Foster an English Setter
We need fosters!
In order for us to function as a rescue, we need to have approved foster homes ready and willing to help when we get notice of a dog in need.
Unwanted dogs tend to come across our desk from every direction. We don’t have a choice as to if they are male or female, young or old, cat friendly or not. Many times we do not have the time to wait to find a foster home as they require a commitment immediately.
We are contacted by shelters and individuals who know of dogs in need of rescue. Breeders have contacted us as well. Sometimes people can no longer care for their dog because of health issues. We cannot help these dogs if we don’t have a place for them to go, and they must be turned away.
Fostering can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life for you and your family. Often we are asked, “how can you let them go” after seeing the transformation of a foster dog. The simple answer is this: our approved adopters are some of the best homes out there. We carefully screen each applicant to ensure our dogs go to safe and happy homes. We match the dogs needs with the applicant. Some dogs need more attention than others. Some would do best in a young household, where others need a place to retire. The foster home has great influence as to where their dog will go. Keep in mind the whole fostering program is about giving your dog the best chance they have at a new life. Once your dog has been placed in a new home and you see the first photos of your dog, you will know you did the right thing. Now, there is room for another dog that has been waiting for that same chance at a new and happy life.
Fostering FAQ
-
You will be asked preferences on your foster application, male/female, younger/older, cat friendly, kid friendly, good around other dogs, etc. We will do our best to match you with the right dog. Unfortunately, dogs in shelters are not themselves and it becomes difficult to determine some personality traits.
-
We ask that you help your foster dog to become a welcomed new family member. Potty training is very important. Teach him to sit before getting treats or gets his leash clipped to his collar. Get him used to riding in the car and visiting new places. Try to calm any anxieties they may have regarding other dogs/cats or leash walking. If you have any problems, please feel free to ask any one of us for advice. There is also information in your foster packets on how to help your foster become adoptable.
-
We only ask that you provide food, love, and lots of TLC for your foster dog. We normally try to have the dog completely vetted before they get to you, but sometimes you may have to arrange a vet visit for a booster shot or to check on a previous condition. All vetting will be paid for by the rescue upon approval.
-
We will work with you to resolve any problems that arise. Usually, there is a simple solution. Keep in mind, your new foster dog will need time to decompress once he gets to you. We will cover the proper steps to introduce your foster before he gets there. This will be of tremendous help in assuring everyone gets off on the right foot. If we cannot find a workable solution, we will move the dog, but keep in mind it may take a week or two for us to find another home.
-
Before the Foster Arrives:
• Prepare a separate space (room, crate, or gated area) for the foster to decompress.
• Pick up all toys, chews, and food bowls from shared areas.
• Expect that being unneutered may trigger reactions from resident dogs, especially other males.
Initial Introduction Plan:
1. Parallel Walks
• Walk the dogs in the same area but spaced apart (at least 10 feet).
• Allow them to observe and sniff the environment, not each other.
• Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
• Do not allow face-to-face interaction yet.
2. Scent Swapping
• Rotate dogs through shared areas separately so they can smell each other’s scent.
• Swap crate blankets, beds, or toys between them if they’re calm.
3. Visual Introduction (Barrier Greetings)
• Allow them to see each other through a gate or fence.
• Watch for calm body language (loose, relaxed, tail wagging).
• If any dog becomes stiff, growls, or stares, increase distance and slow the process.
4. On-Leash Greetings
• Only after several calm visual interactions.
• Choose a neutral, quiet space.
• Keep leashes loose but controlled, don’t allow pulling or intense face-to-face contact.
• Keep the first meeting short and end before any tension arises.
5. Structured Indoor Time
• Let them share space only with supervision.
• Foster dog should drag a leash for quick management.
• Rotate dogs out for breaks and individual attention.
• Always feed separately and supervise during treat time.
Ongoing Management:
• Crate or separate when you’re not actively supervising.
• Monitor for signs of stress: stiffness, staring, hovering, growling.
• Don’t punish growling, it’s communication. Give space and redirect calmly.
• Prevent the foster from attaching to one person by having multiple people share in care.
• Avoid overwhelming the foster with too much freedom or attention early on.
General Tips:
• Keep introductions slow and structured.
• Avoid high-arousal situations like mealtime or playtime during the early stages.
• Use treats and praise to reinforce calm, respectful behavior.
• Be patient. Full introductions may take several days depending on the dogs.
Once you get your foster, we will request a progress report in 2 weeks. At this time, we will ask you about their temperament, likes/dislikes, and skills learned while in your care. We will also ask about any areas of concern you might have. When your foster is ready for adoption we will ask for a short biography of your dog along with a couple cute photos to post on our website. Once they are posted, you will be expected to speak with potential approved adopters interested in your dog. If you have an applicant that you think your dog will be happy with, you will have a major influence as to where your dog goes. We generally let the foster decide, but we do review the decision before we give the final approval.
If you are interested in fostering or have questions about fostering please contact us at foster@oesr.org Or apply to foster online.
Foster dog application
Dogs in our foster program will need to be medically and behaviorally evaluated. All dogs must be micro chipped, up to date on vaccines, and spayed/neutered and all copies of medical records submitted to us prior to posting them for adoption.
Foster to adopt program
Dogs listed as coming soon may be directly adopted by their fosters and may not become available for adoption.
Have you always wanted to help a dog, but aren’t sure if fostering is the way to go? Do you want to help save a life, but aren’t quite sure if he/she is the right fit?
Then try our Foster-To-Adopt program! If you foster to adopt, you will foster the dog for approximately two weeks to evaluate whether your home is the right forever home for each of you. During that time, the dog will be medically and behaviorally evaluated per our requirements.
You must have an approved adoption application and a home visit prior to entering the Foster-to-Adopt program. You may want to start the process prior to finding a dog since some of our more popular dogs are adopted very quickly. You can also start the process when you see an eligible dog you like on our site.
Forever Foster
Our Forever Foster program is for dogs that may have a terminal condition and require regular medical attention, are way up on their years, or have a behavior issues that need constant attention. These dogs are not normally available for adoption, and therefore remain in their foster home to their last day.
OESR pays the expenses associated with medication and veterinary care while their Forever Foster Family provides food, a warm bed and LOVE. It takes a special person to give of themselves this way, and when we find them, we try and provide the resources we can to help.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of one of our Foster Forever pups, please click here.
We currently do not have any dogs in our Foster Forever Program.