Interested in Fostering a Boston Terrier but not sure what it's all about?  Would you like to
learn more?  Then you're on the right page!  We compiled this information to help anyone
interested in fostering understand a little more about the process.  We are always looking for
volunteers and foster homes for our dogs.  A fenced yard is desirable but not absolutely required if
the foster is committed to leash walking.  Each case is evaluated independently.   Because Boston
Terriers are not "outside dogs", we do require that foster dogs live inside your house. You would
be responsible for feeding them, keeping them safe, clean and helping them learn to be good pets.
We may ask you to take them to the vet for care if they get sick, but we pay vet expenses for our
dogs.  All dogs are vaccinated, and spayed/neutered before they are placed in a foster home. We
attend some adoption events and it would be great if you could bring your foster dog(s) to these
events, but it's not required. Please contact us using the email address below if you are interested
in becoming a foster parent or you can fill out an online:   
Application to Foster
Information About Fostering a Boston Terrier
Foster Parents and Volunteers are a dedicated “army of compassionate people” and the backbone of any
"No Kill" Rescue Organization. Foster homes make the difference between success and failure and, for
the animals, they are the difference in life and death.  Foster care is crucial to us and without it, saving
the lives of Boston Terriers is compromised. Quite simply, it is a low cost way of increasing a Rescues
capacity, improving public relations, and rehabilitating sick and injured or behaviorally challenged
animals.  Most Rescues already operate on a "shoe-string" budget.  If kennels had to be built to house all
our rescues, think of the extra money that would require.  Foster homes allows this money to be spent
on  other necessities such as vet care, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, micro-chipping, etc.

At some point in time, all Rescue Organizations feel the pinch of not having enough space. A volunteer
foster program is an ideal low-cost way to greatly increase the number of lives we can save while at the
same time providing an opportunity for community members to volunteer. Not only does a foster program
maximize the number of animals that we can accept into rescue, it allows us to care for animals who
would be difficult to care for in a shelter or kennel-type environment—orphaned pups, sick or injured
animals, or timid, scared and withdrawn Bostons needing one-on-one behavior rehabilitation. Foster care
is a comfortable, nurturing home setting that keeps animals happy and healthy and away from the chaos
of a shelter-type environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does a foster home do?
A foster is a temporary, loving home for the Boston Terriers in our rescue. You would be responsible for
feeding them, keeping them safe, clean and helping them learn to be good pets. We may ask you to take
them to the vet for care, but we pay vet expenses for our dogs. The foster home will provide Tender
Loving Care and be responsible for basic house training, socialization, and temperament assessment of a
placed dog.

How long does a foster dog stay?
This can vary greatly.  A puppy may only be in your home for a few weeks while an older dog in the golden
years of his/her life may be with you until the end.  However, on average, a dog is usually in foster care
for 6-12 weeks.

What if the foster dog doesn't get along with others in the family?
Because there is so many more homeless Bostons than available homes for them, it is MBTR's policy to
only accept dogs that are known not to have excessive aggressive or vicious tenancies towards other
dogs or people.  However, it is sometime impossible to know the true personality of an animal until it is
taken into foster care and if this happens, you must notify MBTR immediately. We will help you overcome
the situation, whether it requires additional training, or another placement. We will take great care not to
place a dog with you that are not ready to handle.

What if I fall in love with my fostered Boston?  Can I officially adopt the dog if
I want to?
Yes, you certainly can!  It happens quite often, and I suspect this is one of the reasons that foster homes
are in short supply.  We do ask that you keep an open mind and not jump to hasty decisions.  You will find
that there will be many wonderful Bostons that will come into your home and unfortunately we must let
some of them go on to other homes in order to help the others that enviably follow.  However, we do
realize that sometimes there are certain dogs that will capture your heart and we certainly understand
if/when you have to make that Boston a permanent member of your family.  We are all guilty of letting
these wonderful little dogs melt our hearts.

What are the basic requirements to Foster a Boston?

1- Everyone in the home must be in agreement to foster a Boston.  Many of these dogs have already felt
the feeling of rejection and know what it feels like to be unwanted.  In order for them to flourish, they
should feel welcomed and wanted by
ALL members of the family.
2- No Children in the home under the age of 5 years.  
3- All other pets in the household must be spayed and neutered.  With so many unwanted pets being
euthanized each year, we simply consider this to be responsible pet ownership.  It also lessens the
chance of dominant behavior towards new dogs coming into the household.  The only time an exception
would be made is if your vet could verify that there was an actual medical reason that prevented your pet
from undergoing anesthesia and/or surgery.
4- Fenced in yards are highly desirable.  We will consider foster homes that are 100% dedicated to leash
walking their fosters.  Dogs in a new, unfamiliar environment can wander off if allowed out on their own.

Fostering a dog may seem like a formidable task, but it is a very tangible way to make a difference.
Everyone benefits: The foster volunteer gets to spend time with a special Boston Terrier, and the
Rescue gains space for a new dog. The fostered Boston Terrier does not have to experience the stress
or hazards of a shelter and gains a second chance at becoming a cherished pet. The new owners get a
dog that is better adapted to home life, and therefore has a better chance of remaining in the new home
permanently.  And watching a sick, injured, scared or abused Boston learn to love and trust again and
blossom into a happy healthy dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever know!

If you are interested in providing a foster home for a needy Boston, please e-mail us at the address
below or you may fill out an on-line
Application to Foster.