Adoption or Fostering – What’s the Difference?
Adoption and fostering both help rescue dogs, but they involve different levels of commitment.
Adoption
Adopting a dog means you are taking on a dog for the rest of its life and being the dogs forever home. You will need to cover all medical and other costs which arise throughout the dog’s life and cater to the dogs needs.
Should I foster a dog?
If you're considering becoming a foster parent for a rescue dog, it's essential to carefully evaluate whether fostering is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. Ask yourself the following questions:
Do I Have the Time? Am I able to dedicate time each day to caring for and interacting with a foster dog? Can I commit to attending training sessions and veterinary appointments as needed?
Am I Prepared for the Emotional Rollercoaster? Am I emotionally prepared to handle the ups and downs of fostering, including saying goodbye when it's time for the dog to be adopted? Can I provide love and support to a dog who may be experiencing fear, uncertainty, or trauma?
Can I Handle Potential Challenges? Am I able to dedicate time each day to caring for and interacting with a foster dog? Can I commit to attending training sessions and veterinary appointments as needed?
Can I Provide a Stable Environment? Do I have a stable living situation that is conducive to fostering a dog? Can I offer a safe and nurturing environment for a foster dog to thrive in?
Do I have Support Systems in Place? Am I able to dedicate time each day to caring for and interacting with a foster dog? Can I commit to attending training sessions and veterinary appointments as needed?
Am I Committed to Making a Difference? Am I able to dedicate time each day to caring for and interacting with a foster dog? Can I commit to attending training sessions and veterinary appointments as needed?
If you’ve answered “yes” to all of the above questions, fostering could be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By opening your heart and home to a foster dog, you can make a meaningful difference to a dog in need.
What Does Adoption Involve?
Adopting a dog means taking responsibility for the dog for the rest of its life. It is a long-term commitment that involves providing stability, routine, care and love, through all stages of the dog’s life.
As with any rescue dog, a period of adjustment should be expected when a dog arrives in a new home. This may be straightforward, or it may present challenges. Patience, understanding and consistency are essential during this time.
Adopters should be prepared to work with their dog as they settle, seek guidance where needed, and remain committed to making the relationship work. Our priority is always to ensure the right dog is placed in the right home, at the right time.
Commitment
Offering a home to a dog is a decision which should not be taken lightly. Any dog, rescue or not, requires dedication, time, patience and love. Prospective owners should be committed to working with their new family member to overcome any hurdles or issues which may crop up.
The majority of our rescues have a period of time in foster care where we assess them in order to give prospective owners an honest insight. Some dogs may be assessed whilst in kennels. In all cases, a period of adjustment should be expected when a dog arrives in a new home.
This settling-in period may go smoothly, or it may present challenges. We cannot predict how this will be for each dog, but we do ask for 100% commitment from adopters and foster carers to make the relationship work.
You can't buy love,
rescue it
but you can...
Requirements
Before applying to adopt or foster a dog, please read the information below carefully. These requirements are in place to ensure the wellbeing of our dogs and to help us make the best possible match.
Adoption Requirements
There is someone around for part of the day, or you are able to afford the cost of a dog walker
There is a totally secure garden with a minimum fence or wall height of 4–5 feet, which is already in place
Please note: we do have dogs suitable for properties without gardens (for example, flats), but careful consideration should be given to how toilet trips will be managed
There are no cats in the household, unless the dog is specifically stated as cat friendly
Children are over the age of 5, unless the dog has previously lived with younger children
These requirements help ensure a safe, stable and suitable environment for a dog being placed in a permanent home.
Things to Consider (Adoption & Fostering)
The following points apply to both adoption and fostering and should be carefully considered before applying
Having a dog requires time and patience
Have you considered the costs involved, including vet bills and pet insurance?
Pet insurance costs have increased substantially. If you haven’t owned a dog for a few years or are looking your first dog, please check current prices — £100–150 per month is now quite normal for lifetime cover
Would your lifestyle and routine suit a dog?
A dog should not be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time
A dog will most likely require some training
Different breeds and ages of dogs require different levels of exercise
Your home environment:
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Are all family members happy to adopt or foster a dog?
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Is there a quiet area where the dog can relax and feel safe?
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How will existing pets cope with a new dog in the home?
Adopting a Dog with Jersey Rescue Dogs
If you're considering adopting a dog with us, here is some important information we would like you to read first.
The information is also available as a handy download, just click on the PDF icon below.
JRD - Our Priorities
Our priority is the well being of the dog and we base our decisions on what is best for the dog.
Jersey Rescue Dogs reserve the right to inspect a dog if there is a cause for concern once adopted and if necessary, have the dog return to our care.
Adoption donations are non-refundable.
The Adoption Process
Fill out our application form providing us with as much detail as possible including the name of the dog you are interested in. Or send us a general application with details of what personality / age / any breeds you would consider.
Step One
Adoption Costs
Please be aware that the adoption donations rarely cover the cost of rescuing the dog - with transport costs, vet bills and general care for the dog needed the actual cost is often much more. Our minimum adoption donation is £400 but on average it costs the charity £1000 to save a dog. If you are able to, please consider an additional donation so we can continue to help rescue dogs for more families.
The charity will always be there to support you and the dog and we do ask to remain in touch.
