Foster carers and home checkers solve different parts of the same problem. One helps the rescue understand a dog in everyday life; the other checks whether a proposed household can meet the needs already identified.
What a foster carer records
A foster placement is not only temporary accommodation. Carers provide a consistent routine and report what happens when the dog eats, rests, travels, meets visitors, walks, encounters other animals or is left for a short period.
- Appetite, sleep and toileting patterns
- Response to handling, household sounds and visitors
- Behaviour on walks, in vehicles and around suitable dogs
- Triggers, recovery time and signs of relaxation
- Any medical or practical change that needs follow-up
What a home checker considers
A home check is a conversation and assessment, not a test of decoration or wealth. The checker compares the property, household and daily routine with the needs of the dog being considered.
- Garden and boundary security where relevant
- Working hours, exercise plans and time alone
- Children, resident animals and regular visitors
- Access, transport and any breed or tenancy restrictions
- Whether the whole household understands the adoption plan
How the two roles connect
Foster observations give the home checker specific questions to explore. The home-check report then helps the rescue decide whether a meet-and-greet should proceed. This page explains the work itself; past recruitment meetings and calls for volunteers are recorded separately.