WVC Animal Shelter

Revised December 2024

This manual is supplementary to the Foster Care Manual. Please ensure you have completely read and understood the Foster Care Manual and Foster Agreement, as it includes important information about the WVC Animal Shelter foster program and your responsibilities as a foster caregiver.

Section 1: Preparing for a Foster Dog

Taking home a new foster dog prevents dogs from overstaying in a shelter environment and supports their social, emotional, and physical well-being. While foster care benefits are immediate to us, foster dogs may initially be frightened or unsure. Preparation helps everyone succeed.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • At least one bowl for dry food and one for water (stainless steel or ceramic works best)
  • Supply of dry dog food (unless a special diet is required)
  • Collar and leash (required anytime outside your home)
  • Soft place to sleep (blankets or towels work well)
  • Crate (large enough to stand and turn around, but not oversized)
  • Dog treats (for training and bonding)
  • Durable toys appropriate for the dog’s size
  • Baby gate (recommended for limiting access)
  • Grooming supplies (recommended to increase adoptability)

Housing and Outdoor Access

  • Foster dogs and puppies must live indoors
  • Outdoor time must be supervised (leash walks or secure fenced yard)
  • Do not leave dogs unattended outside
  • Dog doors may require training
  • Crates are recommended for most dogs
  • Puppies may require additional containment (exercise pen or closed room)

Dog-Proofing Your Home

  • Remove unsafe or chewable valuables
  • Secure food, medications, lotions, cosmetics
  • Move houseplants out of reach
  • Move electrical and phone cords out of reach
  • Keep toilet seats down and trash secured
  • Never underestimate a dog’s ability.

Resident Pets

WVC strongly recommends keeping resident pets separate initially for health and safety. Dogs often arrive with unknown histories. If resident pets are young or not fully vaccinated, wait 7–14 days before introductions. WVC does not provide medical care for resident pets.

Dog-to-Dog Introductions

Before bringing the foster dog home

  • Remove high-value items (toys, chews, Kongs)
  • Create separate feeding areas

After bringing the foster dog home

  • Introduce dogs one at a time outdoors on leash
  • Allow space for sniffing and adjustment
  • If body language is positive, drop leashes and allow interaction
  • Supervise all interactions and end positively

Dog-to-Cat Introductions

Before arrival

  • Create a separate territory for the dog
  • Provide blankets for scent exchange

After arrival

  • Keep separated initially
  • Allow scent exchange through closed door for 1–2 weeks
  • Introduce face-to-face with dog on leash
  • Do not allow charging behavior
  • Supervise closely

Children and Dogs

  • Teach children boundaries and safe play
  • Give dog space to sleep and eat undisturbed
  • Always “trade up” when removing toys
  • Adult supervision required
  • Store children’s toys away
  • Children should not walk dog alone

Section 2: Day-to-Day Care

Feeding

  • Feed once or twice daily as directed
  • Provide fresh water at all times
  • Use treats to reinforce positive behavior
  • Provide chew toys (avoid rawhide)

Daily Routine

  • Establish consistent feeding times
  • Schedule regular potty breaks
  • Maintain predictable walk schedule

Potty Training

  • Take dog out 3–6 times daily (depending on age)
  • Increase frequency initially
  • Reward outdoor elimination
  • Use crate when unsupervised
  • Never punish accidents
  • Use enzymatic cleaners (e.g., Nature’s Miracle, Simple Solution)

Crate Training

  • Keep crate experiences positive
  • Introduce gradually with treats and meals
  • Never use crate as punishment
  • Do not crate longer than eight hours

Grooming

  • Bathe regularly as needed
  • Brush long-haired dogs
  • Trim nails carefully
  • Contact WVC if professional grooming is needed

Mental Stimulation and Exercise

  • Minimum two 30-minute walks or play sessions daily (adjust for age/energy level)
  • Rotate toys
  • Redirect mouthing to toys
  • Provide food puzzles

Safety Requirements

  • Dogs must live and sleep indoors
  • Supervise outdoor time
  • Off-leash only in secure fenced areas
  • No off-leash dog parks
  • Transport inside vehicle (never open truck bed)
  • Avoid interaction with unfamiliar dogs

First 48 Hours

  • Allow time to decompress
  • Start with limited access to home
  • Reward desired behaviors
  • Never use negative reinforcement

Section 3: Medical and Emergency Protocols

Medications

  • Administer exactly as directed
  • Complete full course
  • Contact WVC if no improvement within five days

Common Signs of Illness

  • Appetite loss (contact if no eating for 24 hours)
  • Coughing with discharge or breathing difficulty
  • Dehydration (skin tent test)
  • Liquid, bloody, or mucoid diarrhea
  • Colored eye or nose discharge
  • Ear discharge or persistent scratching
  • Hair loss patches
  • Lethargy or inability to stand
  • Urinary straining or no urination for 24 hours
  • Vomiting with other symptoms

Criteria for Emergencies

  • Urinary blockage
  • Labored or stopped breathing
  • Extreme dehydration
  • Inability to stand or unconsciousness
  • Broken bones or trauma
  • Profuse bleeding
  • Loss of appetite over 24 hours

Section 4: Behavior Support

Use positive reinforcement to reward desirable behavior and ignore unwanted behavior.

Common Behavioral Concerns

  • Excessive vocalization (increase stimulation, ignore attention-seeking)
  • High energy (increase physical and mental exercise)
  • Overstimulation/arousal spikes (remove stimulus, disengage calmly)
  • Potty issues (increase supervision and routine)
  • Resource guarding (feed separately, avoid punishment)
  • Rough play/play biting (redirect to toys, increase enrichment)
  • Separation anxiety (increase stimulation, avoid dramatic departures)
  • Shy or fearful behavior (create safe room, use positive association)

Emergency Behavioral Situations

  • Biting or aggressive lunging
  • Fighting or severe injury
  • Rapid escalation of guarding behavior

Section 5: The Dog’s Fur-Ever Home

Finding Adopters

  • Introduce dog to friends and neighbors (when appropriate)
  • Share photos and stories on social media
  • Share within workplace networks where appropriate
  • Notify WVC when a potential adopter is identified

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye means the dog is moving into a loving home. Provide adopters with your contact information if appropriate and celebrate the role you played in saving a life.