FOSTERING  AND ADOPTING GUIDELINES

 

All applicants need to register to foster before they are considered to adopt. All dogs must be assessed prior to Adoption and, even if the dog has been in a previous foster-home, they should be fostered by the intended adopters so that both the dog and the new home can settle and get to know each other, with our full support, for a period of no less than 2 weeks; all fosterers have the opportunity to adopt the dog in their care.

When a post of interest is announced on the main Phoenix Facebook page for a dog in need, and you have read carefully to be sure that you could be the right home for that specific dog, you should register to foster , as everyone who wishes to adopt must foster first.  If you have already done this and have been home-checked, you should contact your Regional Team to express your interest.  However, if you are already fostering the dog you wish to adopt, you will simply move straight to completion of the Adoption Contract and payment of the adoption fee.

Your Regional Co-ordinator will be in contact to arrange a home-visit as soon as possible after the form has been received and checked, if you have not had one previously, so that we are sure you are a potential match for the dog you are applying for; once this has been carried out the Management Team will review the paperwork and you will be informed if you meet the criteria for that particular dog, but if not they will advise on what type of dog may be preferable and may suggest that you apply to foster a different dog.  Remember, you have first refusal to adopt any dog that you foster.

Potentially suitable applicants may receive a phone call to discuss the dog’s needs or requirements and to ascertain in more detail if the Dog is the right match before a decision is reached.  Sometimes, things can happen very quickly and you may receive a call to take a dog in need before an appeal has been posted.  You can refuse any dog you feel won’t work for you, but knowing as much about you and your home-life as possible beforehand will help us to match dogs appropriately.

One a dog is identified as a good fit for your home, the dog will be brought to you, or you will meet at a pre-agreed location and you will sign a Fostering Contract.  Be sure you know what you will be committing to, this is the Small Print:
 

• The Fosterer agrees that the Foster Dog is the Legal Property of Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue (henceforth read as PFBR) and agrees that he/she has no legal rights to the Foster Dog in their care

• The Fosterer accepts that PFBR is placing the Foster Dog in good faith and that all known information relating to the health and temperament of the dog has been disclosed to the best of their ability

• The Fosterer will provide the Foster Dog with all the care and attention necessary to ensure its health, wellbeing and rehabilitation; this includes providing sufficient food, water, exercise, and access to veterinary care, if necessary and pre-approved.  Furthermore, the Fosterer agrees that the dog will be housed indoors at all times, unless otherwise agreed with PFBR

• Permission for surgery must always be given in writing by the Management Team, and any vet account for the Foster dog must be in the name of Phoenix FBR or the fosterer will be liable for any costs incurred

• The Fosterer agrees that they will be consulted and will adhere to any decision made by PFBR if the Dog has to be euthanised for any reason as detailed within the Quality of Life Policy 2024

• The Fosterer accepts that liability for the Foster Dog is at their risk at all times and the dog must be kept on a lead when outside the boundaries of their property, without exception.  The Foster Dog must wear a collar and an identity disc at all times, showing the name, address and telephone number of PFBR (a Phoenix disc will be provided). It should be noted that the laws governing dogs being out of control, dangerous in public spaces etc, applies to whoever is walking them at the time, regardless of ownership.

• It is the responsibility of PFBR to ensure that the Foster Dog is vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, and microchipped, as necessary, and will make the necessary arrangements for this to be carried out in discussion with their Regional Coordinator/Manager at the cost of PFBR.  However, it may be necessary for the Fosterer to make the Foster Dog available for any pre-arranged vet visits, and that any follow-up treatment is adhered to

• In a medical emergency, The Fosterer must seek veterinary treatment for the dog, and contact PFBR as soon as possible. For any non-emergency veterinary treatment, the fosterer must contact PFBR beforehand to agree treatment; failure to obtain authorisation for a vet visit will result in the fosterer being liable for the costs incurred. The Fosterer will notify PFBR immediately of any serious illness or the death of the dog

• In the event that the foster dog is lost or stolen, The Fosterer must inform PFBR and the proper authorities as soon as possible

• The Fosterer agrees that any incidents involving the Foster Dog, where another human or animal is injured, including the Foster Dog, will be reported as soon as practicably possible

• If the dog is unneutered it is the responsibility of the Fosterer to ensure that it is kept away from unneutered dogs of the opposite sex.  PFBR encourages intact males to be neutered avsap after Adoption but this is not always possible with females, as it will depend on the cycle of that dog’s season.  If you have an unneutered dog in your care that you suspect may have been compromised, you must inform your Manager as a matter of urgency.

So to clarify, who pays for what ….
If a dog has a very specialised diet, this may be costly, and it is likely that we will cover this cost/supply the food.  Most fosterers are kind enough to supply food and treats, which significantly reduces the financial burden on the charity.  Many dogs arrive with absolutely nothing, no bowls, beds, toys, sometimes not even a lead, collar or harness.  Where possible we will endeavour to provide these from donated stock, but where that is not possible immediately, many fosterers are happy to purchase these items themselves but, if needed, the costs may be claimed back through the Charity’s expenses system; your Regional Teams will be able to help with this.

Any urgent vet requirements during foster will be dealt with by PFBR – this will include vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, but not neutering.  Any medical issues arising during the foster period which were not foreseen and are not the fault of the fosterer, e.g the dog develops an ear infection or similar, will also be covered, but we cannot be held responsible if the dog is accidentally injured in the home/on a walk.
 
Vet fees arising from anything other than known medical conditions will be at the cost of the fosterer.  We do trust our fosterers to take good care of the dog in their home and as dogs in foster cannot be insured, it is important that they are kept safe during this period to avoid any medical/incidental costs to the fosterer.  Do be aware that anything that you ask your vet to note on a dog’s medical record whilst in foster will potentially be regarded as a ‘pre-existing condition’ for any insurance you later take out, and so not covered.  Phoenix will no longer cover BOAS surgery or dental work to recently inflated costs.

Bringing the dog home ....
Before the dog arrives in your home, please try to keep all of the following information in mind and use the Pet Remedy products that will be sent to you to help settle the dog into your home.
 

If you already have a dog(s) it is important that you introduce your dog(s) to the foster dog on neutral territory, not in your home if possible.  Walk them together before taking them into the home, first letting them spend time in the garden if you have one.  If it is not possible to walk them together first, put your dog(s) outside in the garden or block them off in the home, so that they do not overwhelm the foster dog when they first enter.  We suggest that you let them greet through a baby gate or on the lead if an indoor introduction is your only option.

Don’t over-stimulate the dog …. THIS IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN DOGS NEEDING TO BE UPLIFTED FROM FOSTER PREMATURELY
It is possible that the dog is scared, nervous, unsure.  They may have been taken from a loving home for the first time and have no idea how to cope.  Give the dog space!  Don’t invite all your friends, neighbours and family round to meet your new arrival for about a week.  We know you will be excited; we are too to place a dog in what we hope will be their forever home, but the dog needs time to decompress, to adjust and feel safe, even if displaying friendly and excitable behaviour.  Initial walks should be kept short – and alone, unless with other dogs of the household.  Listen carefully to any advice given to you by your Regional Team about any ‘quirks’ the dog may have and follow their advice.  All changes need to be instigated very slowly, because an overly stressed dog can manifest in many different ways and can also take a long time with a lot of effort to unpick.  Avoiding that from the beginning will pay dividends.  Please ensure you have watched the Pet Remedy short video that will have been sent to you to watch after your home-visit.

Don’t take any unnecessary risks ...
Crating the foster dog at night or when leaving the home is a good idea if the dog is happy with this; your Regional Team will be able to give you advice on this as some dogs have had very poor association with crates.  Where a crate can’t be used, consider using baby-gates or play-pens to restrict access to areas where you don’t want the dog to be without your supervision, and close doors.  Puppies/younger dogs may do better with a pen so that they have room to move around for play and toileting.  If you already have dogs, it will give them a break and will also protect your home from accidents and/or destructiveness.  At night, a crate can be moved into your bedroom if you prefer, and the dog is happy with this.  The foster dog should never be far out of your sight for the first week. REMEMBER: your dogs were there first.  It doesn’t hurt a foster-dog to crate them or put them in another room behind a baby-gate when necessary to give your own dogs a break, and many dogs find a crate reassuring too; it should be spacious enough to stand and turn around, and comfortable and welcoming, a safe space they like to go to, where they feel safe.  Never force a dog into a crate; it can be extremely distressing if they are not used to it, but slow training on some level is also useful for car journeys and if they need to have surgery (even just neutering), as vets use crates/cages.
 
Dogs are taken into the fosterers’ homes at their own risk, although obviously do our very best to know as much as possible about the dog, to match it to your home, but accidents will happen as a dog finds its paws and we can’t take responsibility for any damage done by an unsupervised dog.

Be very cautious when taking the dog away from your property.  Until the dog has bonded with you they are very likely to bolt at the first opportunity.  Some dogs back-up when frightened or startled and can slip out of their collars.  Check the foster dog’s collar and if this seems a possibility let us know; we will provide a more secure collar/harness.  Ideally, Frenchies should not be walked on collars due to their construction but should be walked on a harness, and a good-fitting one is essential for their body shape; we can advise you on this.  If the dog does happen to break free, try to approach it as calmly and nonchalantly as possible; rushing up to it will only make it run away.  The foster dog must be kept on a lead on walks and wear a collar with our ID tag (supplied) at all times; even when walked with a harness there must be a collar too, to comply with the law.  This is for your protection as well as that of the dog, as laws governing dogs being out of control, dangerous in public spaces etc, applies to whoever is walking them at the time, regardless of ownership.

PLEASE LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOU LOSE POSSESSION OF THE DOG AND INFORM THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES TOO.

Be cautious when exposing the foster dog to children including those that are not in your household, and to strangers, get to know them a little first.  In most cases, we do not know the dog’s full history and so we cannot predict how they will react in some situations and we will only place a dog in a family setting if we have seen them interact with children at our assessments.

Toddlers should be particularly well supervised around dogs; they are at face height with the dog and even a warning snap from a dog can cause devastating injuries to young, soft faces, where tear injuries are most common and can be far worse than the bite. Be aware that if the dog bites, even if through fear, it may have to be euthanised.  Please don’t put your foster dog in a situation that could cost them their life or cause serious injuries to others.

Food for thought .....
Your foster dog should always be fed in a safe place.  Some dogs may have issues with food as a result of their past and might not eat well with other dogs, or maybe humans, so separation at mealtimes is advised, even just as a precaution.  Please do not over feed the dog; a fat dog has a shorter lifespan and can develop multiple health problems.  If the dog is food-aggressive, please do not try to overcome this by removing the bowl whilst eating to accustom the dog to it; it won’t work, and you could get hurt.  Wait until all food has gone and the dog has walked away.  If necessary, distract the dog before picking up the bowl.  We do not need to exert our human desire for supremacy by unnecessarily antagonising a dog that has ingrained, learned behaviour, and notions of Alpha Pack Leaders have long been out-dated through sensible research.  And would you want your food to be taken away before you had finished?  If it is safe to do so and you want to gain trust, try adding some food to the bowl, or on the floor near it, and then walking away.

Equally, we do not recommend allowing a foster dog to ‘graze’ throughout the day.  Feed twice daily and if the dog is a fussy eater simply take up the bowl after around 15 minutes and do not feed again until the next mealtime.  This will establish a better feeding routine.
 
Toileting matters ....
Toilet the foster dog outside on a lead or in a restricted area (your garden) until they have adjusted to the new surroundings, and you feel comfortable that they will come into the home when called; they could become confrontational if they are unwilling, stressed or scared.  Don’t assume the foster dog is house-trained — changes in homes and families are stressful for the dog and they may “forget” or need some time to adjust to your routine and home layout.  Praise the dog when they do their business outside and don’t be harsh with accidents.  Sometimes a foster dog will need to be taken all the way back to basics with toilet-training and patience is a must.

Making friends ...
On meeting the dog, do not reach over the dog’s head to pet them as they may perceive this to be a threat.  Instead, pet the dog under the chin with slow and steady movements as you approach, speaking gently and calmly, allowing the dog to sniff you first – treats may be offered.  If the foster dog is shy or fearful do not make direct eye-contact or stare.  Again, the dog may consider this to be a threat.  Do not pick up a foster dog that doesn’t know you very well; this is good way to get nipped and have an enemy for life!

The best way to allow a dog to settle is to simply ignore them until they come to you; let the dog wander about the home and garden as you observe and praise them when they do come to you.  The dog needs to find confidence before you can interact together successfully. Just talk to them so they can hear your voice saying their name pleasantly as you go about your business.

Teach the dog basic manners – “sit”, “down”, “leave it,” “wait” (as in ‘don’t bolt out of the front door’), “stay” “quiet”, “stand” (great for the vet’s table) and how to walk on a lead, but only once they have settled into your home and are showing some confidence in you.  This is good confidence building for the dog and will give you good one-to-one time with them to build a solid relationship.  Good manners help the dog become more adoptable if you decide not to do so.

Just some general reminders ...
The dog must be returned to us if you are planning a holiday or break whilst fostering – unless you would like to take the dog with you.  Pet sitters/kennels are not approved to foster, and we will ensure that an appropriate fosterer is available.  Ideally, please don’t agree to take on a foster-dog if you know you have holidays on the horizon, as it can be very disruptive to them at what is already a difficult time but do so when you are back home and can give your time fully.

Dogs in foster must be kept clean, brushed and have their nails clipped.  Grooming can be arranged if necessary but weekly brushing is essential.  Let the dog adjust for at least 2-3 days before attempting to groom or bathe them.  If a vet is needed, please contact us for an approved facility and/or permission and arrangement will be made.  The foster-carer must be willing to take the foster dog to vet appointments when needed.  All vet visits and procedures must be pre-approved by a member of the Management Team and booked with a Phoenix account or fosterers may be liable for the costs incurred.

A Confidentiality Agreement must be signed by the fosterer.  A Foster Agreement must be signed for each dog fostered but there is no need to reapply or have another home visit, unless you have moved, should you wish to take on another dog.
 
IMPORTANT:
Please know your limits on what you are able to undertake with a dog placed in your care; it is okay to have limited experience, we can make sure that you are matched to a well-behaved dog, but please don’t over-promise in enthusiasm because under-delivery in reality can be very stressful to you, the dog and to our Team.  If we know your strengths and weaknesses as a fosterer and potential adopter, we will do our very best to match you to a dog within your capabilities.  There may be the odd exception if a dog is not as expected, but we do our very best to avoid this and are always available to support you.  Please do remember though, a dog in your care can’t always be collected ‘now’ if things don’t work out, and that should be carefully considered.

If you are fostering an unneutered dog, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are kept away from unneutered dogs of the opposite sex.  Intact males should be neutered avsap once adopted, but this is not always possible with females, as it will depend on the cycle of that dog’s season.  If you have an unneutered dog in your care that you suspect may have been compromised, you must inform your Manager as a matter of urgency.

Your foster dog must stay with you for at least 2 weeks before they are available for adoption so that they can be fully assessed and you know you like each other.  Some foster-dogs can stay much longer if they have specific needs, but you will be advised of these in advance and would not be expected to take on a dog that you were not experienced to manage.

Not quite going to plan ....?
If fostering isn’t working out for any reason, contact your Regional Co-ordinator or Manager immediately.  You are not a failure — the foster dog just might not be the right match for your home, or you may need to speak to our Behaviourist for some support.  We don’t expect anyone to have all the answers about a dog that we may know very little about, and we are all here to function as a Team to help the dog in need and to help you to do so too.

Make sure you have the Emergency Contacts sheet handy, just in case.

We are always here to help you, so if something isn’t working or if you are struggling, STAY CALM & ASK FOR HELP!

And finally, what if you can’t bear to part with the little treasure ...?
Then don’t!  We would much prefer to let a settled dog stay put than make them move again.  Chat to your Regional Manager and/or Coordinator to arrange the adoption, you will still be fully supported where needed.  Your Regional Co-ordinator will deliver or email the Adoption Contract, explain it in full and make arrangements for the Adoption fee to be paid at that time – please note that payment plans/instalment payments are not available.
 
The Adoption Contract states:
 

• Under no circumstances can the dog be rehomed, sold or otherwise disposed of by the Adopter

• Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue will visit the dog by prior arrangement at any time, but will also carry out video-calls/phone calls/Facetime/WhatsApp-calls.

• Adopters will remain in contact with Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue and notify immediately any changes in circumstances, including new addresses or phone numbers, or if the dog is deceased

• Where a dog is unneutered, the microchip will not be transferred to the Adopter until proof is seen that this has been done (vet invoice).

• Phoenix French Bulldog Rescue reserves the right to re-claim the dog if it is of the opinion that the dog is not being properly cared for, if it has not been neutered within the terms of the Adoption Contract or its environment is no longer suitable.

Please read the Adoption Contract thoroughly, so that the expectations of all parties are clear about what is expected of them.

Adoption Fees (as of 1st Jan 2024):
Up to 6 months old - £595
6-12 months old - £495
1-5 years ol  - £450
5-8 years old - £350
8 years plus - £150

Dogs surrendered and rehomed as bonded pairs will not be charged at double rate; consideration will be given to the age and medical condition of each pair and a fee will be advised in advance.