Why Do Animals Need to be Fostered?

Foster homes are at the heart of Rescue One’s ability to save lives. Currently, we have limited foster resources, and as a result we often have to turn dogs in need away. Fostering is certainly a commitment, but the rewards are endless! As a foster parent, you gain constant companionship and the knowledge that you are helping to save a life and providing a second chance to very deserving animals. While you foster, Rescue One will provide you with the following essentials to make sure that there is as little a burden placed on you as possible:

• » All veterinary expenses (using one of our partner vets)
• » Food
• » Flea Treatment/Prevention & Heart Worm Protection
• » Crate (if needed)

What Do Foster Parents Do?

Pet foster parents are very much like child foster parents. They care for a homeless pet as if he/she was their own until he/she gets adopted. By fostering you are able to learn about the pet’s personality, likes, and dislikes so that they can be better matched to the right forever home. We ask that our fosters provide shelter, transportation to and from adoption events, and most importantly love and attention. No dog will be placed in an outdoor-only environment.

Why It Works

• » Dogs receive one-on-one attention in a loving foster home. This allows us to truly get to know each animal for better adoption placement.
• » Living in a foster home gives the dog time to adjust to the many changes and sometimes difficult pasts they have endured.
• » They can regain their emotional well being through the kindness and constant loving care and attention that they receive.
• » We make sure every animal receives all necessary vetting and proper nutrition.
• » In their own time, our dogs are physically and socially ready to be adopted into their family.

How To Apply

Application: Please fill out and submit our online foster care application. You may also download a PDF version, complete it, then either email it to us, or send it by regular mail to:

Rescue One
1927 E Bennett St.
Springfield, MO 65804

Home Visit: After your application has been submitted and reviewed, you will be contacted by one of our volunteers to schedule a visit to your home. Rescue One and state law require a home visit for all new foster families. During this friendly visit, Foster Care staff member will come to your home to get to know you and your family.

Foster Pet Profile: With your input, our Foster Care team will create a profile of the animals that would best fit in your home environment. For example, if you have a female dog that does not get along with other females, we will only have you foster male dogs. If you work full time and cannot care for young puppies, we will only have you foster adults. You may also be asked to speak to or screen potential adopters. All necessary veterinary care is paid for by Rescue One.

Welcoming Home a Foster Pet: When a foster animal is available for your situation, we will contact you and you can begin fostering.

Questions: If you have questions that need answers prior to submitting an application, please email us, and one of our volunteers will respond promptly.