to foster that dog. We will share with you all the information we have on the pug at that time so you are able to determine if you have a suitable environment for that dog. If you are unable to foster, that’s OK. It’s important that you foster only the dogs that you feel you can comfortably handle and it's important that you don’t commit to fostering when you have other conflicts. Alternatively, if you are able to provide a foster home for the pug in need, you will be provided with contact info for the surrendering party and we will ask that you make arrangements directly with the surrendering owner (or shelter) to take custody of the pug. Many times, we have to move a pug across a long distance, which is when we utilize the help of folks willing to transport, so you will deal both with other representatives as well as surrendering owners all to save this pug from whatever conditions that they may have lived.
If you get the pug directly from the surrendering owner, there is a relinquishment form the surrendering owner MUST complete. They will then turn over the pug, the form, any vet records, food the pug is used to eating, toys, bedding, etc. that the pug uses. We like for them to also provide a donation, though in reality, not all of them do.
Once the pug is released into your custody, you will make an initial assessment of the dog by reviewing the vet records provided to you (if any) and by observing the dog’s behavior and overall health. Within 1-2 days of obtaining the pug, you will contact your area coordinator to discuss the dog’s needs and develop an action plan for getting that dog ready to be adopted. If the pug needs veterinary care, your area coordinator will help you identify a vet in your area who provides PUGS with rescue pricing. Unless the dog is experiencing a true life-threatening emergency, preauthorization is required for EVERY vet visit.
If your vet is willing to provide PUGS with a rescue discount that is commensurate to the rates offered by our participating vets, we will work with you to make arrangements for your vet to see the pug. We address all health issues of the pugs before we adopt them out so whenever there is something we are able to handle within the rescue (like vaccinations, simple medical conditions, etc.) using the experience of our volunteers and leaders, we do so rather than seeking expensive veterinary assistance. Many of our volunteers are nurses or work in vet’s offices. Several of our volunteers have had many years of experience dealing with the unique health issues of pugs, as well as routine veterinary care so consulting with your area coordinator is always the first step in any medical need your pug may have.
Your adoption coordinator will help you identify and screen potential forever homes for your rescued pug. You will communicate with the adoption coordinator to provide them with information on the type of home your pug needs and together, you will choose the right forever home.
Once you and the adoption coordinator have settled on the perfect home for the pug, you will contact the selected family to arrange a time and place for them to first meet and greet their potential pug family member and then to meet to bring their new pug family member into their home. There is an adoption contract that they must complete and sign. Your adoption coordinator will help you with the contact and the adoption finalities. You will provide the adoptive home with any “personal” items to which the pug is attached (bedding, toys, etc.), copies of vet records (with the previous owner’s name and personally identifiable information blacked out) and of course, their new pug.
Once the adoption is complete, you can sit back and take a breather while it lasts. Unfortunately, the population of unwanted pugs is far too high, so our foster homes do stay pretty busy. Thanks to our many wonderful volunteers, these sweet fur babies get the additional chance they deserve to be treated like little valued family companions.