Dogs in need of foster care join us through two distinct avenues:

Shelter Rescues: The Labelle Foundation extends its support to animals rescued from various local shelters, including those in Los Angeles County, Kern County, Riverside County, and numerous others across California and Mexico. Our rescue initiative specializes in caring for medical dogs, pregnant mother dogs, and orphaned neonatal puppies. Our goal is to save as many lives as possible, and our foster program enables us to efficiently utilize our resources to achieve this mission.

Owner Surrenders: Sometimes, pet owners encounter challenging life circumstances that prevent them from providing their beloved animals with the quality of life they deserve. In such situations, they make the difficult choice to surrender their dogs to us, ensuring that these dogs never have to enter a shelter environment. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to find these dogs new, loving forever homes.

• A secure and nurturing setting for our foster dogs.

• Transportation to and from adoptions, adoption events, and necessary veterinary appointments.

• Dedicating time to socialize and cuddle with the dogs, fostering positive family and pet bonds.

• Providing ample exercise and positive mental stimulation to support their growth into well-behaved dogs.

*If you can spare additional supplies, especially pee pads, to support our cause, we would be incredibly grateful! Your contributions of crates, beds, food, pee pads, and toys can make a tremendous difference by reducing our expenses and enabling us to offer improved care to the animals in our care. Your generosity truly goes a long way in helping us provide for our furry friends in need.

For other items we may be in need of, you can visit our Amazon Wishlist

Spend as much time as possible with your foster dog, though the duration may fluctuate based on the dog's energy and requirements. It's recommended to dedicate approximately two hours daily to exercise and interactive play to ensure your foster dog receives sufficient socialization and mental stimulation. Avoid leaving them unattended for more than four hours at a time.

Certainly! 

Even if you possess a fenced yard, we kindly request your continuous supervision during outdoor activities with the foster dog.

Additionally, we require you to ensure the dog is leashed at all times during walks. While dog parks can serve as an excellent avenue for socialization and play, prior approval is required. Before venturing into public areas or dog parks, all dogs must be up-to-date on their vaccinations. It's essential to consult with a representative from the Labelle Foundation before considering a trip to the dog park, as not all dogs are suitable for this environment.

We kindly request that our foster volunteers commit to a minimum of two weeks if able, unless alternative arrangements are mutually agreed upon.

Ideally, we aim for foster dogs to remain in their designated foster homes until they find their forever families. Since we lack a boarding facility for overnight stays, these dogs depend on our foster homes to serve as their temporary residences during the transition period.

For first-time foster parents with Labelle, please note that your initial foster placement may not lead to adoption. Fostering is about giving back to the rescue community and saving lives! If you have prior fostering experience with our foundation, and are considering adopting the dog you are currently fostering, kindly inform the Labelle Foundation within 72 hours of your intention.

To initiate the adoption process for your foster dog, you will be required to complete an adoption application and adhere to our standard adoption procedures. In the event you decide to proceed with the adoption, please promptly contact the foster coordinator. It's crucial to act swiftly because once a foster dog is made available for adoption, we are unable to reserve them, even for their foster parent.

Please be aware that the Labelle Foundation retains the right to decline adoption requests from foster parents if it is deemed that the match is not suitable for the long-term well-being of the dog. Being an approved foster does not automatically grant approval for adoption.

While we truly could not operate without fosters, we are unable to grant any discounts to our foster parents due to the extremly high costs of resucing in California.

The adoption fee includes:

• Transportation from the shelter to Labelle

• Initial Vaccinations, Microchipping, Deworming, and Flea Treatment (where applicable)

• Intake Wellness Exam provided by our in-house vet

• Sterilization (Spay/Neuter) at one of our approved vets

• Medical Treatments while in Foster Care

• Operational Costs & Supplies

The majority of the dogs in our foster program are rescued from shelters and may have been exposed to shelter-related illnesses. Despite our diligent efforts to be informed about any pre-existing conditions, it's essential to note that some illnesses have incubation periods, meaning symptoms may manifest after you've already brought the dog into your home. Consequently, while some foster dogs may not require any medication, others might. If your foster dog requires medication, one of our veterinarians will prescribe medicne.

Do:

1. Encourage them to complete an online application on our official website, labellefoundation.org.

2. If it's a close family member or friend who's interested, please get in touch with your foster coordinator so we can ensure their application is appropriately noted.

3. Advocate on behalf of the dog and provide us with insights into the kind of home environment where the dog would thrive.

Don't:

1. DO NOT arrange meet and greet sessions without obtaining explicit consent from your foster coordinator.

2. DO NOT hand your foster dog over to anyone else who expresses interest in adoption or fostering, including friends, family, cowrokers, or neighbors.

3. DO NOT share the foster coordinator's phone number without their explicit consent.

4. DO NOT make commitments to individuals about adopting a specific animal. The Labelle Foundation retains full rights to select the adopter for the dog.

Please ensure you maintain regular contact with your foster coordinator, at least once every 72 hours. 

Your part of helping find your foster dog a home is to help provide us with beautiful and engaging content of your animal. Kindly share any pictures, information, or updates you have regarding your foster pup with them. Your foster coordinator will assist in arranging vet appointments and will do their best to address any medical inquiries you might have.

Kindly consult your foster coordinator to discuss naming your foster animal. Many dogs arrive with names they are already familiar with and should retain those names. If the dog does not have a name, please collaborate with your foster coordinator to decide on an appropriate name. Once a name has been chosen, please refrain from altering the dog's name or posting on social media using a different name than the one agreed upon, as this can create confusion for potential adopters.

As previously mentioned, some of our foster dogs may arrive with pre-existing health issues. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring you have the necessary resources to address any potential medical concerns that may arise during your foster period.

To support you in this reguard, we ask that you are as communicitive and forthcoming about changes in pet behavior or medical status. Early intervention is essential in getting timely medical care and help to the animal. Most vets are open between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Photos, videos and detailed descriptions are essential to get you to the right facility and doctor.

In the event that your foster dog requires in-person veterinary care, we kindly request that you reach out to your designated foster coordinator as soon as you notice the issue. Our coverage extends exclusively to veterinary appointments within our established network. It is imperative that you do not administer vaccinations, microchips, or make any medical decisions for the foster dog without obtaining prior consent from The Labelle Foundation.

Detecting signs of illness in dogs can be challenging.  Therefore, it is essential to diligently observe your foster dog's daily activities and monitor their appetite. Keeping a journal to record these observations is a valuable practice.

1. Kennel Cough: This ailment is prevalent among dogs rescued from shelters. Symptoms may include a raspy cough, sneezing, or a moist cough, which can vary in intensity from dog to dog. If you observe these signs, please record a video and send it to your foster coordinator to arrange a vet appointment. Remember that kennel cough is contagious to other dogs, so take precautions if you have other pets at home.

2. Worms: Most of our foster dogs are dewormed shortly after leaving the shelter, unless they are too young. Consequently, you may notice worms in their feces or signs like bloated stomachs and diarrhea. While it may be unsettling, this should typically resolve within 3 to 5 days. These worms cannot infect humans and should be disposed of in plastic bags to prevent other animals from coming into contact with them.

3. Lethargy/Decreased Appetite: It's common for dogs to exhibit lethargy and reduced appetite during the initial 48 to 72 hours in a foster home due to the stress of transitioning. Allow the dog time to adjust and rest. If the lack of appetite persists beyond 24 hours, consider feeding them boiled chicken and rice. If lethargy continues for more than 72 hours, please consult your foster coordinator.

4. Eye Discharge: Some eye discharge is normal, especially upon waking, and the amount may vary by breed. However, if your foster dog has yellow or green discharge, eye swelling, difficulty opening their eyes, or a visible third eyelid, contact the foster coordinator to schedule a vet appointment.

5. Dehydration: Dehydration is often linked to diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. To check for dehydration, gently pinch the skin around the neck area; if it remains taut, the dog is dehydrated. Please inform the foster coordinator on the next business day to schedule a vet appointment.

6. Vomiting: Occasional vomiting, especially after eating too quickly, is not typically concerning. However, if your foster dog vomits two or more times in one day, please inform the foster coordinator as it could indicate an underlying issue.

7. Pain or Strain during Urination: Initially, stress may cause a dog to refrain from urinating. However, if your foster dog hasn't urinated in over 24 hours or displays signs of straining or pain during urination, contact the foster coordinator immediately, as it may signal an infection or obstruction.

8. Diarrhea: Monitor your foster dog's bowel movements daily. Soft stool is common in the first few days due to stress and dietary changes. If the dog has liquid stool, contact the foster department to schedule a vet appointment to rule out the need for medication. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so prompt communication with the foster coordinator is crucial. If your foster dog has bloody or mucoid diarrhea, reach out to the foster coordinator immediately. Consider adding a tablespoon of pumpkin or sweet potato puree to their food morning and night to ease an upset stomach.

9. Frequent Ear Scratching: If your foster dog frequently scratches their ears or shakes their head, it could indicate a bacterial or yeast infection, or in rare cases, ear mites. These conditions can be treated by a veterinarian, so contact the foster coordinator to schedule a medical appointment.

We kindly request foster families to follow specific guidelines concerning their own pets. 

While it's usually acceptable for foster dogs to interact with personal pets in your home. We strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian before beginning the fostering process to ensure that all your personal pets are in good health and up-to-date on their vaccinations. Dogs in shelters are particularly vulnerable to illnesses and may carry or contract various diseases.

If, for any reason, your personal pet falls ill while you are fostering for The Labelle Foundation, please note that we are unable to provide medical care for them.

No. due to accessibility of care, and to ensure the dog remains availbe for immedate adoption, we require your dog  to remain in LA county.

If you are planning to travel while you are fostering a dog for The Labelle Foundation, please reach out to the foster coordinator promptly to arrange for an alternative foster placement. 

To ensure a smooth transition for the dog, kindly provide a minimum of one week's notice. If your travel plans coincide with a holiday period, we kindly request a minimum of two weeks' notice. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in a request for you to cover the boarding expenses for your foster dog.

It's essential to note that you cannot entrust your foster dog to an unauthorized individual or pet sitter. Our foster program requires all fosters to undergo a specific application process and maintain ongoing communication with us, primarily for legal compliance reasons. Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated.

If any fostered animals bite you, resulting in skin breakage and bleeding, it is imperative to promptly inform the foster coordinator within 24 hours of the incident. Compliance with this reporting requirement is mandated by law. Specifically, the skin must have been broken by the animal's teeth, rather than their nails, to necessitate reporting. If there is any uncertainty regarding the nature of the bite, it is strongly recommended to err on the side of caution and report it regardless.

You are not obligated to maintain your role as a foster parent for a dog if you believe it's not a suitable arrangement. However, it's essential to keep in mind that we may not have an alternative foster home available immediately. As previously mentioned, we do not operate our own overnight boarding facility; instead, we rely on our network of foster partners.

We are committed to relocating your foster dog to a new home as promptly as possible, but we kindly request your understanding and patience in this matter. If such a situation arises, please contact our foster coordinator during regular business hours and allow a minimum of 24 hours for our team to secure a new foster placement.

If your fostered puppy is younger than 14 weeks old, it is crucial that they remain within your home environment and avoid any interaction with unvaccinated dogs. Additionally, please refrain from taking them to public grassy areas frequented by other dogs. For puppies aged 14 weeks and older, kindly consult with your foster coordinator to confirm the number of vaccinations they have received before introducing them to other dogs or taking them for walks in public places.

To participate in activities such as visiting dog parks, strolling in public areas, or socializing with other dogs, it is essential that your fostered dogs have completed a minimum of three vaccinations. Should you have any further inquiries, do not hesitate to get in touch with your foster coordinator.

Regrettably, The Labelle Foundation is unable to endorse court-mandated community service hours for foster care activities. Community service typically involves supervised work, whereas fostering occurs within the unsupervised environment of your home. If you require community service hours for educational or club purposes, kindly reach out us via our contact us portal or get in touch with your foster coordinator, who can assist with verifying your hours.