If you are interested in supporting Hearts of Gold's mission, you may find it rewarding to participate in foster opportunities. See below for more information about fostering for Hearts of Gold.
Fosters
Fosters are an integral part of the Hearts of Gold Service Dog Training Program. Our fosters 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:
- All necessary medical care
- Monthly preventive medications
- Food for the foster dog(s)
- Necessary equipment (leash, collar, harness, bowls, kennel)
- Guidance and obedience classes
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.
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 vaccination and medical records for all other animals in the home.
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.