After 10 years and 46 dogs, I’ve collected an eye-boggling supply of foster dog equipment. If you’d told me back then that I’d have this much stuff – and use it! – I might have laughed at you.
I probably have a total of 20 crates of different sizes and materials. A couple of them are in various stages of disrepair and soon to be unusable. (Thank you, Otis.) But I’m prepared to foster a 3 pound puppy or an 80 pound dog should the need arise.
I just replaced one of 7 baby gates – the door hinges wore out and it was irrepairable.
I’ll let you guess how many dog blankets I have and how many stuffed Kong toys are in the freezer.
I’ve purchase many of my items direct from the retailer, but honestly, I wouldn’t have near the supply I have if it weren’t for these budget-friendly ways to build a supply of foster dog equipment.
Re-Sale Sources
I regularly cruise multiple sources for gently used foster dog equipment. Some of my favorites are:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Facebook resale groups
- Yard Sales
- Outlet/Overstock warehouses
- The curb
- Nextdoor
I’ve gotten boxes of pee pads, unused packages of baby diapers, baby monitors, humidifiers, exercise pens, harnesses, leashes, and bed linens.
Join or Create A Fostering Network
If you live in or near a metropolis, you might find a fostering network group already in place.
If not, create one for your city, county, or catchment area! In these groups, you can ask to loan equipment (please honor the loaner’s wishes) or you may find someone who has a spare that they are willing to give.
Often, a dog foster parent is moving residence and puts out a “curb alert” for a supply of foster pet items that they are not taking with them.
Facebook is a great place to start a dog fostering group for your area. First, clarify the purpose of your group and set your rules. I find that a group can become overwhelmed quickly when the rules are unclear or are not enforced. Make sure you have moderators who can keep the group on topic.
I suggest that dog fostering groups created for support remain separate from dog fostering groups that exist for the purpose of recruiting fosters for dogs in need. To mix the two objectives might overwhelm your group moderators.
I save every syringe that comes with a foster dog’s medication. I can sterilize them and use them for making food slurries, in applying first aid, or administering supplements.
Ask Your Rescue Agency To Host Wish Lists
FACT: Donors like to donate to a specific dog or to help meet a specific need.
We generally had an amazing outpouring of generosity when hosting
- Secret Santa events
- Christmas in July events
- online shopping wish lists
- dog blanket drives
- Special needs dogs
We received a lot of much needed foster home equipment and the dogs got specialty items like sweaters and brand new toys, too.
When a senior arthritic dog needs an orthopedic bed, ask your supporters to donate. When a litter of puppies needs blankets, formula, and pee pads, ask for it.
I once asked for donations of nail clippers so I could provide them to foster homes that didn’t have one. I created an Amazon wish list for the exact type of clipper I wanted. Helping foster dog parents learn how to clip nails at home saved the rescue a ton of money each year.
Read what I consider to be the 20 Essential Pieces of Equipment you need to stock your foster home.
Accept Donations Of Used Pet Equipment
Use your social media reach to let people know that you or your agency will accept donations of pet equipment in good working condition. You’ll be amazed at what people have laying around. People love to put their no-longer-needed pet equipment to work for a good cause!
Create a list of your agency’s most-needed equipment and post it on the agency’s website with clear instructions on how to donate. Talk with your agency’s tax accountant on the best way to create a gift-in-kind receipt if a donor asks for one.
The Easiest Way To Get Foster Dog Equipment
The easiest way to get foster dog equipment is to focus on the equipment you need for the foster dog in front of you. If you are fostering puppies, collect puppy supplies. If you are currently fostering a dog that is recovering from an orthopedic surgery, focus your efforts on obtaining the equipment you need for that foster dog.
Over time, your foster dog equipment supply will build and you’ll have most of what you need no matter what dog you bring home to foster!
Happy hunting!
What does Maddie’s Fund say about basic equipment when fostering dogs? Read here
