Here’s the truth: Foster dog parents are a practical bunch. We buy the basics over and over and over again – dog beds, collars, leashes, harnesses, and toys, toys, toys. Dollars to donuts, they don’t have many of the items on this gift list for foster dog parents!
As an experienced foster dog mom, I can tell you this: every item on this gift list will help foster dog parents help more dogs, and make their lives easier in the process.
I’ve selected a curated, 12-item gift list for foster dog parents.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love or plan to purchase myself.
1. Wyze Camera
I love my Wyze Camera! It is small, sleek, and easy to set up and use. Maybe its best feature? The PRICE! So friggin’ affordable. I have an earlier version, but the new Wyze V3 is even better. It can be installed indoors or outdoors and it is easy to move from place to place.
Put this gift on your list for your favorite foster dog parent!
The Wyze Cam syncs with your phone and sends alerts based on your settings. It records and allows you to play back video. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant
I use my Wyze Camera with every new foster dog that comes into my care. I can use it to help me monitor puppies, older dogs who need to potty in the middle of the night, or helps me assess a new dog’s calmness in a crate.
And when I’m not fostering and traveling, I use it for basic security. When I don’t need it at all, it unplugs and stores easily.
2. Selfie Stick For Dogs
(HINT HINT HINT!!!!! I want one of these!)
Foster dog parents are usually responsible for taking photos of their foster dogs to help promote them for adoption. The experts agree that dogs with great pictures get more interest and are adopted quicker. A little factoid: taking pictures of foster dogs is hard!
We usually take a kazillion pictures (or give up after taking 3 bad ones) because the dog isn’t “cooperating” with our efforts to pose them.
Enter the Pooch Selfie.
The Pooch Selfie is a clip-on phone attachment that comes with a squeaky tennis ball. The tennis ball fits into the attachment, so when your foster dog is looking at the ball, they are looking at the camera. It is certain to get the attention of most dogs. After you’ve taken that winning photo, take the ball out of the attachment and reward your dog with a little bit of play!
From the Pooch Selfie website:
- Works with front and rear facing cameras without having to remove the device from your phone
- Designed for the iPhone and Galaxy smartphone models and works universally with most smartphone cases
3. Bark Box Subscription
Sign up your favorite Foster dog parent for a BarkBox subscription! With a Barkbox subscription, your foster dog parent will receive a box of goodies. You can send a subscription for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months of deliveries. Of course, the more months in the subscription package, the lower the cost. Bark Box also generously offers free shipping in the continental 48 states. Choose a subscription-based on months and the size of the dog(s). This is the item on the gift list for foster dog parents that keeps on giving!
BarkBox adds options so you can customize the box. Each box will contain two toys, two bags of treats, and one chew. Now that’s a DEAL! Have you priced a bag of treats lately?
4. Fosters Make Better Pets Coffee Mug
I can only speak for myself, but there have been many a morning when, after a rough night with a foster dog, I doubt myself, my effectiveness, or my skill. I get a bad case of imposter syndrome.
So I pour myself a strong cup of coffee, and remind myself of why I do what I do. I guarantee I’m not alone!
This coffee mug is covered with words that remind dog foster parents of all the ways we do what we do, and how we help foster dogs become better pets, companions, and members of the community.
It’s a great start to a good day with foster dogs.
5. Blacklight Flashlight
Every foster dog has the potential to have an accident. Any long-time foster dog parent who says they’ve never had a tee-tee accident in the house may be telling a tall one or they haven’t found the stain.
This is why every foster dog home needs the Escolight UV blacklight flashlight to find that pee spot that you didn’t notice (but maybe can smell.) The ultraviolet light illuminates urine stains so that you can clean up the spot. It uses 3 AAA batteries (not included) and its compact size makes it easy to store.
I use mine all.the.time. It is a great gift for dog foster parents!
6. 4-Legger Shampoo
I believe that living “clean” is good. I don’t subscribe to a totally living clean lifestyle, but when I can find ways to fit clean living into my routine, I try to do so.
This is why I think the 4-Legger product line was an easy choice to put on my gift list for foster dog parents.
4-Legger was born from cancer diagnoses – both from a dog and his owner, and the awareness that “organic” didn’t necessarily mean what we think it does. Melissa set out to change that, and 4-legger products are a result of her work.
4-Legger Shampoo is an award-winning product in which every ingredient is independently reviewed to ensure compliance with USDA organic standards. Every ingredient!
4-Legger is also a big supporter of animal shelters and rescue agencies. Explore the website to learn more!
7. Foster T-Shirt
Truth Bomb: We do not have enough (or any, really) meaningful foster dog-themed apparel. Yes, I said that.
‘Cause we do more than save lives, we make dogs better pets. We are humbly proud of that.
8. Land’s End Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
Part of our job as foster dog parents is to get our foster dogs out into the community! Walkies, training seshes, and finding opportunities to help our rescued dogs overcome their past.
Preparing to take a foster dog for an outing need not be complicated, but we need help getting organized. This Open Top Canvas Tote Bag from Land’s End. I’ve had this bag for over 20 years, and it is still in great shape. I use the medium size, priced at around $35 without personalization. Keep your eye out for great sales, though. I think one is happening as I type!
I have the medium, and it’s just the right size for everything I need to take a foster dog (or my personal pets) on a day trip. It’s also perfect for keeping packed up in the car so that all you have to do is leash up your dog and “load up!” into the car.
Make it special by adding a bag of treats, a leash, a water bowl, a towel, and poop bags. You can even have it personalized for a nominal charge. It’s now a grab-and-go favorite!
9. Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Powder
I cannot tell you how many cans of pumpkin puree I’ve wasted. Even when I try to freeze it, ultimately some of it gets freezer-burned before I can use all of it.
I don’t use pumpkin as part of my dog’s daily diet; they usually don’t need it. I do, however, use pumpkin puree as part of a overall plan to address occasional diarrhea (occasional – hahaha!) that happens with new foster dogs.
Now, there’s Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Powder! Just mix with water or sprinkle it on the food. Only make what you need. What a game-changer! $20 for 8 oz.
10. DogTV Subscription
Purchase a 6-month subscription to DogTV for $50.
What is DogTV? Well, it’s the only dog channel with scientifically designed programs to help enrich, relax and recover your dog. There are even programs for the foster dog parents, too!
11. Jiminy Cricket Treats
Yep, you read that right. Crickets.
If you haven’t heard, crickets are swarming the dog food market. Insect protein just may be the next superfood and may provide benefit to dogs with allergies and gut issues.
Give the gift of Jiminy Cricket Treats, you trendy thing, you! They offer free shipping, and discounts on autoship programs.
12. Pet Odor Exterminator Candle
Zap pet odors with the Pet Odor Exterminator Candle. This candle does not use perfumes to cover up odors. Instead, it uses enzymes to neutralize the odor.
It is a paraffin and soy blend, and it has up to 70 hours of burn time.
I’ve used the lavender and chamomile scent, but there are over a dozen scents to choose from! I find mine online, but your local pet professional or veterinarian may sell these, so remember to shop local!
Please Don’t Forget The Foster Dogs
While you are shopping for your human family and friends who foster dogs, please add their foster dogs to your shopping list.
Foster dogs often have to share toys, sweaters, blankets and most arrive at rescue or shelters without any belongings at all.
I may be anthropomorphizing, but I swear that a foster dog knows when a toy belongs to him or her. Their eyes do light up when you help them unwrap their very own toy or chew. They also like new sweaters instead of hand-me-downs. So, if you have room in your budget… you’ll make a foster dog happy.
