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Sleepovers
Can I bring my dog to pick up to make sure they get along?
Take the dogs for a walk together, keeping 10 feet between them so that they can’t greet each other or stare. Then, cross paths (still maintaining distance) and allow the dogs to smell where the other has walked. The idea is to acclimate them to each other’s presence without causing tension.
We do not recommend having them greet each other on leash nose to nose. This type of meeting can be very stressful for many dogs and can cause fear or reactions to being scared and defensive.
Can I give my host dog a bath?
Yes – but only if the dog has not recently (within the last 10 days) had surgery. The incision must remain dry to heal properly. In some cases, sponge baths are ok as well if the site stays dry.
For grooming by a professional, you will need to contact us to get a copy of their current rabies certificate.
Are all the Saving Grace dogs up to date on vaccines and preventatives?
Yes. All dogs have all required vaccines and boosters and are started on preventative treatment for fleas/ticks and heartworm upon coming on site and into our program.
Some of our dogs on site are being treated for kennel cough with antibiotics, which is common in a shelter environment. We recommend all homes fostering/hosting a shelter pet have all resident pets up to date on vaccinations (particularly Bordetella) and contact your vet for specific questions. We want to ensure the well-being and health of all animals including residents in the foster homes.
Although we do start all dogs on preventatives once they come to us, they have not had any regular medical care until arriving at Saving Grace. It can take a couple of rounds for the preventative meds to help with any current health situations in some cases.
Dogs are treated further with other medications as needed once we become aware of issues.
Can I get follow-up information about the adopter to find out how my host dog is doing in his/her permanent home?
For reasons of privacy we can’t give out contact information. We encourage our adopters, however, to submit “Happy Tails” stories and pictures.
What are the most important things to teach my host dog?
The time you spend teaching your dog to sit, greet others politely and walk on a leash is invaluable to the dog’s adoptability. Some dogs may need help and patience with other things such as consistent potty training or nervousness. Positive, human interactions, praise and love will increase the confidence of your shelter dog.
Will Saving Grace pay for any damage a host dog does to my carpet or furniture?
Do I have to use a crate with my host dog?
Whenever you are unable to supervise the dog, it should be crated.
Many of the dogs are not used to living in a home and will be anxious at first. They are crated while at Saving Grace and the crate is a consistent, comfortable place for them.
Crate training is recommended because it helps the dog learn behaviors that will make him/her more adoptable. Some adult dogs are already housebroken, but the crate helps reinforce good behavior and creates the dog’s own special space.
If you do not have a crate we are happy to loan you one for the weekend.
If there are other pets in the home, you MUST feed your host dog in their crate. Take up and dispose of any uneaten food before allowing dogs in the same area. This also goes for treats and bones. Even the most well-mannered/well socialized dogs will guard food from other dogs. Please remember to set your dog up for success and prevent any potential unsafe situations before they arise.
What if I fall in love with my host dog and want to adopt?
If you are sure you want to adopt your host dog, you will need to submit an adoption request . Once the application is submitted, please let our host team know so they can coordinate with the adoption team and get back to you on next steps.
This process allows for your application to be seen and attended to more promptly.
Adoption is not guaranteed but we will do our very best to make the adoption possible.
What if I decide to adopt my dog, will I get a discount for hosting?
As much as we would like to give discounts, especially to our wonderful weekend hosts, we can’t do this and cover costs for spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, monthly preventions and medications, housing and food for all the dogs in the program.
What supplies will Saving Grace give to weekend host families?
We are happy to provide a crate, leash and will harness the dog before he or she leaves with you. We depend 100% on donations for all food we have at Saving Grace, and with many dogs on site and in long term foster, our supply is almost always limited. If you can supply food for your dog during their stay, we would greatly appreciate it. If you are in a position where you cannot supply food, please let us know and we will absolutely send you with some!
