What is Foster-to-Adopt?
Our Foster-to-Adopt (FTA) program offers eligible adopters the opportunity to welcome a dog into their home on a trial basis before making a permanent commitment. Participants select a specific dog in advance and agree to foster them upon their scheduled transport. This program allows adopters to ensure the dog is the right fit for their home and lifestyle while providing the dog with a stable, loving environment.
Eligibility:
Be an OFR approved adopter.
Reside within 40 minutes of the emergency veterinary clinic at 1150 University Ave, Rochester NY 14607.
Commit to transporting the dog to all veterinary appointments.
Adhere to decompression protocols.
Be able to foster the dog for a minimum of two weeks.
Be prepared to extend the foster period if necessary.
Be open to potential “unknowns,” such as compatibility with other dogs, cats, or children.
Be willing to manage minor health concerns.
If not adopting, be available to facilitate meet-and-greets with potential adopters.
Support
Group Chat
As an FTA participant, you will receive dedicated support from our foster, vetting, and adoption coordinators, who will check in with you daily. Our team is here to assist you with training guidance, medical concerns, supply requests, and any other needs that may arise. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your foster dog - please keep us pupdated throughout the process!
Supplies
Before adoption, OFR supplies everything needed to care for your foster dog while they remain in our program. This includes but is not limited to, a crate, food, treats, leash, collar, toys, and other essential items.
Win for you:
FTA provides a unique opportunity to welcome a dog into your home with valuable insight into their behavior. These dogs have already been fostered in the South, allowing us to share details about their temperament and adaptability in a home setting.
This program serves as a trial period, helping you determine:
-
If this is the right time to add a pet to your family
-
Whether the dog fits your lifestyle
-
How all family members respond to the new addition
-
If this particular dog is the right match for you
Once the dog is in your home, they are yours to adopt if you choose-no more monitoring our website for new listings, joining waitlists, or missing out on a dog because someone else applied first. Plus, there's no financial risk, as you won't need to invest in supplies or pay a non-refundable adoption fee if the match isn't right. With FTA, you'll know exactly what you're getting!
Win for us & dogs:
By participating in FTA, you're not only giving a dog a chance at a loving home-you're also directly contributing to saving two lives; the dog you welcome into your home and another in need, as your commitment frees up a space in overcrowded shelters.
FTA also benefits our dedicated fosters by providing them with much-needed breaks, allowing them to continue their lifesaving work. Additionally, it reduces the workload for our volunteers, eliminating the need for writing bios, managing social media postings, and coordinating meet-and-greets.
If you decided to adopt, your foster dog experiences one less stressful transition, as they're already home with the family they've bonded with.
Already an approved adopter? Simply message us to join the program!
If you're not yet approved, complete our adoption application first.
Review and sign the liability waiver and FTA agreement sent to your email
Read through our foster success guide and complete the accompanying questionnaire.
How to enroll?
What Happens Next?
Get matched up!
Request to join our private FTA Facebook group for updates and discussion.
Let us know if you find a dog that matches your criteria.
Ask for more details by commenting on their post as needed.
Our adoption coordinators can also send you potential matches directly via text or email.
THIS IS A COMMITMENT
By agreeing to participate in the FTA program and accepting a match, you understand that:
● If you do not adopt, it may take us longer than two weeks to find the dog their permanent home.
● If you decide to back out after committing, the dog will not have an alternative placement, as OFR does not operate a shelter facility.
This dog is counting on your support and commitment to help them find their forever home!
Adopting Your Foster Dog
The goal of the FTA program is for you to fall in love with your foster dog and ultimately adopt them. Around day 7, we will check in to confirm your intentions. We kindly ask that you have a decision by then.
-
If you decide to adopt, you will sign the adoption agreement and submit payment by day 14.
-
If you decide not to adopt, we will arrange a meet-and-greet with another potential adopter around day 14.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thank you for considering giving a dog their forever home!
