Community Fosters are an integral part of the Hearts of Gold Service Dog Training Program. Our fosters are volunteers who house a Hearts of Gold puppy for up to a year while helping with their training and socialization without the long-term commitment of a personal pet. No experience is needed! All supplies, food, equipment, medical care, and support are provided.
Provided or Covered by Hearts of Gold:
- Opportunities to schedule drop-off of dog(s) during working hours Monday-Friday at the Hearts of Gold training facility
- All necessary medical care
- Monthly preventive medications
- Food for the foster dog(s)
- Necessary equipment (leash, collar, harness, bowls, kennel)
- Guidance and obedience classes for each foster
Application
We’re currently searching for Community Fosters! Thirteen puppies are expected to enter the service dog training program. Consider applying to foster full-time or volunteering to babysit for periodic weekends or foster vacations! Those interested in applying should download the application below and email the completed form to mkitt@humanimalbond.org.
Hearts of Gold will gather information about foster families and foster dogs to ensure the best match possible. Applications will be reviewed, and prospective fosters will be contacted to schedule an interview and home visit. At the start of the program, community fosters will participate in some initial dog training with Hearts of Gold.
Community Foster Requirements
- Live in a pet-friendly home within a 25 mi radius of Morgantown, WV (Please note that Hearts of Gold is not responsible for any fees, pet deposits, or damages)
- Be able to complete an online training and attend periodic obedience training sessions
- Be willing to have an in-home evaluation and sign contracts for fostering and a media release form
- Provide current shot and medical records for all other animals in the home
Community Foster Responsibilities
- Be prepared to foster a dog from 8-10 weeks of age to a year with an average of approximately 9 months (foster agreement can be canceled at anytime by either the foster or Hearts of Gold)
- Provide daily care of foster dog(s) including but not limited to, feeding, grooming, exercising, and monthly preventive administration
- Socialize foster dog(s)
- Potty train and kennel/crate train
- Follow the rules and guidelines of Hearts of Gold
- Teach basic obedience and good manners under the guidance of Hearts of Gold Staff
- Only take the dog into pet-friendly places – first-year puppies are not considered service dogs and, therefore, are only allowed into pet-friendly places