Foster a Golden Retriever

    Open your home temporarily and change a golden's life. We cover the costs — you provide the love.

    Why Foster?

    Fostering helps dogs decompress, heal, and prepare for their forever home — and it's one of the most impactful ways to help our rescue.

    Save a Life

    Every foster home opens a space for another golden in need.

    We Cover Costs

    IDGRR covers all medical expenses and provides food and supplies.

    Flexible Commitment

    Foster periods typically range from 2 weeks to 2 months.

    Ongoing Support

    Our team is always available to help with questions or challenges.

    Who We Need

    Caring, patient, and responsible Golden lovers across Idaho.

    Serving communities across Idaho

    If you live near Boise, Pocatello, Ketchum, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Salmon, Lewiston, Northern Idaho, or the surrounding areas, IDGRR needs caring, patient, and responsible Golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescue Goldens.

    A key component of our rescue program is the foster home. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment that expedites their mental and physical rehabilitation, and gives us a chance to evaluate their habits and behavior. This allows IDGRR to place each dog with the right new family — improving the chances of a lifelong, joyful match.

    We hope you'll consider opening your heart and home to a Golden in need.

    What Fostering Looks Like

    Here's what to expect when you welcome a golden into your home for a little while.

    A typical foster placement

    • Typical commitment: 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the dog and your availability.
    • We provide everything: food, crate, leash, collar, and all veterinary care.
    • You provide the home: a safe space, daily routine, exercise, and lots of love.
    • Regular check-ins: our foster coordinator stays in touch to support you and the dog throughout the placement.
    • Flexible matching: we work to pair you with a dog that fits your home, schedule, and experience level.

    And if you fall in love along the way, you're always welcome to adopt your foster dog — many of our happiest adoption stories started as foster placements.

    Foster Parent FAQ

    Some of the most frequently asked questions about being a Foster Parent.

    Want to know more?

    Considering adoption instead?

    Adoption and fostering use the same application — just choose your interests on the form. Ready for a forever commitment? Adopting gives a golden their permanent family.

    Learn about adoption

    Ready to Foster?

    Adoption and fostering use the same application — just choose your interests on the form.

    Support Our Rescue

    Every gift helps with medical care, food, and shelter for goldens in need.