Foster Dog Safety

Foster dogs are often adjusting to a completely new environment, and we may not yet know how they will respond to being alone, unfamiliar dogs, open doors, new noises, or stressful situations.

Your foster's safety is always the priority. Please follow these guidelines even if your foster seems calm, friendly, or well-adjusted.

Do not assume a new foster dog can safely be left loose in your home.

Until you know the dog well, use a secure crate, gated area, or separate safe room whenever you leave the house or cannot actively supervise.

Leaving Your Foster Home Alone

We often do not know a foster dog's history with being left alone. A dog who appears relaxed while you are home may panic, chew, escape, become destructive, or get into something dangerous once you leave.

When your foster is home alone:

Use a secure crate, gated room, or other safe contained area.
Keep resident pets separated until you are confident they can safely be together.
Remove medications, food, trash, cords, cleaning products, and anything the dog could chew or swallow.
Make sure doors, windows, and gates are secure.
Do not leave a new foster loose with access to the entire house right away.
Do not leave a foster and resident dog together unsupervised simply because their introductions have gone well.

Remember: A successful supervised interaction does not automatically mean dogs are ready to be left alone together.

Crates & Safe Spaces

A crate or safe room can help prevent accidents, injuries, destructive behavior, and conflict with other pets.

If your foster is uncomfortable in a crate, contact your MLRR team for guidance rather than forcing the issue or immediately allowing free access to the home.

Doors, Gates & Escape Prevention

Newly placed dogs can be especially vulnerable to escaping. They do not yet know that your home is their safe place and may bolt through an open door or gate.

Check that exterior doors latch completely.
Make sure fenced gates are secure.
Be especially careful when carrying groceries, greeting visitors, or opening the front door.
Do not allow your foster to rush through doorways.
Use a leash when moving through unsecured areas.
Make sure the MLRR martingale collar and identification tag remain on your foster.

Leash Safety

Use a standard leash rather than a retractable leash.
Do not allow your foster off leash in an unfenced area.
Check collar fit regularly.
Use extra caution during the first several days, when escape risk can be especially high.
Do not assume a dog has reliable recall simply because they stay close to you at home.

No Dog Parks — Ever

MLRR foster dogs may not go to dog parks.

This rule applies even if your foster is friendly, playful, social with other dogs, or has previously visited dog parks.

Why dog parks are not safe for foster dogs:

We do not know every dog's history. A foster may react differently in a crowded or stressful environment than they do at home.
We cannot control the other dogs. Other dogs may be fearful, aggressive, overly rough, poorly supervised, or inappropriate with your foster.
Fights can happen very quickly. Even friendly dogs can become overwhelmed when surrounded by unfamiliar dogs.
Dogs can be injured. Bites, collisions, orthopedic injuries, and other accidents can occur during rough play or conflict.
Disease exposure is higher. Dog parks may expose dogs to respiratory illness, parasites, gastrointestinal illness, and other contagious conditions.
Stress can affect behavior. Crowded environments can push a dog beyond what they can comfortably handle.
Negative experiences can have lasting effects. One frightening or aggressive encounter can change how a dog responds to other dogs in the future.

A dog does not need a dog park to be happy or socialized. Safe walks, enrichment, training, and carefully supervised interactions with appropriate dogs are much better options.

Public Outings

Use good judgment when taking your foster into public places. Newly arrived fosters should have time to decompress before being taken to busy environments.

Avoid:

Dog parks
Busy festivals
Crowded pet stores
Large gatherings
Uncontrolled dog meetups
Any environment where you cannot easily create distance from other dogs or people

Children & Visitors

Supervise all interactions between foster dogs and children.

Do not allow children to climb on, hug, corner, or disturb a resting dog.
Give the foster a place to retreat.
Do not force interaction with visitors.
Watch the dog's body language and give space when needed.

Cars & Transportation

Secure your foster during car rides.
Do not allow a dog to ride loose in an open truck bed.
Attach the leash before opening the vehicle door.
Use extra caution when getting in and out of the car.
Never leave your foster unattended in a vehicle when temperatures could become unsafe.

If Something Feels Unsafe

If your foster is attempting to escape, showing severe separation distress, having concerning interactions with another animal, or displaying behavior that you do not feel comfortable managing, contact your MLRR team.

Do not put yourself, your pets, or your foster in a situation that feels unsafe just to "see how it goes."

When in Doubt, Choose the Safer Option

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Secure containment, supervision, leashes, slow introductions, and avoiding dog parks help protect your foster while we are still learning who they are.

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