✅ Step 1: Read and Sign the Foster Agreement -Before we get started, please read and sign the Foster Agreement form. This is required before any dog is placed in your care. It outlines key responsibilities and guidelines to ensure safety and clarity for both you and your foster pup. Please initial next to each section indicating that you have read and agree to everything outlined. If you have any questions at all, please let us know.
✅ Step 2: Review the Frequently Used Forms and Questions
Forms:
Below are links to our most commonly used forms, all of which help us support you and your foster dog efficiently:
💊 Medication & Supply Request (Flea/tick, heartworm, food, crates, etc.) Request Meds or Supplies
🐕 Dog Sitting Assistance (If you’re traveling or unavailable) Request Dog Sitting➤ Please give us as much notice as possible so we can coordinate coverage.
💸 General Reimbursement Request (Pre-approved expenses only) Request Reimbursement
Questions:
What vet should I go to?
Please work with your foster assistant (or reach directly out to Erin) to identify the closest vet partner near you. Only vet treatment from approved vet partners will be reimbursed.
What if my pet has an emergency and I need to go to the ER, what do I do?
While we never want this to happen, we know that emergencies do occur. If you need to go to the ER please contact either Kate, Lindsay or me (Erin) immediately before going. All of our contact information is listed at the bottom of this email. Please call us anytime of day or night, even if it is 2am to let us know what happened and where you are going! Here is a list of pet ERs that we have used in the past. If you do not see one listed below that is close to you, please reach out and we can find a partner that is close to you.
Urgent Vet Care Maryland-https://urgentvetcaremaryland.com/
(For urgent care visits where you need to get in immediately but your primary vet cannot see you.)
Mason Dixon Animal Emergency Hospital - https://www.masondixonveter.com/
VEG - they have several locations - https://www.veg.com/
Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic - https://www.aavec.com/
Animal Emergency Hospital -marylandpetemergency.com
Pet ER - https://www.pet-er.net/ (they do not provide a discount so please use if you are unable to go to any other location)
What vaccines should I get my foster dog?
Please make sure your foster dog is up-to-date on the following vaccines if deemed appropriate by our partner vet: Distemper, lepto, lyme, and bordetella. If your dog will be boarding we recommend caninine influenza as well.
Should I get my foster dog monthly preventatives?
Staying current on monthly preventatives is very important to us. At your first appointment please get 3 months worth of preventatives. If you run out please let us know!
My dog needs supplies, how do I get them?
Please refer to the Medication & Supplies Request form listed above! We have tons of supplies from our generous donors so please use this form to request what you need. As we are all volunteers, it may take up to a week to provide you with the supplies requested so please plan in advance!
Will I be reimbursed if I buy my foster dog their own supplies?
Reed's has a ton of supplies and will only reimburse for items that have been authorized in advance. Please fill out the Medication & Supplies Request form if you need anything. If it is something we cannot provide, we will provide written authorization to purchase the item on your own that you may submit for reimbursement. All reimbursements must be submitted within 45 days of purchase and may take up to a week for reimbursement (or longer depending on the method of reimbursement selected). Please use the General Reimbursement Request form listed above.
✅ Step 3: Review Behavior & Integration Resources
Transitioning to a new home can be overwhelming for dogs. To set your foster dog up for success, we require slow introductions and giving them time to decompress.
🛑If you do not have a fenced in yard, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. If you do have a fenced-in yard, we still recommend keeping the dog on a leash during the initial adjustment period to ensure they do not jump the fence or push/squeeze through any gates. In all cases, the dog should not be left unattended outside. 🛑
Below are resources to guide you through this process:
📘 The Two-Week Shutdown
Two-Week Shutdown is a critical decompression period for newly fostered dogs. This method allows your foster dog to adjust gradually by limiting their environment and stimulation during the first 14 days in your home. It helps them adjust to their new environment without becoming overwhelmed. During this time, limiting interactions with people outside the home and other pets is key to reducing stress and preventing negative behavioral patterns from developing. Please note that some dogs may take longer than two weeks to adjust, the key is to take it slow and to allow more time for your foster dog to adjust.
Here's a brief summary of the Two-Week Shutdown protocol:
🛑 What to Avoid:
No dog parks, walks in busy areas with people or dogs, or visits from friends/family.
No introductions to other household pets
No pet store trips or training classes.
No high-energy play or overstimulation.
✅ What to Focus On:
Let the dog rest — sleep and downtime are healing.
Establish a routine for meals, potty breaks, and crate time.
Keep leash walks short and in calm areas (e.g., backyard or quiet sidewalk). Do not introduce the dog to other dogs even if outside.
Provide safe boundaries and observe the dog is watching, learning, and decompressing.
Use calm energy and body language; limit direct eye contact and excessive talking.
Do not leave your dog unattend outside, they will need to be supervised!
This “shutdown” helps foster dogs settle, observe, and begin trusting their environment and caretakers. After the two weeks, gradual introductions and socialization can begin, based on the dog’s comfort level and behavior. Please take the time to read the two week shutdown checklist, guide and watch the video provided below.
Review the Checklist: Two Week Shutdown Checklist
Read the Guide: Hardford County Humane Society - The Two-Week Shut Down
Watch the Video: Two-Week Shutdown Explanation
🐕🦺 Introducing Dogs, Parallel Walks & Meet-and-Greets
For households with resident dogs, these resources are essential to ensure a safe and positive introduction.
🐱Introducing Dogs to Cats
If you have cats in the home, it’s important to go slow and watch closely for signs of stress on both sides.
Review the guide for dog and cat introductions: Dog/Cat Intro Guide
If your dog is overly focused or the cat seems very stressed, pause introductions and reach out for additional tips.
🧠 Understanding Dog Body Language
Recognizing early signs of stress or tension can help you avoid conflicts and create a peaceful environment.
✅ Step 4: Promote Your Foster Dog (does not apply to foster-to-adopt arrangements)
One of the best ways to help your foster dog find a forever home (if you decide not to keep your foster) is by sharing a detailed bio and great photos. Once you’ve had a few days to get to know your foster pup, please email the following to Marie at 📧 marie@reedsrescue.org:
1. At least 2–4 clear, well-lit photos (and videos, if possible!)Try to include:
A full-body photo
A close-up of their face
A picture of them with people, other dogs (only after the 2 week shutdown), or out on a walk (if applicable)
2. A written bio (we can even help write it if you can provide us with the content!)Please include:
Personality traits (sweet, goofy, shy, energetic, cuddly, etc.)
Whether they are house-trained or crate-trained
How they do with the following (if known):
Dogs
Cats
Kids
Strangers/Visitors
Leash walking skills and behavior on walks
Any commands they know or training progress
Any quirks or things they love (toys, belly rubs, peanut butter, etc.)
Anything else that would help a potential adopter get to know them!
The more detail you can provide, the easier it is for us to match them with the perfect family!
📝Additional Reminders:
During the first two weeks of fostering, interaction between your foster dog and other pets and people outside the home is to be restricted to allow for decompression. Please refer back to the two week shutdown protocols (super important!).
Foster dogs must be supervised at all times when interacting with resident pets during the first few weeks after the two week shutdown and should be introduced slowly.
Dogs should not be left unattended outside, even in a fenced in yard. Dogs should be supervised when they are outside and never left alone.
Feed your foster dog separately from other pets to prevent resource guarding over food. Also closely monitor interactions around high value toys to look for signs of resource guarding.
If your foster dog is showing signs of illness, behavior changes, or any injury, please contact us immediately.
🛑 Foster dogs are not permitted to meet potential adopters unless the adopter is approved by the rescue. Meet and greets with any potential/interested adopter(s) are not permitted unless cleared by the rescue. If you are not sure if someone is approved that wants to do a meet and greet, please reach out and let us know!