New Foster
Onboarding
Everything You Need to Get Started
Whether you're welcoming your very first foster or just need a refresher, this guide will help you understand how fostering works at Miri's Haven, what to expect throughout the process, and how to set both you and your foster up for success.
There is no such thing as a perfect foster. The most important thing you can provide is a safe, loving home and a willingness to ask questions along the way. Our team is here to support you every step of the journey.
The goal of this guide isn't to help you become a perfect foster. It's to help you feel confident, prepared, and supported every step of the way.
Once your foster arrives, bookmark our Foster Resource Center for quick answers, forms, and guidance throughout your foster journey.
Setting You Up for Success
Choosing Your Foster Dog
At Miri's Haven, our fosters choose which dogs they'd like to foster.
When a dog needs a foster home, we'll share their information in our private volunteer Facebook group, Breakfast at Miri's. Some dogs, especially owner surrenders, come with detailed histories. Others, particularly shelter dogs, may have many unknowns at first.
If you see a dog you're interested in:
● Comment on the dog's post or message our team.
● We'll talk through the dog's needs and whether they seem like a good fit for your home, lifestyle, and experience.
● If it feels like the right match, we'll coordinate placement and help you prepare for your new foster.
For first-time fosters, we generally recommend starting with a dog who doesn't have significant medical or behavioral challenges. As you gain
Making the Commitment
When you commit to fostering a dog, we move forward assuming that dog has a safe place to go. Because Miri's Haven is an all-foster rescue without a physical shelter or facility, there often isn't another foster immediately available if plans change.
We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations happen, and we'll always work with you if a placement becomes unsafe or unmanageable. We simply ask that you think carefully about whether a placement is a realistic fit before committing.
Because our dogs go directly into foster homes, we do not arrange meet-and-greets before placement.
What Miri's Haven Provides
When you foster with Miri's Haven, you're never fostering alone.
While you provide a loving home, our team provides the medical care, supplies, guidance, and ongoing support needed to help your foster thrive.
We provide:
● Food and treats
● Medications and monthly preventatives
● Veterinary care
● Harness, leash, collar, and ID tag
● Bedding, diapers, belly bands, and other approved supplies
● Professional grooming when needed
● Transport assistance
● Vacation coverage, when available
If you ever have questions, we're just a phone call or message away.
Preparing for Your Foster's Arrival
Before your foster arrives, take a few minutes to prepare both your home and your expectations.
Set up a quiet space where your foster can rest and decompress during their first few days. Have fresh water, a comfortable bed, and the supplies provided by Miri's Haven ready before they arrive.
You'll also want to dog-proof your home by putting away medications, toxic foods, cleaning products, electrical cords, and anything valuable that could be chewed or knocked over. If you have resident pets, plan to separate food bowls, toys, and other high-value items during introductions.
Remember that no two foster dogs are alike. Some settle in within hours, while others need several weeks before they begin showing their true personalities. Many of our dogs have recently experienced major life changes, including losing their family, spending time in a shelter, or receiving medical care. Patience, consistency, and routine go a long way during this transition.
Helping Your
Foster Settle In
Every dog adjusts differently, but many rescue dogs follow a similar pattern as they settle into a new home. The 3-3-3 Rule is a helpful way to set realistic expectations and understand how your foster may adjust during their first few months.
The First 3 Days
Your foster may seem anxious, overwhelmed, withdrawn, or unsure of their surroundings. This is completely normal. Focus on helping them feel safe by keeping your home calm, maintaining a predictable routine, and allowing them to settle in at their own pace.During your foster's first week at home:
Keep your foster at home or in your securely fenced yard.
Always use a properly fitted harness, collar, leash, and ID tag whenever outside.
Avoid parks, pet stores, restaurants, breweries, adoption events, and other public outings.
Give your foster time to decompress, build trust, and adjust before introducing new experiences.
This quiet first week gives your foster the opportunity to settle in while giving you time to learn their personality, routines, and needs.
The First 3 Weeks
As your foster becomes more comfortable, you'll begin to see more of their personality. Continue building routines, introduce new experiences gradually, and reinforce desired behaviors through positive reinforcement.
The First 3 Months
By this point, many dogs feel fully at home. Their confidence continues to grow, and you'll have a much better understanding of their personality, preferences, and needs.
Everyday Care
Daily Routine
Dogs thrive on consistency. Feed meals on a regular schedule, provide fresh water at all times, administer medications as directed, and maintain predictable routines for potty breaks, walks, and bedtime.
Consistent routines help senior dogs feel secure and make it easier to notice changes in their appetite, behavior, or overall health.
Feeding & Nutrition
Feed your foster according to the instructions provided by Miri's Haven. If you'd like to change your foster's food, introduce supplements, or have concerns about their appetite, please contact the Director before making changes.
Exercise & Enrichment
Every senior dog has different energy levels. Some love adventures, while others are happiest with short walks and long naps.
Daily walks, opportunities to sniff, gentle play, puzzle toys, and quality time together all provide valuable physical and mental enrichment. The goal isn't simply to tire your foster out. It's to help them stay healthy, engaged, and confident.
Positive Reinforcement
Miri's Haven is a positive reinforcement rescue.
Research has consistently shown that rewarding desired behaviors is more effective than punishing unwanted ones. Positive reinforcement helps dogs learn more effectively, builds confidence, strengthens trust, and creates lasting behavior change.
Please do not use physical corrections, intimidation, or punishment with your foster dog. Many of our senior dogs are adjusting to a new home, recovering from medical challenges, or carrying experiences from their past. Instead, reward good choices, redirect unwanted behaviors, maintain consistent routines, and give your foster time to learn.
If you're experiencing behavioral challenges, contact the Director before trying new training methods. We're happy to help you develop a positive, effective approach that's right for your foster.
Potty Training
Even dogs who were previously house trained may have accidents while adjusting to a new home. Take your foster outside frequently, reward successful potty trips with praise and treats, and never punish accidents.
If accidents happen indoors, clean them thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to discourage repeat accidents.
Leaving Your Foster Home Alone
Whenever possible, foster dogs should not be left alone for more than five hours at a time. If your schedule requires longer absences, please discuss it with the Director in advance.
If you'll be away for an extended period, arrange a midday potty break, leave fresh water available, and provide a comfortable, secure environment. Crates should only be used for dogs who are already comfortable with them and should never be used as punishment.
Safety Reminders
● Never allow your foster off leash outside a securely fenced area.
● Do not use retractable leashes.
● Avoid off-leash dog parks.
● Always use a properly fitted harness, collar, leash, and ID tag.
● Store medications and household hazards out of reach.
● Supervise introductions to new people and animals.
● When in doubt, choose the safest option and contact the Director.
You're Ready!
You're ready to welcome your foster home. You don't need to know everything on day one. Every foster dog is different, and every foster experience comes with new questions along the way. That's why we're here. Once your foster arrives, bookmark the Foster Resource Center for quick answers, commonly used forms, medical guidance, FAQs, and information about helping your foster find their forever home.