Dog FAQ

What types of dogs need a foster home?

All dogs who have not yet found a forever home need a foster home! With that said, there are some dogs who need fosters the most, including:

• Dogs with health conditions, illness, or injury;

• Pregnant dogs/ moms with newborns/ orphaned puppies;

• Senior dogs;

• Dogs in need of socialization or behavioral training;

• Dogs experiencing kennel stress.

Are there kid-friendly or dog-friendly dogs needing a foster home?

Yes! We keep records of known interactions between children, dogs, and cats, and will relay this information to fosters. However, BACC cannot guarantee the temperament, behavior, or health of any animal in their new environment.

How long do I keep a foster dog?

There are no time limitations on fostering a dog. Anytime out of the shelter can greatly benefit their overall wellbeing and chances of adoption. We do ask that you at least give your foster dog a chance to settle into their new environment, as everything in your home is new and unfamiliar to them. 

How can I see the dogs available for foster?

We send out weekly emails highlighting animals in our shelter that we would like to get into foster homes. However, these are not the only animals available, and most of our animals that are available for adoption are also available to foster. Click here to view adoptable dogs.

Will fostering a dog cost me anything?

We do our best to keep fostering cost free. We will always provide all medication/medical treatment, food, collar, leash, and crates. We receive all other items on a donation basis, which means we can not always guarantee that we will be able to provide fosters with the extra goodies like toys and treats.

Who do I contact if I have questions or need advice about my foster dog?

A great resource that we have at BACC is our Foster Mentor Group. These are experienced fosters who you can reach by emailing: fosterpets@bloomington.in.gov for any questions or concerns you may have about your foster. We also have a Volunteer & Foster Facebook Page where you can connect with other's, ask for advice, find a temporary foster home for your foster if needed, etc. 

With more serious questions or concerns, especially medical related, contact the shelter directly. 

BACC Phone Number: (812)-349-3489

Foster Program Coordinator:

Robyn Peffinger

Phone: (812)-349-3871

Email: peffingr@bloomington.in.gov

Who do I contact in case of an emergency?

If you find yourself in an emergency during BACC's hours of operation you can call us directly at (812)-349-3489. If you have an emergency after hours call this number: (812)-339-1444. You will be put in touch with an Animal Control Officer who will assist you.

What qualifies as an emergency?

These are medical emergencies that you should contact us about immediately (no matter the time of day):

• Broken Limbs
• Excessive Bleeding
• Not eating or drinking for over 48 hours
• Difficulty Breathing 
• Unresponsiveness
• Fever lasting several days OR higher than 104F

You also need to contact BACC immediately if a bite occurs to another animal OR a human. If the bite occurs after hours and the dog is safe to stay in your home until the next morning, that's great. If not, we will get one of our Animal Control Officer's to the location of the incident to help handle the situation.

What do I do with my foster dog if I need to leave town?

If you wish to take your foster dog more than an hour outside of Monroe County, we just ask that you get permission from the Foster Program Coordinator. If you are not wanting to take your foster dog with you, you can bring it back to the shelter or find an approved temporary foster home. 

What do I do if I can no longer care for my foster dog?

If you can no longer care for your foster you must return them to BACC. If you would like, you can try to find a new foster home for your animal, but it must be approved by the Foster Program Coordinator. Another option for rehoming your foster is reaching out to our Foster and Volunteer Facebook group.

We do ask that if you planning on bringing your foster dog back to BACC that you please let us know in advance. We know life does not always allow that, but if you are able to do so, it helps us ensure that our team is aware of the incoming dog and can take the necessary actions to prepare.

Do I have any say in who adopts my foster dog?

As a foster you can not choose who gets to adopt your foster dog. However, you are their biggest advocate, and we encourage you to interact with potential adopters to help them find their forever home.

How can I help my foster dog get adopted?

The best way to help get your foster adopted is by marketing them! We have an entire webpage with tips on how to do this including capturing good photos, and writing about all of their best, most marketable qualities to share with potential adopters.

What are the responsibilities of fostering?

Beyond providing plenty of love, fosters are responsible for:

• Providing a safe, clean, and caring environment;
• Providing shelter, food, water, and toys/enrichment;
• Providing exercise, socialization, and basic training;
• Monitoring any medical and/or behavioral issues and working with BACC, as needed, to provide the best care possible for your foster dog;
• Willingness to market your foster.

How does BACC support its fosters?

 BACC provides our dog foster parents with:

• Supplies like food, collars, leashes, and crates (as available);
• Behavioral assistance;
• Foster Mentor Program;
• All medical care for your foster dog ;
• Assistance with marketing your foster dog and communications with potential adopters.

What does the adoption process look like?

Once someone submits an application for the animal that you are fostering we will reach out to you. We will ask you to talk with the interested adoptees and potentially schedule a time and place  for them to meet your foster animal. We do not advise inviting strangers to your home, and you are more than welcome to have your meeting at the shelter. If you are not comfortable speaking with potential adoptees, or they do anything that makes you uncomfortable, please let BACC know and we will take over communications. We will handle the paperwork and payment portion of the adoption, and ask that you organize a plan to get the animal to their forever family. 

What if I am interested in adopting my foster dog?

We highly recommend submitting an adoption application for your foster if you are at all interested in adopting them. Adoptions work on a first come first serve basis, so you want to be sure to get that application in before anyone else. Submitting an application is not a binding contract, it just ensures that no one else can adopt the animal without you first making a final decision on if you would like to adopt the animal.

Can I still help if I can’t foster?

Yes! You can:

• Help us spread the word that fostering saves lives! One of the most effective ways to recruit new fosters is by word of mouth. Please tell your friends and family about fostering and ask them to visit our website or reach out to us for more information.
• We also have numerous volunteer opportunities and are always accepting donations.