At Korean K9 Rescue, we have two foster programs:

1. Our Foster Program (with Option to Foster Fail) is a short-term commitment as most dogs are placed within 2-3 weeks of arrival. This program is ideal for any foster who wants to gain experience with various types of dogs (age, size, breed, temperament). The foster also has the opportunity to adopt their currently assigned foster dog, even if they are a first-time foster. Please check our eligibility requirements because this program is determined on a case-by-case basis. If approved to adopt, then the foster would follow the regular adoption program requirements. Please note the foster does not get to pick their assigned foster dog (see the question “Can I choose which dog to foster?”). If you are interested, then please apply through our foster application

2. The Foster-to-Adopt VIP Program is a separate, longer-term program for a minimum of 30 days for select dogs that would benefit from having additional acclimation time. Fosters in this program must complete two training sessions provided by KK9R, and other requirements before having the option to finalize the adoption. If you are interested, then please apply through our adoption application

• You must be 24 years or older.
• You must live in NYC, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, or Los Angeles.
• All of your current pets must be up to date with shots and vaccinations and spayed/neutered.
• You must be able to pick the dog up from our office in Astoria the same day as the dog arrives – the dates and times will be confirmed with you in advance by the foster coordinators.
• You must have a stable, dog-approved residence, where everyone living there is in agreement about having a foster dog. 
• You must fill out a foster application and upon approval, sign our KK9R Foster Agreement before you get the dog.
• Anyone who is co-fostering with you (i.e., will be walking or helping care for the dog) must also sign the foster agreement and be available for the required initial home visit.
• You must be able to commit to foster a minimum period of 14-21 days or preferably, until the dog is adopted.
• You will purchase a double door crate for the foster dog, if you do not already have one that is suitable.
• You must download and use the Slack app to communicate with the foster coordinators.
• You must download the Fi app and update it routinely to ensure proper communication with the foster coordinators. You must also charge the Fi collar regularly. 
• You will update the Foster Diaries regularly as instructed by the foster coordinators. 
• You must be able to transport the dog to and from KK9R office and vet visits, as well as adoption events at your own expense.

“Foster failing” is a common occurrence and we are pleased to announce that on a case-by-case basis, KK9R will consider first-time fosters for adoption. Please note that the final placement decision is at the sole discretion of KK9R based on the best match for the dog’s needs. Please review the following eligibility criteria and rules to foster-fail: 

• You must follow all instructions for dog care (diet, crate training, walking, etc) and foster duties, and update the Foster Diaries tab for your foster dog regularly – update every day during the first 7 days, and every 1-2 days thereafter. 
• Please share photos and videos on the Slack channel for social media, as well as on your own personal social media to get the dogs exposure.
• The dog has been with the foster for at least 7 days without pending placements, or has attended an event and not been adopted. Potential adopters are vetted in advance and are given priority consideration to adopt within this initial time frame. 
• The dog cannot have had a scheduled meetup with a potential adopter – if your foster dog has a meetup virtual or in-person with a potential adopter, they are considered pending placement at that time. If after the meetup the dog is not placed, the foster must let KK9R know asap about their readiness to foster fail. 
• You are able to meet all adoption program requirements and expectations including but not limited to: 
• You do not have upcoming travel or are able to reschedule those plans during the first 3-4 months of an adoption to focus on acclimation and training. 
• You are able to prioritize the dog’s training and other needs during the first 3-4 days of the adoption. 
• You are able to commit to the 4- or 6- class training program with your assigned trainer. 
• You are financially and emotionally able and willing to commit to the long-term care of your dog and understand that it is 100% your responsibility upon finalizing the adoption. 

If you decide to foster fail, please let the foster coordinators know right away so that they can alert the adoptions team. An adoption coordinator will be in touch to go over the adoption program and determine if it is a match. 

See our Foster to Adopt VIPs

Eligible applicants now have the opportunity to foster-to-adopt our long-stay dogs that have been in our care a little longer than others and have been overlooked so far. At KK9R, we strive to place each dog in a home that will cater to their best interests, and at times our shyer, more timid dogs have a difficult time showcasing themselves compared to more exuberant pups. We firmly believe that this shouldn’t disqualify any pup from finding its perfect forever home! 

While most of our dogs are ready for quick adoptions thanks to the basic training they receive at our rehab center in Korea, our long-stay dogs are under socialized and need extra time to build confidence. They would benefit from dedicated stability and exposure therapy to set them up for success, whether it is with the eligible foster or with another forever family. 

How the Foster-to-Adopt Program works:

• Apply via our Adoption Application and we will be in touch to schedule a virtual interview. 
• Review the Foster FAQ as well as our Adoption FAQ for information on expectations and requirements. 
• Our foster-to-adopt program allows a 30-day trial period for potential adopters and dogs to get to know each other. 
• Review our 3-3-3 Rule Guide for best practices to follow! 
• During the 30-day trial period:
  • KK9R will provide 2 complimentary professional training sessions that applicants must complete during the 30-day trial period. If you choose to formally adopt the dog after the trial period and after the 2 complimentary training sessions, you will be required to purchase an additional 3-5 session training package as required by all adopters as part of our adoption program. 
  • KK9R will provide all of the necessary supplies and food items. If you choose to adopt the dog, you will be required to purchase the supplies, etc. at cost from us at the time of adoption.
  • KK9R provides foster care support and guidance throughout the duration of the foster period. 
  • Fosters will not be required to bring the dog to and from events and KK9R will not consider other applications for that dog during this time. 
• The base adoption fee for foster-to-adopt dogs is $450.

Due to the overwhelming logistics of intakes and the critical need for available foster homes, foster placements are assigned based on the dog’s needs, and fosters are not able to choose which dogs to foster. Our foster coordinators take building and personal restrictions into account before assigning foster dogs to ensure that each dog’s needs are met in that environment.

The dogs who are in need of foster care come to us from a variety of difficult, and different situations in South Korea such as: 

• Dog meat farms and slaughter houses
• High-kill shelters
• Stray/street dogs
• Abandoned/surrendered dogs 
• Dismantled Puppy Mills

The dogs often need extra time and focused handling to help them acclimate to a busy city like NYC due to their trauma, and KK9R is committed to helping each dog thrive and build confidence. We have a careful, tailored approach for dogs and require that fosters follow our guidelines regardless of previous dog-handling experience.

Our foster program is robust and designed to meet the needs of each incoming dog while providing fosters with valuable experience in taking care of different types of rescue dogs, including ones with trauma and special needs. Given the difficult backgrounds of our dogs, we have precise criteria and requirements of fosters in order to ensure a successful fostering experience. 

Please consider the following questions as they relate to your current lifestyle to assess if fostering would be right for you: 

• What will I do with my foster dog while I’m at work?
• Does my building allow dogs?
• How long can I foster for?
• Is everyone in the household on board with fostering?
• Can I provide a calm and structured home?
• Am I patient enough to handle a fearful dog?
• Am I patient enough to work through potty and crate training?
• Do I have the time and means to transport the dog to and from weekly adoption events?

To provide for as much stability as possible, we require a minimum 2-week commitment (3 weeks during the summer – due to seasonal challenges, we experience a shortage of fosters and applicants during the summer and a high intake of dogs). We prefer that the dog stay with the same foster home until they are adopted, so if you are able to commit beyond the minimum 2 weeks, we are always appreciative of that time of stability for the dogs!

As stated above, fosters do not get a choice in their foster dog, and we ask that you honor your commitment to your current foster dog. If you would like to adopt a dog being fostered by someone else at KK9R, we ask that you complete your current foster commitment before submitting an application for adoption. As mentioned in this manual, we require a minimum of 5 days’ notice to find suitable alternative foster homes. We are not able to hold on to dogs or delay adoptions, and make no guarantees of placement in the interest of matching the dog to a home that best suits its needs.

Yes. Even if you do have a fenced yard, we request that you supervise all outdoor activities with the foster dog, and keep them on a long line leash at all times. Of course, they should always be on a leash on walks.

• Yes, as long as your other pets are spayed/neutered and do not have a history of aggressive behavior with other animals. 
• Foster dogs and cats should be introduced to each other slowly and cautiously over a period of a few days to a week while the dog is kept on a leash. 
• Even if your foster dog or your current pet has been housed with other animals before, no one can guarantee their behavior with your other pets will be the same.
• Just as with children, don’t leave your foster dog in the same room as other animals unattended.
• Do not feed your foster dog in the same room as other pets, and don’t leave toys and treats lying around the house.
• Since many of our dogs come from shelters where Kennel Cough runs rampant, there’s a chance that a foster dog might come down with Kennel Cough. It takes about 14 days to incubate and is HIGHLY contagious to other dogs. If you decide to foster and have your own dog, you acknowledge by fostering with us that you could be putting your own dog at risk of catching kennel cough. 

If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us and follow the instructions in this “Dog to Dog Introduction” video.

Each foster dog is completely different. Because these dogs are coming from dog meat farms, high-kill shelters, puppy mills, etc., fosters may have to work through many different things, ranging from separation anxiety to fear of the city to house-training, etc. Our foster coordinators will provide you with the necessary resources to help you with these challenges, as long as you are willing to work through it! You should notify us immediately if you discover any health issues such as hacking, coughing, upper respiratory issues, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

All of our dogs must be fully vetted and put through a quarantine period in Korea before they are able to fly to the US. Adult dogs are usually spayed/neutered before they arrive, but puppies often are not. KK9R will arrange for a spay/neuter visit if needed. If there are any known health issues, you will be notified in advance. We will make sure that you are comfortable dealing with any additional issues that the pup might have.

Make sure to tuck away any valuables at the dog’s height like wires, plants, shoes and open garbage cans. Once you are approved to begin fostering and confirm your commitment of 14-21+ days, please keep your promise. It is important that you follow through with your commitment, for the pup’s sake.

• Collars, ID tag, and leash. We also pay for all required and approved medical procedures and expenses (vet visits, medications, etc.). 
• Fresh or raw food and any necessary medications.
• Monthly flea/tick preventatives for all foster dogs, which is usually administered before the dog is picked up by the foster.

At Korean K9 Rescue, we provide the majority of supplies to our fosters, such as food (fresh/raw), collar, harness, leash, and any medications that the dog needs.

We greatly appreciate any help that you can provide in supplying items for your foster dog. Here’s what you’ll need to help your foster dog make a smooth transition to living in your home:

A 36” double door metal crate with divider

At least one bowl for food and one for water: Stainless steel or ceramic work best.

• Poop bags.
• Dog treats: Giving treats is a good way to help train and build a positive relationship with your foster dog. We recommend high-quality, raw, freeze-dried or dehydrated treats.
• Dog toys: Make sure the toys are durable and appropriate for the size of your foster dog.
• Grooming supplies: A well-groomed dog has a better chance of getting adopted; an oatmeal shampoo comes in handy when the pups need a bath.
• If desired, a baby gate: This comes in handy to keep certain areas of your home off-limits.

Be a loving and patient caretaker while your foster dog acclimates to domestic life. You are the dog’s biggest advocate!

• Be patient: Stay patient and understanding when learning about your foster dog’s personality and behaviors. 
• Work on training: Many dogs are food-motivated and respond well when being worked for it. Consistency is key! 
• Go slowly: Make sure to expose the foster dog little by little to new things.
• Take good pictures and videos to promote the dog: Cheerful and flattering pictures of your foster dog can significantly improve adopters’ interest, and it is the first thing that they see when searching for a new dog!
• Use social media: It can be fun for you, and helpful for your foster dog! Keep your messaging positive! From our experience, the dogs that are featured on social media tend to get adopted faster.

Approved medical expenses for each foster dog are covered by Korean K9 Rescue. You need approval from us before going to the vet so we can schedule an appointment.

In the event of an emergency, please contact us immediately, even outside of normal office hours to pre-approve an emergency appointment. We have an account set up in Korean K9 Rescue’s name at several emergency vets.

If you are interested in reading our comprehensive Foster Care Manual, then please email us at foster@koreank9rescue.org and we will email it upon request.

Please visit http://caninecohen.com/newdog for further information and some training videos.