Volunteer

Mid Atlantic Italian Greyhound Rescue (MAIGR) is always looking for volunteers within our coverage area (Delaware, Maryland, DC, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina) to help in various capacities. If you have hand ons experience with Italian Greyhounds (IG) and would like to join this dynamic team of volunteers, please complete our Volunteer Application below after you’ve had a chance to review the FAQs.

FAQs about becoming a foster parent

We thank you for considering becoming a foster parent for one of our rescued Italian Greyhounds (IG)! Foster homes are always needed, before you fill out the application, we realize that you must have questions. We have tried to anticipate some of the basic items that most are wondering about. This is not in any way meant to be a complete list of questions you may have, and we are certainly available to answer any question you might have before completing the application.

The application is the first step in the foster home approval process. After the application is received by the IGCA rep, a telephone interview will be scheduled, at your convenience; the interview will help you get to know our rescue, and for our rescue to get to know you and your family. After the interview, the references you provided will be verified, and then we can move to the final phase.

When the application process is completed, a home visit will be scheduled. At that time, one of our volunteers will come to your home, usually with their personal IG. We do this is order to see what areas of your home, if any, may be a danger to an IG. We would ask that you correct any issues at that time.

After the home visit is complete, the IGCA rep will review the application package, and notify you that you have been approved, and that you are ready to accept a foster IG into your home and heart.

Type of dogs that need foster homes

  • Puppies too young and/or immature to be adopted.
  • Puppies and young dogs that require socialization, such as puppy mill and backyard breeder rescues.
  • Older or senior dogs that will be more comfortable in a home environment. Unfortunately, there are a great many senior dogs that are no longer wanted by their family, simply because they have become “too much trouble,” to have them stay at home. This includes dogs that may have incontinence issues, dogs that need a special diet because of illness or lack of teeth.
  • Injured dogs and/or those recovering from surgery. Sometimes owners surrender their IG to us because they cannot afford to supply the medical care their dog needs. We need post op homes for them to recover in a quiet, stable environment.
  • Neglected or abused dogs that need tender loving care. These dogs are usually not given to a brand new foster parent. Often we do have such IGs that need extra attention, patience, and love.
  • Dogs special medical needs. For example, if they are on medication, or need to be monitored for seizures or any other medical condition requiring supervision.

 Fostering FAQs

  • How long are dogs in foster homes?

It completely depends on the dog and the situation. The average stay in a foster home is about 2 months. However, most puppies and some dogs with great photos and stories on the web may stay only a few weeks! Others, recovering from an injury, certain breeds and senior dogs, may stay much longer.

  • Can I adopt my foster dog?

Yes, As long as foster parents meet IGCA requirement for adoption. The foster parent also has the first choice of adopting for the dog that they are fostering.

  •   How are foster dogs promoted?

Photos and stories of all adoptable dogs in foster homes are posted on Petfinder.com and our Facebook page. Foster dogs are also promoted at special adoption events throughout the year. Foster parents can also help promote their foster dog to their family, friends, colleagues and the general public just by walking their foster dog in local neighborhoods. Many folks have never seen an IG in person, and they will usually stop and ask if the dog is a Whippet!

  •   I live in a condo, town home, or apartment, can I foster dogs?

Yes, you can still foster a dog living in a small environment. Many of our IGs need one-on-one socialization, so a small space can be beneficial. Be advised, if you are renting, you still need landlord approval to foster a dog on their premises.

  •   What if I have children?

We do not recommend that children under 10 live in a foster situation, for the safety of the child, as well as the IG. Foster dogs have just come from a home they knew to a very different environment, so they will need space to get used to things, as well as love and gentle handling. Often times, children can be over zealous in trying their best in caring for a dog, but in the case of a fragile breed such as the IG, that exuberance can sometimes cause unintended injury.

  •   I don’t have a yard, or it’s not fenced, can I foster dogs?

A yard is a nice-to-have for those early morning, or evening potty breaks but is not a requirement. Be advised, at no time are foster dogs allowed to be left unattended in a yard, even if fenced. An IG who is upset or frightened can easily clear an 8 foot fence. Especially the first few days the dog is in your care, you will need to be with the IG whenever you take it outside in the yard secured by a leash and never off lead in an unenclosed area for the entire time you have the dog.

 A home that has an electronic fence or underground fence for pet control will not be approved for fostering, even if that fence is stated not for use by the foster IG. Additionally, a “doggie door” that is available to an IG when unsupervised will not be an approved situation as well.

  •   If I have my own animals, can I foster Italian Greyhounds?

 In short, any animal larger than the IG in a home will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

  •   What will I be required to supply for the foster dog?

IGCA rescue pays most medical bills that are incurred by the foster dog.  Food and flea control are the responsibility of the foster family. The supplies that you provide for the foster dog are considered charitable donations, as IGCA rescue is a registered 501C3 charity. A copy of this will be supplied upon request.

  •   Can I return my foster dog if I am unable to foster any longer?

If a situation arises that no longer permits you to continue as a foster home, we will certainly do what we can to remove our IG as soon as possible, certainly the more notice we have of the situation the easier it will be to rehome the foster dog.

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in becoming a foster home, please use fill out a volunteer application. Because a foster home is required to assess the foster dog’s temperament, evaluate any health issues the dog may have, and prepare the foster for adoption by house training, crate training and general manners training, fostering is not for everyone. However, fostering is a very rewarding experience for those with the means to do so. If you think fostering Italian Greyhounds could be for you, please contact us.