Foster A Dog Today
Be part of a compassionate community dedicated to giving pets a second chance
Why Foster With Us?
At Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan, we believe in the power of second chances. Our one-of-a-kind foster program stands out by intertwining rehabilitation and compassion to create a brighter future for both dogs and individuals within the correctional system.
A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Companionship
Each of our foster dogs begins with our meticulous health and behavior screening. We ensure every dog is fully vaccinated, spayed, or neutered before reaching our foster families. This is a pivotal role in their journey: dogs can rediscover the warmth of a home and the gentle touch of human companionship in a nurturing environment.
A Partnership That Transforms Lives, Two at a Time
The heart of our program lies within the walls of selected correctional facilities, where specially trained inmates take on the role of trainers. Under this innovative model, dogs learn essential commands, obedience, and leash manners, fostering a bond that aids in the inmates' rehabilitation and the dogs' socialization.
Beyond Training: A Certificate of New Beginnings
After ten weeks of dedicated training, our dogs don't just graduate; they shine with the potential for a brighter future, earning a Canine Good Citizen Certificate (CGC). This isn't just a testament to their obedience; it's a beacon of hope, signaling their readiness to bring joy, loyalty, and unconditional love to their forever homes.
Hear from our fosters
"RPSM is an amazing organization! I felt the urge a few years ago to start fostering again, with no one else responding, RPSM was there! I have been completely amazed by the support and consistency of this program. My kids even get the chance to be involved. Not only are we helping shelter dogs but the inmates get so much from our program. I would absolutely recommend RPSM to anyone that wants to adopt or foster. It’s a joy to be apart of this!"
"Beauty, pictured here, was our first foster. I’ll be honest, I don’t know if we could have done this without the wonderful support we received through RSPM. The support started from day one and they have been there with any thing I need. They helped me negotiate the introduction of two dogs, to the food, supplies, access to training videos, just everything I needed. Even toys were supplied. Every question was answered. To top it all off, I was allowed to interview the potential parents and have a say in what would be her new home. That really helps in knowing she will be well loved for the rest of her life. "
"My family adopted Peppy last Fall and the process was seamless. Everyone we had contact with was super friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. From that experience, we decided that this was the kind of organization that we would want to work with again so we started fostering. The people are wonderful and truly supportive in any need we have, from answering questions, to offering advice and providing resources. The program not only helps the dogs but the inmates as well and that is a win-win for us. "
"RPSM is the 3rd rescue I have fostered for. However, they are the only one to really make me feel appreciated and valued. They are the first one to supply me with pretty much anything I need to care for the dog. A crate, food, treats, bowls, leashes, and toys. I feel like they want to dog to succeed and will do whatever it takes to make that happen. "
FAQs for Fosters
What is the application process?
Very simple. The entire process take place over the course of a couple of weeks:
- Fill out the foster application online
- The application coordinator processes the application within 24 hours
- The coordinator reaches out to your referrals, personal references
- Shelter managers will reach out to speak with you and figure out what dog you want to foster, the family can pick out the dog to foster
What if the foster dog shows aggressive behavior towards my family or other pets?
We provide temperament tests for all our dogs. This involves testing the dog's boundaries. If we give them high-valued treats but take them away, how do they react? If we check their teeth, how do they react? If they get pinched or pulled, as a little kid might do, how do they react?
How do you make sure the dog I foster will be a good fit for my home?
We have a Matching Program. Provide us with some characteristics such as desired age, gender, etc. If we think we found a match, or close to, we will present a dog you might like to foster! You can decide whether or not you want to foster.
Please keep in mind: many dogs that enter the dog shelter/rescue system become reserved, overwhelmed, and uncomfortable because they’re displaced from their homes (or surrendered). Shelters are loud places too; it becomes a scary place. Their personalities are completely different in a shelter versus entering a foster home and beginning to unwind and show their true personality!
What happens if I become too attached to my foster dog and want to adopt them?
If you remain as a foster home for a year, you can adopt for free. However, if it's less than a year, you can adopt the dog you foster for a fee.
What support does RPSM provide to foster families? Are there hidden costs?
You don't have to worry about anything! We provide all you need: leashes, collars, vet payments, food, crates, gates, toys, and even reimbursement for gas if you travel to the vet! The only thing we need from you is just your time and love.
What is the process for returning a foster dog if it's not the right fit?
Give us the word and we can grab the dog. It might take a day or two, but it won’t be an issue to return them.
Can I foster a dog if I have a full-time job or other commitments?
Most fosters have full-time jobs and they are still wonderful foster homes!
What is the typical duration of a foster period, and can it be extended?
It varies; you could foster a dog for one week to 8 weeks or up to 10 weeks before the dogs are taken to the prison training program. People typically foster for only up to 2.5 months. As a foster, you can always follow up on your foster dog's training afterward.
What is my role exactly in the foster/prison program?
A dog is taken into our care, we request a foster family take the dog in to reintroduce it to domesticity, the dog goes through the training program, and then they're up for adoption.
If the dog is not adopted while in training, ideally the dog would return to the foster family; worst case scenario, we can find a different foster family after training.