About the Program

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All of our dogs are temperament tested, and we will work with you to ensure you, your family and home, and the dog are all a good match. With years of experience in rescuing dogs, we have a great track record at predicting what will and will not work.

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You must have an approved application and a home visit prior to entering the Foster-to-Adopt program. Due to Covid-19 at this time we are conducting virtual home visits and may ask you for video or pictures of your home and yard. You may want to start the process 

when you see an eligible dog you like on our site.

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Upon receiving a dog, you have up to two weeks to determine whether or not the dog is a good fit for your home. If you decide not to adopt we ask that you will keep the dog as a foster until other arrangements can be made to move from your home. Ideally, the dog will remain with you until he or she is placed with an approved adopter to reduce the stress of being moved and adjusting to yet another living situation. We carefully evaluate each potential adopter/foster and home, and screen each dog to ensure suitability resulting in a very successful Foster-to-Adopt program.

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 The dog will be fully vetted, neutered or spayed, brought up-to-date on shots, dewormed and treated with flea and tick preventative before being adopted. You will be responsible for providing exercise, attention and most of all—love for your foster dog.

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Selecting a Dog

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Within the Foster-to-Adopt, you select the dog you would like adopt with a few restrictions.

 

If we feel the dog would not be a good match because of family situation, compatibility issues with other pets, differences between family and dog activity levels, experience in dog ownership, or other reasons, we may not approve your first choice, but will work with you to find a dog you like and we feel matches your family situation and lifestyle. Or you can ask us to recommend a dog or dogs that we think will be a good match and we'll do the work to find you a great dog.  Not all dogs are eligible for the foster-to-adopt program as stated above.  

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Medical Issues

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If your dog should have a medical issue during the evaluation period, or during fostering if you decide not to adopt, Smiles & Cries will cover expenses for medical care by our approved veterinarian. In the case of an emergency, contact Smiles & Cries immediately to discuss the best course of action.

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Behavioral Issues

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If you have a problem with the dog during fostering, or even after you have adopted a dog, we are committed to working with you to resolve any issue through expert advice, training and/or behavior modification. Any dog that shows human aggression may need be removed from the home immediately.

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How to Apply

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We have had many families who weren't really sure they were ready to adopt, find that “match made in heaven” through our Foster-to-Adopt program. Here's your chance to find out if a particular dog is right for you and maybe save his or her life even if (s)he isn't.  If you have questions concerning which dogs are eligible for this program, we will be happy to help you with that.  To be considered for this program, fill out an adoption / foster application and let us know you are interested in our Foster-to-Adopt program.

 

Thanks for making a difference in a dog’s life!