Fostering saves lives — but only when it’s done with commitment and understanding.
When you apply to foster, this is what you are agreeing to:
Time and Patience
Dogs — especially puppies — are not potty trained. They will need frequent toilet breaks, guidance, and routine. Accidents area part of learning, not a failure. Adult dogs have been at the shelter and will have to be taught how to be in a home – and, yes – potty trained too.
Adjustment is Normal
Dogs coming from shelters are overwhelmed. They may be anxious, confused, clingy, quiet, or busy. This is expected.
The 3-3-3 rule matters
First 3 days : Decompression
First 3 weeks : Learning the routine
First 3 months : Feeling safe
Anything less than this is not enough time to judge a dog.
Consistency is critical
Returning a dog after a few days is not “trying” – it is disruptive and emotionally damaging for them.
Fostering is a responsibility
You are temporarily standing in as that dog’s safe place. That comes with effort, structure and a follow-through.
Our minimum foster period is three months for puppies, six months for adults – or until adopted.
Short-term fostering is only offered in exceptional circumstances, and requires the same level of commitment.
If your lifestyle cannot accommodate:
Early mornings
Frequent toilet breaks. Puppies every 4 hours, – plus after naps and meals. Yes – and during the night too.
Training and routine
Patience during adjustment
Then fostering may not be the right fit – and that is okay.
There are many other ways to help, that do not involve taking an animal into your home.
Our dogs have already lost enough – what they need most, is stability.
To become a foster parent, simply fill out our Foster Application Form.
Once approved, you’ll receive a list of dogs that are currently in need of foster care and fall within your selected criteria and experience. You can choose the dog that you feel would be a good fit for your home and lifestyle, and we’ll coordinate their stay with you.
We have a meet point in Parktown North, but fosters from all over Johannesburg are welcome if they are willing to travel a bit. If you’re interested in receiving a copy of our Foster Application Form, please reach out to us.
As a Foster parent , you are expected to submit weekly write ups for our Social Media platforms.
Supply current, good quality pics of the dog.
Puppies must attend our weekly Adoption Days every Saturday, from 11h00 to 15h00, at Happy Yappers Hub, Cnr, 4th and 7th Ave, Parktown North, Johannesburg.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of dogs in need!
Can I adopt the dog I’m fostering if I get attached?
Yes, absolutely! (But not siblings); but we encourage you speak to the team to make sure the dog hasn’t been booked to another family already.
Who supplies the food?
We provide the milk or food and all the medicines in case they’re needed.
What do I do if my foster is sick or showing signs that something is wrong?
Contact us immediately so we can evaluate the situation and either take the animal to the vet ourselves or ask you to do a vet visit which will be covered by Happy Yappers.
What happens if I’m going away for a weekend?
Please contact us and we’ll arrange for a temporary foster to take over.
If I go away, could I take my fosters with me?
It depends on what stage the dog is with vaccines. If the dog has received all 3 vaccines, he/she can be exposed to foreign grounds. As well as the duration, markets etc. best would be to discuss this with the team in advance.
If I’m struggling or not coping, what do I do?
Contact us and we can guide you through the process, offer advice and support.
My foster is due for a vaccine, what should I do?
Vaccines are done at the Happy Yappers HUB in Parktown North every Saturday between 11:00 -13:00
It’s important to know that we have a highly supportive and close-knit group of fosters who work together and can provide guidance whenever needed.
To join the Happy Yappers Foster Family, please contact us via WhatsApp at 064 908 4374.
