Fostering-to-Adopt: How to ‘Trial Run’ Adopting a Shelter Dog
Fostering-to-Adopt: How to ‘Trial Run’ Adopting a Shelter Dog
At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we’re passionate about matching shelter dogs with their perfect families. One of the best ways to ensure a successful adoption is through our foster-to-adopt program, which allows families to foster a dog before making the commitment to adopt. This gives both the family and the dog the opportunity to bond and see if they are a good fit for one another. We recently spoke with Lindsey O’Leary, a foster dog parent who successfully fostered and adopted a shelter dog named Ollivander (Ollie). Lindsey’s story is a testament to the importance of fostering when it comes to adopting a shelter dog.
Creating a Safe, Happy Home
When Lindsey and her family decided to foster Ollivander, they already had a busy household. “We already had two dogs, two cats, and a 2-year-old son,” Lindsey shared with us. With so many family members to consider, they wanted to ensure that adopting a shelter dog wouldn’t disrupt the harmony of their home. The foster-to-adopt process gave them the time they needed to carefully introduce Ollie to their other pets and toddler.
“Ollie fits in perfectly in our house,” Lindsey said, describing how seamlessly the new addition blended into their family dynamic. “He and our oldest dog, Dobby, snuggle and play nearly all day long.” In addition to getting along with the other pets, Ollie formed a strong bond with the family’s young son. Lindsey told us, “When my son was sick two days after our official adoption, Ollivander laid next to him all day, checking on him every so often by nudging him with his nose.” This heartwarming connection solidified that Ollie was indeed the perfect fit for their family.
The Benefits of Fostering Before Adoption
Lindsey credits the foster-to-adopt program for allowing Ollie to transition smoothly into his new home. “If we had gone straight to adoption without fostering first, I think we would have felt more pressured to make the animals gel,” she explained. “With fostering, we were able to take the time needed to introduce all of the animals together.” This gradual introduction was key in making Ollie feel safe and comfortable, ensuring that he would adjust well to his new environment without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
This method is particularly important when adopting a shelter dog, as each dog comes with its own history and experiences. Lindsey emphasized that fostering allowed Ollie to transition without unnecessary anxiety, which would have been difficult to manage if they had rushed the adoption process. “It helped Ollie have a nice and smooth transition,” she said, “and I can’t recommend fostering first enough if you have any other animals or children in the house.”
Patience is Key
When it comes to adopting a shelter dog, patience is vital. Lindsey shared that you never know what a dog has experienced before they enter your home, and it can take time to figure out what helps them feel relaxed and happy. “It can be a learning curve figuring out what best helps your dog feel at ease,” she advised. “If one method isn’t working, don’t hesitate to try another.”
Despite the challenges that can come with fostering and adopting a shelter dog, the rewards are immense. Lindsey described the deep bond that forms once a dog feels safe in their new home. “The love a rescued pet has for their owner once they feel secure is irreplaceable,” she said. This unique connection is one of the most fulfilling aspects of adopting a shelter dog, and it’s something Lindsey and her family cherish every day with Ollie.
A Positive Experience with Cincinnati Animal CARE
Lindsey’s experience with Cincinnati Animal CARE’s foster-to-adopt program was overwhelmingly positive. “I enjoyed the experience I had,” she told us. One of the aspects she appreciated most was the ability to introduce her dogs to Ollie at the shelter before bringing him home. “It was excellent to be able to bring my dogs to meet Ollie at the Dane location and hear from the people who worked with him daily to know what to expect.”
This personal touch, combined with the flexibility of the foster-to-adopt program, made the process of adopting a shelter dog smooth and enjoyable for Lindsey and her family. By fostering first, they were able to ensure that Ollie was the perfect addition to their family, and Ollie got the chance to feel safe and secure before officially becoming a part of their household.
Fostering as a Path to Adoption
Lindsey’s story is a wonderful example of how fostering can be an ideal path to adopting a shelter dog. It gives families the time and space to make sure they are a good fit for the dog, and that the dog is a good fit for them. In Lindsey’s case, it allowed her to carefully introduce Ollie to her existing pets and toddler, ensuring that everyone in the home was comfortable and happy.
At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we encourage families who are considering adopting a shelter dog to explore the foster-to-adopt option. As Lindsey’s story shows, fostering first can lead to a smooth, successful adoption—and, most importantly, it helps ensure that every shelter dog finds the loving forever home they deserve.
