Heron Bay Cliffs Shepherds Rescue — Foster Program

Become a Foster Family

Give one of our dogs a safe, loving home while they wait for their forever family. No experience required — just patience, consistency, and an open heart.

Meet the Dogs Apply to Foster

What Fostering Means

Fostering is a short-term commitment with a lasting impact. Here is what it actually looks like.

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A Temporary Home

You open your home to a dog for a defined period while we find their permanent placement. Fostering is not adoption — there is no pressure to keep the dog, though many fosters do choose to adopt.

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Two Weeks to Three Months

Most foster placements run two weeks to three months depending on the dog’s needs and the speed of the adoption process. We work around your schedule and give you as much notice as possible.

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We Cover the Costs

Heron Bay Cliffs provides all food, crates, bedding, leashes, and veterinary care for the duration of the placement. You will never pay out of pocket for a foster dog’s needs.

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You Provide Love & Stability

Your job is to give the dog a calm, consistent environment — regular routine, socialization, and patience. You will report back to us weekly on behavior, appetite, and overall adjustment.

Who We Need

We place large, intelligent shepherd-breed dogs. The ideal foster meets most of these criteria — but not all are required. We will work with you to find the right match.

  • Experience with large or working breed dogs preferred but not required for all placements
  • Fenced yard is ideal — rural or large-acreage properties without fencing are also considered
  • Located in Northern New York or within reasonable distance for drop-off and pickup
  • Patient and consistent with dogs that may be shy, anxious, or still learning house manners
  • Home and lifestyle that allow the dog to be part of the family, not isolated in a yard or kennel
  • Willing to communicate regularly with the rescue and follow our placement guidelines

What You Get

Fostering is one of the highest-impact things you can do for an animal. Here is what we offer every foster family in return.

  • All supplies provided: food, crate, bedding, collar, leash, and enrichment items
  • Full veterinary coverage — routine care, illness, and emergencies covered by the rescue
  • Dedicated support line — you can reach us any time for behavioral questions or concerns
  • First right of adoption if you fall in love and want to make the placement permanent
  • The satisfaction of knowing you directly saved a life and helped a dog become adoptable
  • Our permanent gratitude — you are the bridge between a dog’s past and their forever

Dogs Currently Needing Foster

These dogs are ready for a foster home now. Click their card to apply for that specific dog.

Ranger
Ranger
8 months • Anatolian Shepherd × NAID mix
Male Needs Foster

Ranger is an energetic, curious young boy who is still learning to trust. He does well with calm, confident handlers and loves exploring outdoors. A patient, active foster home will help him bloom before adoption.

Chimera
Chimera
2 years 9 months • Anatolian Shepherd × NAID mix
Female Needs Foster

Chimera is a smart, watchful girl with a soft side for people she trusts. She was raised with other dogs and adjusts well to new environments given a slow introduction. She would thrive in a quieter home with an experienced dog owner.

Caesar
Caesar
18 months • Anatolian Shepherd × NAID mix
Male Needs Foster

Caesar is a bold, loyal young male who has excellent potential with consistent guidance. He walks well on leash and is food-motivated, making training a pleasure. A foster home with structure and outdoor space would be an ideal fit.

Don’t see the right match? Apply as a general foster and we will reach out when a dog matches your home.

Foster Application

Fill out this form completely. We respond within 3–5 business days. No phone calls — email is how we communicate.

Before you apply: Fostering these dogs requires patience and consistency. They are large, intelligent shepherd breeds that benefit most from routine and calm leadership. If a question does not apply, write “N/A.” Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

All fields required unless marked optional.

About You
Your Home
Your Household
Your Experience with Dogs
About Your Foster Placement
Final Questions

Submitting opens your email client with your answers pre-filled, addressed to foster@heronbaycliffs.com. We respond within 3–5 business days to qualified applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to keep the dog if I fall in love with them? ▼
Absolutely not — fostering is never a commitment to adopt. Many of our foster families do choose to adopt (we call it a “foster fail,” said with the warmest affection), but there is zero pressure. Your role is to bridge the gap. If you do want to adopt, you have first right of adoption before anyone else is considered.
What happens if the dog gets sick or injured while in my care? ▼
All veterinary costs are covered by Heron Bay Cliffs Shepherds Rescue. You will never pay a vet bill for a foster dog. In a non-emergency situation, contact us first so we can direct you to our vet. In a true emergency, go directly to the nearest emergency clinic and we will handle the billing.
I have never fostered before. Can I still apply? ▼
Yes. First-time fosters are welcome. We will match you with a dog whose needs align with your experience level. We provide orientation guidance, check-in support throughout the placement, and are always reachable with questions. What matters most is your commitment, patience, and willingness to follow our guidance.
What if the foster placement is not working out? ▼
Contact us immediately. We will work with you to troubleshoot behavioral issues and provide support. If the placement genuinely cannot continue, we will arrange to move the dog without judgment. The dog’s welfare and your safety are both priorities — we will never leave you without a path forward.
Do I need a fenced yard to foster? ▼
A fenced yard is strongly preferred but not always required. Rural properties with acreage and experienced handlers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Urban or suburban homes without a fence are generally not suitable for these particular dogs due to their size, prey drive, and exercise needs. If you are unsure whether your property qualifies, apply anyway and describe your situation honestly — we will let you know.

Heron Bay Cliffs Shepherds Rescue, Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Northern New York • EIN available upon request. All rescue operations are volunteer-driven.

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