How Old Are the Puppies When They Go Into Foster Care & How Long Do They Stay With the Foster Parent(s)? The puppies are ideally placed when they are 7 weeks old. Depending on development, they usually stay in the foster home for up to 24 months. Is it Necessary to Have Privious Dog Training Experience to be a Foster Puppy Parent? No. However, it is helpful if you have a dog or have had a dog in the past. Must I Attend Classes With the Puppy? Yes. It is required that you and your Foster Puppy attend regular training classes, instructed by Carolina Canines For Service Training Staff, where you will learn our techniques of properly raising and training your Foster Puppy. What Do I Do With the Puppy if I Need to go Out of Town? Foster Puppy Parents or someone who has been a Foster Puppy Parent frequently trade off and supervise each other’s puppies as needed. The Foster Puppy will benefit from being included in travel plans whenever possible. Can I Have Other Animals in My Home and Still be a Foster Puppy Parent? Yes. In fact, interaction with other animals is essential to the dogs success. Is There a Tax Break if I Foster a Puppy? Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. is established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All expenses incurred by the Foster Family (dog food, vet expenses, mileage, etc.) are considered charitable donations to Carolina Canines for Service and are tax deductible. What Do You Feed the Puppies? The puppies eat a specified brand of high-quality dry dog food specifically chosen to meet their needs. The puppies NEVER receive table scraps. Who Pays for the Food? The Foster Puppy Parent pays for the food. How Often Do Training Classes Take Place, Where are They Held, When & How Long is Each Class? Initially classes are weekly, then after several months the schedule may be adjusted. Training classes are currently held on Mondays in Wilmington, NC and Tuesdays in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Contact Us to get class dates and locations. What Happens if the Puppy is Disqualified From the Program? The Foster Puppy Parents are given priority at keeping the puppy unless it was donated by a breeder. In the latter case, the breeder gets the first right of refusal. There is Nobody Home During the Day, Can I Still be a Foster Puppy Parent? Yes. Foster puppies are kenneled when unsupervised. However, it is not a good idea for the puppy to be left for more than 4-6 hours at a time. Isn't it Time-Consuming to Train a Puppy? Not really. You will be taught how to work on-going training activities into your daily schedule and it will become a habit. Should the Puppy go Anywhere With Me Other Than to the Veterinarian and to Class? Yes. The puppy needs to have extensive socialization. North Carolina Statute (Chapter 168, Article I) grants full accessibility to service dogs in training as well as certified service dogs. Don't You Get "Attached" to the Puppy or Feel You Could Never Raise One and Give it Up? Yes, and sure you can. You will have many opportunities to meet recipients of Carolina Canines and understand just how much their service dog means to them. Without Foster Puppy Parents this unique partnership could never exist. If you are interested in becoming a foster puppy parent with Carolina Canines and live in the vicinity of Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach, SC click here for information to contact us.