How Fostering a Dog For July 4th Could Save a Pet's Life

Fostering a dog anytime is one of the best things you can do — we're huge fans of fostering dogs here at Boxed! Not only does it make a tangible difference in saving dogs’ lives but there's nothing like the pure joy of having a dog’s love in your life. So when we found out about the huge need for fostering before the 4th of July, we had to do something about it.

Our friends and partners at Dogly recently shared the reasons why fostering ahead of the 4th is so important during a visit to Boxed — along with answers to our questions about what it’s really like to foster.

July 5th is the busiest day of the year at shelters across the country

Fireworks might be fun for us but they're terrifying to some dogs. If dogs aren't safely secured indoors, they’ll do anything to escape the loud booms they don’t understand. More dogs are lost on the 4th than any other time of year — and many end up at shelters on the 5th. To be able to take in the influx of runaway dogs, rescues need space, which means dogs currently in their care need a place to go for a few days. When you foster before the 4th — even temporarily, you’re helping solve an urgent problem. A rescue dog gets a break from the shelter and you open up a space for a new arrival (often until their family reunites with them), saving both your foster dog and the lost runaway dog.

LA’s East Valley shelter started a program a couple years ago called 4Days4Life — and people lined up to help by fostering for four days during the busy July 4th weekend, creating enough space to take in all the runaway dogs.

So what is the foster process like?

Rescues make it easy for you — and each dog. They’ll match a foster dog with your life and your experience. Whether a puppy or a senior, a small or large dog, your foster will be selected to set both of you up for success.

How long do I keep my foster dog?

You can sign up to foster until your dog gets adopted, or you can foster for a long weekend or other periods, as more and more rescues are now offering short-term programs that give shelters dogs a break to enjoy life in your home, stretch out with outdoor activity, and just generally chill out with you.

Do you pay for anything as a foster?

Every rescue is different, but most cover everything including crates, food and any needed meds and vet services (all set by them with their established vet partners). You just give your time and love.

Can you foster if you already have a dog?

Yes, but that depends on your dog or dogs and if they’re welcoming to a new houseguest. The rescue will make sure to match you with a foster who also loves being around other dogs.

Is it hard when they get adopted?

Yes, but it’s also the most incredible feeling. There’s no happier feeling than knowing you’ve made it possible for this dog and this family to find who they were meant to be loved by forever. And every time one of your fosters heads off to their happy new life, you open up a space to welcome and save the next dog.

What happens if I want to keep my foster dog?

Fostering is a good way to get to know yourself and how your lifestyle fits a dog. If you want to adopt your foster dog, just be sure it’s not first-foster fever. Ask yourself if this dog is truly meant to be your dog and if you’re their one and only person. And if you do decide to adopt your foster, let your rescue know right away, so potential adopters can

meet other dogs and give every dog their best chance.

Just say yes.

We hear so many people say they’re “thinking about fostering.” If you’re enjoying a staycation over July 4th now is the perfect time to just say yes to fostering. There are so many great dogs waiting in shelters across the country who would love to enjoy the long weekend with you.

Every purchase of Dogly treats, toys, supplements and more benefits a new rescue every week. If you’re new to the rescue and foster world, check out the amazing rescues Dogly partners with every week. It’s a great place to start and every order comes with a photo of an incredibly cute adoptable dog.