Foster Resource Guide

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Thank you for opening your home to a rescue animal. Many of the dogs entering foster care are coming directly from shelters, uncertain environments, or difficult past situations. Your role is to provide safety, structure, and patience while we work together to help them decompress, heal, and become adoptable.

You do not need to be a professional trainer—just consistent, patient, and willing to communicate with us. This guide will help you feel prepared, confident, and supported as you begin your fostering journey.

We are here to support you. 

Fostering is a team effort. You are never expected to handle challenges alone. If you have questions or concerns about behavior, health, or adjustment, please reach out to Peach State Rescue at any time.

Your role is essential. Because of you, animals get a second chance at life, safety, and love.

The first 24–72 hours are often the most overwhelming for a foster animal. It is completely normal to see:

• Nervousness or hiding
• Pacing or restlessness
• Accidents in the house
• Barking or vocalizing
• Loss of appetite or over-eating
• Clinginess or withdrawal
• Testing boundaries

This adjustment period is expected. Most behaviors seen in the beginning are stress responses, not permanent traits.

Your focus should be:

• Calm environment
• Limited stimulation
• Predictable routine
• Safety and structure

 Many dogs follow a general adjustment timeline:

• 3 Days: Decompression and shock phase
  The dog may feel overwhelmed, confused, or shut down.
• 3 Weeks: Learning routine and boundaries
  The dog begins to understand the household schedule and expectations.
• 3 Months: Full adjustment
  The dog’s personality begins to fully emerge, and trust is established.

Every dog is different, but this guideline helps set realistic expectations. To read the full decompression guide, click here

Before or immediately upon arrival, set up a designated safe area such as:

• A crate in a quiet room
• A gated section of the home
• A low-traffic area with minimal noise

This space should include:

• Comfortable bedding
• Fresh water
• A crate or den-like structure (if crate trained or crate-introducing)
• Toys (if appropriate)
• No overwhelming access to the entire home initially

A safe space helps reduce anxiety and prevents overstimulation.

When you first bring your foster animal home:

• Keep introductions to family members calm and controlled 
• Allow them to explore one area at a time
• Avoid overwhelming them with visitors
• Keep routines simple for the first few days
• Limit exposure to other pets until advised (view full introduction guide here)

For dogs, a short leash walk before entering the home can help release initial excitement and energy.

• Do not rush affection—let the animal come to you
• Expect accidents and stress behaviors
• Keep things quiet and predictable
• Do not introduce too many new experiences at once
• Contact Peach State Rescue with any immediate concerns

Providing consistent daily care helps foster animals feel safe, build trust, and adjust more quickly to home life. Routine is one of the most important tools in helping a rescue animal succeed. 

 Feeding Guidelines:

• Feed your foster animal at consistent times each day.
• Use the food provided or approved by Peach State Rescue.
• Do not switch food without approval, as this can cause stomach upset.
• Always provide fresh water.
• If the animal is not eating, overeating, or showing digestive issues, notify the rescue.

Exercise and Activity:

• Provide daily exercise appropriate for the animal’s age, health, and energy level.
• Walks should always be on a leash unless in a securely fenced area approved by the rescue.
• Avoid dog parks unless specifically approved.
• Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—use toys, slow feeders, and enrichment activities.

Crate Training:

• Crates should be used as a safe, calm space—not punishment.
• Many foster dogs benefit from crate training for structure and safety.
• Start with short, positive crate sessions and gradually increase time.
• Provide bedding and comfort items when appropriate.
• If crate anxiety occurs, contact the rescue for guidance.

Potty Training:

• Take dogs outside frequently, especially after waking up, eating, or playing.
• Use the same designated potty area when possible.
• Reward successful potty breaks with praise.
• Accidents are normal in the beginning—do not punish the animal.
• Clean accidents thoroughly to prevent repeat marking.

Routine and Structure:

• Keep a consistent daily schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and rest.
• Predictability helps reduce anxiety and builds trust.
• Limit overwhelming changes or new experiences in the first few days.

Household Safety:

• Secure trash cans, food, and toxic items out of reach.
• Keep doors and gates closed at all times.
• Be cautious with small objects that could be swallowed.
• Supervise interactions with children and other pets.
• Never leave a foster animal unattended in unsafe or unfamiliar areas.

Monitoring Your Foster:

Please watch for and report:

• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive lethargy or sudden behavior changes
• Signs of pain or limping
• Persistent coughing, sneezing, or discharge
• Anxiety, fear, or aggressive behavior

Early communication helps us provide proper care quickly.

When to Contact Peach State Rescue:

Reach out anytime if you are unsure. 

Contact us if:

• You have concerns about health or behavior
• The animal is not eating for more than 24 hours
• You notice injury or illness
• You need help with training or behavior issues
• You are unsure how to handle a situation

You are never expected to figure things out alone—we are here to support you.

Every foster animal arrives with a history we may not fully know. Some are scared, some are overly excited, and some are still learning how to live in a home. Behavior changes are normal during the adjustment period, and most issues improve with structure, patience, and consistency.
 

Understanding Decompression:

Most foster animals need time to adjust to their new environment. During this time, you may notice:

• Hiding or withdrawal
• Pacing or restlessness
• Excessive barking or vocalizing
• Accidents in the home
• Clinginess or separation anxiety
• Low appetite or over-eating

These behaviors are typically stress responses, not long-term personality traits. Give the animal time to settle before making assumptions about behavior.

The Importance of Routine and Structure:

Try to maintain:

• Regular feeding times
• Scheduled potty breaks
• Daily walks or exercise
• Calm rest periods

Avoid overwhelming the animal with too many new people, places, or experiences early on.

Leash Training Basics:

• Always use a secure leash and properly fitted collar or harness.
• Expect pulling or hesitation at first.
• Keep walks calm and structured.
• Do not allow uncontrolled greetings with unfamiliar dogs or people.
• If the dog is reactive or fearful, maintain distance and redirect attention.

If you need help managing leash behavior, contact Peach State Rescue for guidance.

Introducing Foster Animals to Resident Pets:

Introductions should always be slow and controlled.

• Begin with scent swapping (blankets or bedding)
• Use neutral territory for first meetings when possible
• Keep dogs on leash during initial introductions
• Watch body language closely
• Separate if tension or stress increases

Never force interactions. Progress should be gradual and positive. 

Click here to view full introduction guide.

Common Behavioral Challenges: 

Jumping and Overexcitement:

• Ignore jumping behavior
• Reward calm sitting or standing
• Avoid encouraging overly excited greetings

Mouthing or Nipping:

• Redirect to appropriate toys
• Avoid rough play with hands
• Use calm correction and redirection

Barking:

• Identify triggers (noise, separation, excitement)
• Redirect attention with commands or enrichment
• Avoid yelling, which can increase anxiety

Separation Anxiety:

• Start with short departures
• Avoid emotional greetings and exits
• Provide safe spaces like crates or quiet rooms
• Use enrichment toys to reduce stress

Fearful or Shy Dogs:

Some dogs need extra patience and space.

• Do not force handling or affection
• Allow the dog to approach you first
• Use calm voices and slow movements
• Sit nearby without pressure
• Reward curiosity and small progress

Trust builds gradually and cannot be rushed.

Resource Guarding:

If a foster shows guarding behavior around food, toys, or space:

• Do not punish or confront the behavior
• Give the animal space while eating
• Feed separately from other animals
• Contact Peach State Rescue for guidance if severe

When to Contact the Rescue:

Reach out if you notice:

• Aggression toward people or animals
• Escalating fear or anxiety
• Inability to safely walk or handle the animal
• Behavior that puts the animal or others at risk
• Any situation you are unsure how to manage

We are here to support you through behavior challenges—you are not expected to handle everything alone.

Progress Takes Time:

Most foster animals improve significantly within a few weeks. What may seem like “bad behavior” at the start is often fear, confusion, or lack of structure. With patience and consistency, you are helping them become adoptable and confident companions.

At Peach State Rescue, the safety of our foster animals is our top priority. Emergencies can happen with little warning, and being prepared can make all the difference for the animals in your care.

This guide is designed to help foster caregivers prepare for and respond to emergencies such as severe weather, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, fires, power outages, hazardous conditions, or any situation that may require evacuation.

Before An Emergency:

1. Keep Identification Current - 

Please ensure your foster animal always has proper identification, including:

• Collar and identification tag (when appropriate)
• Microchip information (if applicable)
• Current photographs
• Any medical information provided by the rescue

Having up-to-date identification greatly increases the chances of recovery if an animal becomes separated during an emergency.

2. Prepare an Emergency Kit

We recommend keeping the following supplies readily available for each foster animal:

• At least 7 days of food
• Bottled water
• Food and water bowls
• Medications
• Medical records
• Leash, collar, and harness
• Crate or carrier
• Waste bags or litter supplies
• Blanket or bedding
• Flashlight and batteries
• Emergency contact information

Store supplies in an easily accessible location so you can leave quickly if necessary.

If Evacuation Becomes Necessary

1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly

Animals often sense stress and may become frightened during emergencies. Remaining calm helps keep everyone safer.

2. Secure Your Foster Animal

Before leaving:

• Place cats and small animals in secure carriers.
• Use properly fitted collars, harnesses, and leashes for dogs.
• Ensure all crates and carriers are securely latched.
• Never transport an animal loose in a vehicle.

3. Take Essential Items

Bring:

• Food and water
• Medications
• Medical records
• Leash or carrier
• Bedding or comfort items
• Any rescue-provided documentation

4. Notify Peach State Rescue

As soon as it is safe to do so, contact a rescue representative and provide:

• Your location
• The status of the foster animal
• Any injuries or medical concerns
• Whether you require assistance relocating

During Severe Weather:

1. Tornadoes and Severe Storms

Move animals to the safest interior room available, away from windows and exterior walls whenever possible.

Keep leashes, carriers, and emergency supplies nearby in case evacuation becomes necessary.

2. Hurricanes and Flooding

Do not wait until evacuation orders are issued to prepare.

If flooding is possible:

• Move supplies to higher ground.
• Prepare carriers and leashes in advance.
• Follow local evacuation recommendations.
• Never leave foster animals behind.

3. Power Outages

Prepare for extended outages by maintaining extra food, water, medications, and battery-powered lighting.

Monitor animals closely for signs of heat stress or cold stress if climate control is unavailable.

Emergency Veterinary Care

If your foster animal becomes ill or injured during an emergency, seek veterinary care immediately if necessary.

Whenever possible, animals should be transported to one of the Peach State Rescue founders, Roswell Veterinary Associates, or another approved veterinary partner.

If those options are not available due to the emergency, seek care at the nearest veterinary facility capable of providing appropriate treatment.

Please notify Peach State Rescue as soon as possible regarding:

• The animal's condition
• The veterinary facility being used
• Recommended treatment
• Any medications prescribed

Keep copies of all veterinary records and discharge instructions.

If You Cannot Care for Your Foster Animal

If an emergency prevents you from safely caring for your foster animal, contact Peach State Rescue immediately.

The rescue will work to coordinate temporary placement through:

• Another approved foster home
• A boarding facility
• A veterinary partner
• Other emergency housing arrangements

Do not transfer a foster animal to another person without approval from Peach State Rescue.

After the Emergency

1. Once conditions have improved:

• Check your foster animal for injuries or signs of illness.
• Monitor behavior closely, as stress can affect animals after a disaster.
• Notify Peach State Rescue of any concerns.
• Continue following any instructions provided by rescue representatives.

Remember that animals may need extra patience, reassurance, and routine after a disruptive event.

Important Reminder

Your safety comes first. Never place yourself in danger to remain with property or belongings. If evacuation is ordered, take your foster animal, emergency supplies, and leave as quickly and safely as possible.

Thank you for helping provide a safe and loving home for a Peach State Rescue foster animal. Your preparedness can save lives.

Fosters play a critical role in helping animals find forever homes. You know the animal best—their personality, habits, and progress. Your insight helps us match them with the right adopter.

This section will guide you through how to support the adoption process from foster care.

Your Role In Adoption:

As a foster caregiver, you are the best advocate for your animal.

Your responsibilities include:

• Sharing updates on behavior, health, and progress
• Providing photos and videos when possible
• Helping describe personality traits honestly
• Communicating any concerns or changes
• Participating in meet-and-greets when requested

Your input directly impacts successful adoptions.

Taking Great Adoption Photos: 

Good photos help animals get adopted faster.

Tips for success:

• Use natural lighting whenever possible
• Take photos at the dog’s eye level
• Capture both calm and playful moments
• Include clear face shots and full-body images
• Show personality (walking, playing, relaxing)

Avoid:

• Blurry or dark photos
• Over-filtering or heavy edits
• Distracting backgrounds

Short videos are highly encouraged—they often get the most attention on social media.

Adoption Bio:

We may ask you to help describe your foster animal. The most helpful bios include:

• Personality (calm, playful, shy, energetic)
• Daily habits and routine
• Likes and dislikes
• Behavior with other dogs, cats, and children
• Training progress (crate, leash, potty)
• Any quirks or special needs

Honesty is important. The goal is the right match, not just a quick adoption.

Social Media Promotion:

Sharing your foster on social media can significantly increase visibility.

You can help by:

• Posting photos and videos regularly
• Sharing rescue-approved captions or graphics
• Tagging Peach State Rescue when possible
• Sharing adoption posts to local community groups

We can also provide templates or content if needed.

Meet & Greets & Adoption Visits:

If an approved adopter is interested:

• Introductions may be scheduled at your home or a neutral location
• Keep interactions calm and structured
• Allow the adopter to observe and ask questions
• Avoid rushing the process

We will guide you through each step and coordinate as needed.

Helping With The Transition to a New Home:

Once an adoption is approved:

• Share feeding routines, habits, and preferences with the adopter
• Provide comfort items if possible (blanket, toy, etc.)
• Offer a calm and positive goodbye experience
• Understand that transitions can take time for the animal to adjust

Your support helps set the adopter and animal up for success.

Note: We will always help guide the process.

Every photo you take, every update you share, and every conversation you have about your foster helps save lives. You are a key part of making successful adoptions happen. 

Peach State Rescue provides medical support for all foster animals. Your role as a foster caregiver is to monitor health, follow approved care instructions, and communicate concerns promptly so we can ensure each animal receives appropriate veterinary attention. 

Your Role in Medical Care:

As a foster caregiver, you are responsible for:

• Observing daily health and behavior
• Administering approved medications as directed
• Reporting changes in condition promptly
• Keeping the animal safe from injury or illness exposure
• Following all veterinary instructions provided by the rescue

You are never expected to diagnose or treat medical conditions on your own.

When to Contact Peach State Rescue:

Please contact us immediately if you notice:

• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhea (especially if persistent)
• Lethargy or sudden behavioral changes
• Coughing, sneezing, or nasal/eye discharge
• Limping or signs of pain
• Skin issues, swelling, or visible injury
• Any medication reactions or concerns
• Anything that feels “off” or unusual

When in doubt, reach out. Early communication helps prevent serious issues.

Emergency Veterinary Care:

If a foster animal is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, seek immediate veterinary care.

Emergency situations include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding
• Seizures
• Collapse or inability to stand
• Suspected poisoning
• Trauma (hit by car, major injury, etc.)

Whenever possible, contact Peach State Rescue first so we can guide you. If immediate action is required, proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Approved veterinary partners may include:

• Rowell Veterinary Associates
• Brookhaven Animal Hospital
• City Vet
• Remedy Pet Care
• Other rescue-approved veterinary clinics

Please notify Peach State Rescue as soon as possible after seeking care.

Medications:

If your foster animal is prescribed medication:

• Follow dosage and schedule exactly as directed
• Do not skip, double, or change doses
• Complete the full course unless instructed otherwise
• Store medications safely and out of reach of other animals or children
• Contact us if you have difficulty administering medication

Never give over-the-counter medications or human medications unless explicitly approved by Peach State Rescue.

Veterinary Appointments:

Peach State Rescue coordinates all non-emergency veterinary care.

Fosters may be asked to:

• Transport animals to appointments
• Provide behavior or health updates
• Observe recovery after procedures
• Administer post-visit care instructions

All vet visits must be pre-approved unless it is an emergency.

Post-Treatment Care:

After medical treatment or procedures:

• Follow all discharge instructions carefully
• Monitor appetite, energy, and behavior
• Keep the animal calm and restricted as directed
• Watch for signs of complications or infection
• Report any concerns immediately

Recovery progress is important for both health and adoption readiness.

Medical Records:

All medical records, diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatment notes belong to Peach State Rescue and must be shared with the organization.

If you receive paperwork from a veterinary visit:

• Take photos or scans when possible
• Send them to the rescue promptly
• Keep originals in a safe place if requested

Your attention to daily health and communication helps ensure every foster animal receives the care they need to heal, recover, and find a forever home.