foster home information

There are few animal welfare organizations in Ohio actually helping pit bull dogs so you can imagine how many people contact us to help neglected, abandoned and abused pit bull dogs.  Large organizations claiming to protect animals turn their back on the dogs who need their help the most.  We receive numerous calls and emails daily from owners, people who have found stray dogs, police, wardens, cruelty officers, rescuers, humane society staff and others requesting that we rescue pit bull dogs that will be killed if a rescue does not come forward.  Because we are such a small organization, we are generally unable to help.

However, you can help us help more dogs if you open your home and become a foster home for For the Love of Pits.  The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we are able to help!   

Dan with his 3 FTLOP's dogs.

Fosters are integral to our rescue efforts.  Without the help and support of volunteer foster homes, we have to turn away needy and deserving pit bull dogs.  Although extremely rewarding, being a foster family can be extremely challenging.  Before you submit the foster application, please carefully consider whether you and your family are up to the challenge.

The dogs in our rescue program often have been abused, neglected and/or abandoned, have not been socialized and have never had loving homes.  As a result, foster homes provide the rescue dog with a stable environment to recover from the abuse inflicted by former owners and/or society.  Being a foster family and providing a temporary home to a needy dog is not always easy.  It takes time, love, attention and devotion. 

When For the Love of Pits accepts a dog into our program, we place the dog in a foster’s home and do not uproot the dog until a forever home is found.  Placing a dog in the dog’s forever home can take anywhere from three (3) months to two (2) years; however, For the Love of Pits generally never places a dog in its forever home before the dog has been in our rescue for at least six (6) months.  On average, dogs are in our rescue program for approximately one year prior to being placed in a forever home. 

SAVE A LIFE. 

BECOME A FOSTER HOME FOR FOR THE LOVE OF PITS!

For the Love of Pits pays for veterinary care, monthly heartworm and basic obedience class.  If needed, For the Love of Pits provides a crate to the foster home for the rescue dog.  Fosters pay for quality food, treats, toys, blankets and other similar items.

David with his FTLOP's dog.

Here are just a few responsibilities of our Fosters:

1. To provide daily care.
   Just like owning a pet, this includes feeding, exercise, waste clean-up and positive, loving interactions, as well as being on the lookout for any emerging medical or behavioral issues.

2. To provide a safe, loving, predictable and consistent home environment.
   Many dogs are returned to humane societies because the dogs do not have manners, do not listen or are not sufficiently trained.  As a Foster, you have the chance to teach the dog just what love is all about, in the form of consistent training, predictable routines, play and affection.

3. To Attend Obedience Classes.
   Many of the dogs we rescue have never learned basic obedience or good manners.  Our goal is to provide each dog basic obedience training so that they are well-behaved ambassadors upon placement.  Classes will be held once a week for six weeks and the Foster will need to work with the dog each day.

4. To allow prospective parties meet the dog in its home environment.
   After an interested party is screened in accordance with our policies and we believe we've found a potential forever home, we will work with you to arrange a meet-and-greet.  We will solicit your input to help us match up the best possible family with the each dog.

5. To provide feedback.
   Your role is to provide truthful and complete information about the dog. We'll also want to know how you are doing.  We want to make your experience the most positive it can be!