Second Chance Dog Rescue

Why Foster?

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At Second Chance Dog Rescue we rely on our wonderful foster carers to provide special homes for some of our dogs whilst they wait to find their forever homes. 

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Many of the dogs in our care have suffered abuse, injury or trauma. Many have never lived in a home or experienced love and care from humans.

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Living with a foster family helps to provide them with one-to-one care, allows them time to build up their confidence and get used to a life in a loving home. It also provides them with lots of important skills to help them on their journey to finding their forever home.

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What is the Process?  

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At Second Chance Dog Rescue, we do everything we can to ensure you are matched with the right foster dog and fully prepared for their arrival.   

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1. Applying for a foster Dog  

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Fostering a dog is a big decision that affects your entire household. It's vital to think carefully about how this change will impact your daily life.   You can enquire about fostering by:

• Messaging our Foster Team on Facebook

• Contacting us by email via our website

• Reaching out on Instagram, X, or TikTok   ​

  

When you enquire about fostering, you will be sent our ‘Deciding to Get a Dog’ guide to read before submitting an application - you can download it now by Clicking Here.

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​You will also receive our Foster Enquiry Information pack which includes an enquiry form. Once you return this completed form, your application can be considered.    Once we have reviewed your application and believe you are ready to move forward, we will refer you to our Homecheck Team to arrange for one of our homecheckers to visit. you.

 

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 2.  Home Check   

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The homecheck is a relaxed and informal visit; our chance to get to know you and better understand your home, family, and lifestyle. It also helps us assess the safety and suitability of the environment for a foster dog.  But don’t worry, it's usually just a good chat about dogs!

One of our volunteer homecheckers will:  

• Visit your home  

• Meet you and other household members  

• Complete a homecheck questionnaire

• Take photos of the areas the dog will have access to in the home and garden.  ​

 

Once the visit is complete, the homechecker sends their report to our team for review.   If anything needs addressing, such as low fencing or escape risks, we will provide guidance to help you meet our requirements.  

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Most applicants pass their homecheck and we will suggest suitable dogs in need of foster for you to consider. If, on rare occasions, an application cannot proceed, we will clearly explain the reasons why.   

 

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3.  Contract & Preparatory Reading

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Once you’ve accepted a dog for foster, we will send you:

• Your Foster Contract

• Several helpful information guides  ​

  

These cover topics such as decompression, introducing your dog to their new home, settling in, behaviour expectations, and feeding advice.  Please read these thoroughly, they will help to set you and your dog up for success.

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The contract outlines our mutual agreement and your responsibilities as a foster.  You will need to sign and return it, prior to the arrival or collection of your new foster dog. ​

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 5.  Arrival or Collection of your Foster Dog   

 

Once your foster placement is confirmed, we will arrange a suitable day and time for you to collect your foster dog from kennels near Newport, South Wales with easy access from the M4.

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We really appreciate our very kind fosters who are able to collect their new foster dogs as it saves vital rescue funds and it can be a very important part of your journey together.

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However, if you are unable to collect we can consider arranging transport from kennels to your home with our pet transporter service.  

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If your dog is already in a home or needing a new foster, we will help you and the current family arrange for you to collect or for them to bring the dog to you.

 

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How Much Does Fostering Cost?

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Second Chance Dog Rescue can help with any necessary costs for your foster dog and we are happy to cover vet bills, flea/worming treatment, booster vaccinations (if required while in foster) and neutering/spaying (if required while in foster).

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Please register your foster dog with your local vet (preferably an independent practice rather than a corporate chain if possible).  If your dog requires veterinary treatment while they are in your care please notify the rescue immediately.

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The rescue will either reimburse you or pay the vet directly for any consultations, treatment or medication required.

 

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Joining the Second Chance Family   

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As a fosterer, you are welcome to join our Second Chance Family page on Facebook.

 

​The Family Page is a lovely place to share updates, photos, and stories about your dog with other adopters, fosterers, and the wider Second Chance community.  

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Your updates also mean a great deal to all of our team, and to the overseas rescuers who saved and cared for your foster dog before they travelled to the UK. ​

 

We will also be grateful if you would consider joining our 'Friends of Second Chance' club and donating a small amount each month to help fund our ongoing work. 

 

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Aftercare, Advice and Support  

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We will also invite you to join our Aftercare Advice and Support page on Facebook.

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Our Aftercare Support and Advice Page is an important part of the lifelong support we provide to all Second Chance adopters and fosters.  

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Every post is responded to by our Behaviourist or Dog Trainer and our fellow adopters also share their experiences and offer their support.  

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If needed, we can also offer 1-to-1 support via Messenger or WhatsApp, giving you direct contact with our Aftercare Team.  

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We are here for you, whatever support you may need, whenever you need it.

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