Niagara Dog Rescue’s Hope for Pawz

At Niagara Dog Rescue, we are constantly looking for the right home for our very deserving dogs. Amongst those, are some of our most special dogs, who often find themselves overlooked due to having specific needs. Our Hope for Pawz program is designed to help these dogs find their foster or forever homes.

With this program we are looking for Fosters and Adopters. Hope for Pawz will only be a success with the hard work and dedication that each person is willing to put in; whether you are interested in being a foster, who can help to integrate one of our long-term kennel dogs back in a home environment; or an adopter who would be willing to work with one of these dogs to provide them with the forever home that they deserve. Hope for Pawz has been designed to give these dogs a much deserved second chance.

Our Hope for these Pawz, is to find the right home environment, where they can be the best version of themselves. To prove that given confident guidance and unconditional love, these dogs will be much more than just a pet; they could be a lifeline, a confidant, and a source of unwavering support.

The dogs included in this program will require a home that can provide specific boundaries, structure, and dedication. They need advocates that can help them to overcome the fears they’ve developed, and the physical and/or emotional scars left by the trauma of their past lives. It is important to remember that this trauma could be mental, physical, or emotional, and may not always be visible to their caretakers. Adopting or fostering through this program gives you a chance to be the champion that these dogs desperately need. Please help us to show these beautiful animals that not all humans are awful and that there are people who can be trusted to love and protect them.

Hope for Pawz recognizes that these dogs often require very unique family environments. We are actively on the hunt for the special people that can understand their quirks, work through their issues, and advocate for them.

Can you be the hero that one of these dogs need? Can you offer them a safe environment where the can learn and thrive? Can you teach them and guide them back into a world that could seem rather frightening?

Hope for Pawz will match suitable dogs with fosters and adopters based on their lifestyle, preferences, experience, and family dynamic. We will work very hard to match you with a canine companion whose needs fit with your life. Eligible applicants will have multiple supervised opportunities to meet the dog we feel matches with you, and we will ensure that all interactions are reviewed and considered before we will consider transitioning the dog into a home.

There are 2 ways to get involved with Hope for Pawz:

1/ Fostering: Those people that are interested in helping these dogs become more adoptable by fostering them with no intention to adopt. The most important trait for being a foster in our Hope for Pawz program is commitment – to the routine, structure, and training that these dogs need. Beyond this, these dogs need a loving home outside of a kennel environment, where they can thrive and get ready to find their forever family.

2/ Adopting: Those people that are interested in trying to give one of these dogs a much-deserved forever home. Once approved to adopt, and after finding a suitable match, you will have several meetings with the dog to build trust, and familiarity. If all goes well, the dog will be transitioned into your home. At this point, you will spend some time evaluating if the dog and your family environment are indeed the right fit. We will provide you with training resources and guidance during this transition. If everything goes well during the transition, you will be offered a reduced adoption fee when finalizing the adoption.

Here are some key characteristics we will be looking for in our Fosters and Adopters in this program:

• Patience
• Experience with dog handling (exposure to any challenging behaviours is an asset, though not required)
• Knowledge of basic obedience training, and awareness of dog body language
• Capable of following detailed instructions
• Ability to provide a structured and consistent environment
• Time to implement a behavioural plan

Hope for Pawz FAQ:

Why did you start Hope for Pawz?
As a rescue, NDR finds that some of our dogs need extra help finding their forever home. Some are timid or scared, some may guard or be reactive, and some just love their food so much, they cannot share. We believe that with the right family and supports, these dogs can thrive and become amazing and confident family members. They deserve that second chance at finding their forever home. This program provides NDR with an ability to feature and draw special attention to these very deserving dogs.

Where do I apply to be a part of this program?
Please fill in the application at the bottom of this page and our Hope for Pawz coordinator will be in touch to discuss how you can potentially be a part of the program.

What does the approval process consist of?
There will be an initial telephone interview with as many of your family members as possible (all adults in the household as a minimum). Once completed, photos of your home and yard will need to be sent to the program lead and your references will be contacted. After this process has been completed, we will make a decision on your suitability for the program, and we will start to work on finding the dog that will fit your family.

Why have you reduced the adoption fee?
NDR knows that many of these dogs will need additional training and support over the long term. The adoption fee has been reduced to take into consideration that there may be extra expenses that an adopter may face in giving their chosen dog the best chance at a happy life. We want these adopters to be able to use the savings to invest in extra training or supports for these dogs.

If I applied for a dog, but it was placed before I am approved, or if I see another dog I am interested in, do I need to fill out additional applications?
You do not need to fill out any additional applications. Once our Hope For Pawz coordinator reaches out to discuss your application, you can mention any other dogs that you may want to be considered for.

Can I still adopt from Niagara Dog Rescue, even if it is determined that I’m not a good fit for the Hope for Pawz program?
Yes! We have so many deserving dogs looking for their forever homes. If you are not the best fit to take on one of the dogs in our Hope for Paws program, there are still many dogs in our care that could be the perfect fit for you and your family. Once your application is processed through Hope for Pawz, our coordinator will reach out to discuss the outcome. At this point, if you would like to consider adopting from NDR outside of this program, you will not need to complete any further approval process.

Can I meet the dogs?
YES!!! If interested in adopting a long-term foster dog or fostering/adopting a kennel dog, there is a requirement to meet the dog once your application has been approved, before we will consider transitioning the dog into your home. Please be aware that depending on your family, your experience and the dog that we feel matches you, we may require multiple "meet and greets" before allowing the dog to go home with you. Your chemistry with the dog you are considering, is vitally important to the process.

Can I bring my dog to a meet and greet?
Yes, absolutely this is a must.

If I am approved, how long will the process take?
That depends on whether you have applied for and are approved for a specific dog or if we are matching you.

If I was interested in fostering, what would I be responsible for?
Some fosters provide a leash, crate, food, bedding, toys etc. However, we can and will provide these things if you do not have them. NDR will cover any medicines and medical vet expenses, ONLY if they have been approved by NDR PRIOR to the expense occurring, or the appointment being arranged. If you think that you would like to foster through the Hope for Pawz program, please fill out the below application and we will be in touch with you!

Are all dogs house trained?
While we try to ensure that all dogs going to fosters have been housetrained, it is not guaranteed. All of our dogs coming from a kennel environment may not have lived in a home for some time, but they will be kennel trained. Even in the instances of our dogs who are most certainly housetrained, the transition to a new environment, and the decompression that comes with it, could potentially lead to the odd accident in a home. All of this will be discussed with you in preparation for welcoming a new dog into your home, along with tips and tricks to help minimize the possibility of this happening.

If you have further questions about Niagara Dog Rescue and adopting or fostering with us, please visit the full FAQ page found here.