WELCOME GREY FACE RESCUE DOG FOSTERS!
Thank you for opening your home to a Grey Face Rescue foster dog. Welcoming a new animal can be exciting—but also an adjustment for both your family and the dog. Many of our fosters are navigating major changes, new environments, medical needs, or past stress, so setting them up for success from the start is key.
Before bringing your foster dog home, make sure everyone in your household understands and supports the commitment. A calm, structured environment will help your foster dog feel safe and settle in more easily.
GETTING STARTED
Make sure everyone in your household understands and supports the fostering commitment. Planning where your foster dog will stay before arrival will make the transition smoother for everyone.
Guidelines:
Keep your foster dog in one main room (not isolated), such as a kitchen or family room where you spend time. This helps them feel included and reduces stress-related accidents.
Use a crate or baby gate to confine the dog when you’re away.
Decide in advance who will handle feeding, watering, and potty breaks.
Items Provided:
Crate/kennel
Dog bed and blankets/rug
Food and bowls
Toys
Treats and bones
Diapers/puppy pads (as needed)
Collar and leash=
Medication (as needed)
Who To Contact
WHO TO CONTACT
Grey Face is a volunteer-based organization, and our team balances rescue work with full-time jobs, families, and personal commitments. We appreciate your patience as we work together to support you and your foster dog.
Email is our primary form of communication. If you don’t receive a response right away, please send a gentle follow-up before reaching out to another team member.
Intake Team
Coordinates when and where your foster dog enters rescue and arranges transfer to our St. Cloud office. Email: ownersurrender@greyfacerescue.org
Foster Manager
Your main point of contact throughout your fostering experience. Reach out with any questions or concerns, or use the Foster Request Form. Email: foster@greyfacerescue.org
Vet Care Team
Provides vet appointment details and guidance on your foster dog’s medical needs. Additional information can be found in the Rescue Resource. Email: vetting@greyfacerescue.org
Adoption Team
Handles the adoption process, including interviews, reference checks, and home visits. Email: adoption@greyfacerescue.org
Supplies
If you need additional items or live farther away, please submit a Foster Request Form.
FOSTER TIMELINE
Day 1: Foster dog arrives
Days 5–7: Veterinary appointment scheduled (if needed)
Day 7: Foster profile questions sent (please return within 72 hours)
Day 10: Foster dog becomes available for adoption
THE FIRST DAY
The first day can feel either very easy or very stressful—that’s the reality. You may see accidents, whining, or unwanted behaviors, and even question your decision. This is completely normal. Your foster dog has just experienced a major life change, and adjustment takes time.
What to Expect
Accidents or marking
Not eating
Tension with other animals (if introduced too soon)
Growling or snapping
Your foster dog has been through a lot in a short time. These reactions are common, and it’s important to be patient and understanding.
What to Do
Keep pets separated for at least the first 24 hours to reduce stress and prevent conflict—even if your pets are typically friendly.
Give a guided introduction to the home. Walk your foster on a leash through the house, yard, and nearby area (avoid nose-to-nose dog interactions).
Create a safe space. Use a kennel or gated area in a common room so they can observe and decompress.
Keep a leash on indoors during the first week to help redirect behavior safely.
Establish a potty routine. Use the same door and take them out frequently.
Let them come to you. Give space, especially with children—no hugging or face-to-face contact early on.
End the day with exercise. A walk before bed helps them settle and sleep more comfortably.
THE FIRST TWO WEEKS
Begin establishing a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, and exercise. You can follow or adjust our sample schedule as needed. From day one, your foster dog should have a balance of family time and short periods alone. Avoid reinforcing whining—instead, reward calm, quiet behavior.
Keep the environment calm during the first few days. Limit overstimulation like visitors or neighborhood activity so your dog can settle in and you can learn their personality, preferences, and comfort level.
Remember, your foster’s past experiences may affect how they respond to everyday interactions. Common items like leashes, hands, or certain commands may trigger unexpected reactions—or they may simply be unfamiliar with normal household life. Patience and consistency are key as they adjust.
Our team will contact you within 5–7 days to schedule a vet appointment. This allows your foster time to decompress before their visit. Please wait for us to reach out, as we are coordinating records and care plans behind the scenes.
If you need assistance in the meantime, please submit a Foster Request Form.
WHAT TO FEED YOUR FOSTER
Grey Face provides food for your foster dog, primarily through community donations. Because of this, food types and brands may vary. We prioritize senior dog food and specialty diets when recommended by a veterinarian. If a prescription diet is required for medical reasons, the rescue will cover the cost.
Please contact the foster team or visit the office if you’re running low on food. Let us know when you have about a two-week supply remaining.
Encouraging Your Foster to Eat
Feed on a consistent schedule (typically twice daily)
Leave food down for 15 minutes, then remove it to build routine
Limit or pause treats until regular eating improves
Try a different bowl, location, or feeding height
Mix in wet food or a different kibble
Add warm water to dry food to enhance smell
Offer a bland diet short-term (plain chicken, rice, pasta, potatoes, or lean ground meat—no seasoning)
Diet Changes
A change in diet may cause temporary diarrhea. If this occurs, feed plain cooked rice with lean ground turkey or hamburger (drained), then gradually reintroduce kibble.
Food Allergies
Watch for signs like hot spots, skin irritation, or sores on paws. Start with simple, easy-to-digest foods (chicken-based kibble). If sensitivities appear, try alternatives like duck or fish. Contact the Vetting Team if symptoms persist.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol, avocado, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, citrus, coconut, grapes, raisins, nuts, ham or ham bones, dairy, onions, garlic, chives, xylitol (found in some peanut butter), yeast, and cinnamon.
BACK TO THE TOP
INTRODUCING RESIDENT ANIMALS
Proper introductions are critical—they set the tone for your foster dog’s entire stay. Taking it slow helps build safe, positive relationships from the start.
Resident Dogs
First 24 hours: Keep dogs separated. Allow them to smell each other by rotating spaces (one out, one in).
After 24 hours: Take both dogs on a long walk together to burn energy and build familiarity.
Initial meeting: Introduce indoors with leashes on and a baby gate between them. Keep this setup for at least 24 hours.
Watch behavior: If either dog shows signs of stress (growling, baring teeth), extend separation time.
Supervised interaction: When ready, allow short, leashed interactions without a barrier. Separate regularly to prevent overstimulation.
Ongoing: Gradually increase time together as they adjust.
Important: Never leave your resident dog and foster dog unattended.
Resident Cats
First 24 hours: Keep separated while allowing scent swapping.
Initial meeting: Use a leash on your foster dog and a baby gate as a barrier. Maintain separation for at least 24 hours.
Watch behavior: If your foster shows intense interest, growling, or tension, continue separation longer.
Supervised interaction: Keep your foster dog leashed during introductions without a barrier. Keep interactions brief and controlled.
VACATIONS / TEMP FOSTERS
Going out of town? We’ve got you covered—just plan ahead!
What to Do
Post in the Army Facebook Group with a photo of your foster, dates needed, and key details (dog/cat/kid friendly, stairs, etc.).
If you don’t find a temp foster, submit a Foster Request Form. Our team will reach out to other fosters or arrange boarding if needed.
Plan Ahead
Please request a temp foster at least 2–3 weeks in advance. Short notice requests may be difficult to accommodate.
Important
Foster dogs may only stay with approved fosters. Leaving your foster with an unapproved family member, friend, or neighbor is not allowed and may result in removal from the program.
SUPPLIES + OFFICE HOURS
Our office is open weekly for foster families to pick up supplies, drop off donations, or learn more about Grey Face Rescue.
Please note that our office is volunteer-run, so hours may occasionally change or be delayed.
We offer a variety of supplies, including crates, food, treats, toys, and more. Availability may vary, and we cannot guarantee specific items. If you’re unable to find what you need, please contact your Foster Manager to request additional support.
PROMOTING YOUR FOSTER DOG
While many people visit our website and social media, your efforts can make a big difference in helping your foster find a forever home. The more you share, the better their chances!
Ways to Promote Your Foster
Take photos and videos and post them in the Army Facebook Group so we can share them.
Share your foster on your personal social media accounts.
Always walk your foster dog wearing an “Adopt Me” bandana.
Attend Grey Face adoption events—fosters are expected to attend at least one per month. (Please bring only your foster dog.)
Talk to potential adopters honestly, using positive, thoughtful language. For example, “working on house manners” instead of “not potty trained.”
Email friends, family, and coworkers and ask them to help spread the word.
Post flyers at work, school, or community spaces you’re part of.
Ask if you can bring your foster dog to work or feature them in company newsletters or internal sites.
Share your foster’s story on blogs or community pages.
Visit high-traffic areas (parks, lakes, downtown) and bring a friend to help talk with interested people.
Consider dog-friendly events like local 5Ks (check rules first).
Tips for Taking Great Photos
We can’t stress this enough ... a picture is worth a thousand words.
TAKING GREAT PHOTOS OF YOUR FOSTER
Photos are often the first thing potential adopters see—and a great picture can make all the difference. Clear, high-quality images help your foster stand out and generate more interest.
Photo Tips
Take lots of photos. It may take 50 shots to get a few great ones.
Use natural light. Shoot outdoors when possible, with the light behind you to avoid shadows.
Capture attention. Use treats or a squeaky toy to get the dog’s best expression (having a helper can make this easier).
Try portrait mode if your phone has it.
Choose a simple background. Pick a backdrop that contrasts with the dog’s coloring—grass works great for most dogs.
Use props. Bandanas, toys, or colorful collars can add personality and visual interest.
What to Capture
Close-up “hero” shots focused on the face
Full-body shots to show size
The dog interacting positively with people or other animals (if appropriate)
Set Your Dog Up for Success
Exercise your dog before the shoot to help them relax
Aim for a calm, happy expression (a slightly panting dog often looks like they’re smiling!)
Keep the dog as the main focus—avoid busy backgrounds
Final Tips
Look at adoptable dog photos online (like Petfinder) for inspiration
Don’t get discouraged—practice helps, and it should be fun for both you and your foster!
Reach out to our team if you need help
PREPARING YOUR FOSTER FOR ADOPTION
Great news—your foster is about to be adopted! As a foster, it’s your responsibility to help ensure a smooth transition to their new home.
Before Adoption
Contact your Foster Manager to request any needed medication refills
Prepare enough food to be transitioned
Items That Go With Your Foster
Blankets (no large beds)
Medications (if applicable)
Food (at least a 1-week supply)
Items to Return to the Rescue
Kennel/crate
Large beds
Collar, leash, harness
Food bowls
Enrichment toys
Litter boxes
THE ADOPTION PROCESS
Our goal is to move animals into loving homes as quickly as possible so we can continue saving others in need.
Timeline
Day 1: Adoption application sent to foster for review
Days 1–2: Foster provides feedback or submits interview responses
Days 2–4: Meet & greet (and home visit, if applicable) scheduled
Days 5–10: Meet & greet and home visit completed
By Day 10: Adoption finalized and dog transferred
Foster First Right to Adopt
As a foster, you have first rights to adopt your dog. You must notify Grey Face before any meet and greets are scheduled. An application and adoption fee are still required.
Once a contract and invoice are sent, you have 24 hours to complete the adoption. After that, the dog will be relisted.
How the Process Works
1. Applications Submitted
Adopters apply online and go through the standard approval process.
2. Application Review
The Adoption Manager reviews applications and sends you the best matches.
3. Foster Input & Interview
You’re encouraged to interview applicants, as you know your foster best. A volunteer can assist if needed.
Share honest feedback and instincts with the Adoption Manager
4. Meet & Greet
Scheduled once an applicant is approved. You may participate or have a volunteer assist.
Possible locations:
Your home or adopter’s home
Grey Face office (if available)
Pet stores or parks (not dog parks)
Note: Dogs do not go home at this stage.
5. Home Visit
Completed after (or during) the meet & greet. Can be done in person or virtually.
6. Final Approval
Adopters receive the contract and invoice. Adoption is finalized once completed. Veterinary records will be provided—please include any additional paperwork you have.
7. Adoption Day
Once confirmed, coordinate a time to transfer your foster to their new home.
Your Role Matters
This is a collaborative process, and your input is essential. The meet & greet should be a two-way conversation to ensure the best match.
Example questions:
“How do you plan to exercise your dog?”
“How would you handle behavior challenges?”
Thank you for helping your foster find the right home—your time, care, and insight truly make a difference.
RETURN OF FOSTER DOG
If Adopters would like to return your foster dog, please know, as stated in the Adoption Contract;
Adopter shall allow a 3-day period of time the pet enters the home to adjust and become familiar with its new surroundings.
Adopter is asked to deliver The Pet to the Grey Face Headquarters located in St. Joe no sooner than 72 hours from notifying our Adoption team to return. If a foster is not found within 72 hours, you may be asked to care for the animal longer until a foster home is found.
If they adopting family reaches out to you, please ask them to contact our Adoption team so we can follow our process for return.
LOST DOG PROTOCOL
If your foster animal is lost, here are the steps to complete IMMEDIATELY!
Notify the emergency line ASAP so we can begin the process of a safe return. Include how the animal got lost, where, what time they were lost and closest intersection.
Hit the ground running - begin searching everywhere. Bring a leash and treats to entice them to return. Continue to yell their name and look everywhere.
While you are searching, make sure you have someone at home in case the animal returns. You can put out food for a familiar smell.
In the meantime, our team will begin calling local veterinary clinics in case anyone returns the animal along with shelters. We will also contact Lost Dogs MN to post on their Facebook page. We will also recruit volunteers through our social sites to join in the efforts to find the animal.
Follow the LOST DOGS ACTION PLAN here.
Removal from our foster program
At times, unfortunately, we have to remove foster families from our program. It’s tough but these decisions are made with the best interest of the animals in mind. We understand wholeheartedly that fostering can be difficult and down right frustrating but that’s why it is so rewarding! We take in animals that would otherwise cross the rainbow bridge and give them a second chance at a forever family. In some cases, that comes with some struggles.
In order to help our families, we have created tools and resources for our fosters to utilize to make the experience of fostering easier. This portal is filled with resources and content, as well as, our Facebook Army Group which is to be used to connect with other foster families when needing advice or encouragement. We also partner with the best veterinary practices that continue to work hard to provide care for our animals.
Reasons for removal:
Not providing proper care to your foster animal.
Not responding to communication efforts made by the Grey Face Team.
Breaking of confidentiality
Failure to adhere to policies or follow procedures
Inactivity
Inappropriate drug or alcohol use
Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct during your time of fostering. We ask that all fosters show professionalism during events, interviews, meet and greets.
Excessive “no-show”or cancelations of veterinary appointments.
Misrepresentation of Grey Face Rescue & Retirement
Theft and/or not returning all supplies that is the property of Grey Face Rescue.
Violence or implication of violence.
Requesting removal of an animal for convenience.
Leaving your foster in the care of an unapproved foster family.
Depending on the situation, you will be either become inactive for 30 days or removed completely from our program.
We truly hope that the relationship with our foster families never has to result in removal but we have to make the best decisions for our animals and their care. We hope when that decision is made the family respects it and we continue to move forward.
By filling out the form below, you have read and understand the training materials provided by Grey Face Rescue and have access to these training materials during your duration as a Grey Face Rescue Approved Dog Foster.