Fostering
We Can't Save Them Without You
Every Newfoundland that enters Colonial Newfoundland Rescue needs a foster home first. Before vet care, before adoption, before their second chance—there has to be somewhere safe for them to land. That means fostering isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
That’s where you come in.
When you open your home to a Newf in need, you’re giving them a safe place to decompress, heal, and learn what it means to be part of a family.
The more fosters we have, the more Newfoundlands we can pull from shelters, respond to urgent situations, and give a second chance.
You provide the love and a temporary home—we support you every step of the way.
And if you want to make "temporary home" a forever home, fosters get the first option to adopt. In rescue, we call it a "foster fail" and it's the very best kind of fail.
Your home gives CNR the ability to
say “yes” to dogs in need
Foster Responsibilities
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Provide a safe, clean, loving temporary home for their foster Newfoundland.
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Provide daily care, including feeding, fresh water, potty breaks, exercise, grooming, supervision, and affection.
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Follow CNR’s guidance for food, medication, veterinary care, introductions, training, and household management.
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Keep the foster dog safe and secure, including using appropriate leashes, gates, crates, fencing, and supervision as needed.
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Transport the foster dog to approved veterinary appointments when needed, or communicate with CNR if help is needed.
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Help the dog decompress, adjust to home life, and learn basic household manners.
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Observe and share information about the dog’s personality, habits, behavior, health, likes, dislikes, and ideal home environment.
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Provide updated photos, videos, and stories to help CNR promote the dog for adoption.
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Make the foster dog available to meet potential adopters at an agreed-upon time and location.
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Communicate promptly with CNR about medical concerns, behavior concerns, supply needs, scheduling conflicts, or any changes in the foster home.
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Let CNR know when help is needed. Fostering is a partnership, and we want foster families to feel supported.
As a foster, you’ll get first dibs if you decide your foster dog already belongs in your family forever. Some dogs come into your home just long enough to find their confidence. Others walk in and somehow never really leave your heart.
Whether your role is temporary or turns permanent, fostering changes lives, including your own.
CNR's Commitment to Foster Families
When you foster with Colonial Newfoundland Rescue, you are never doing it alone. CNR is 100% volunteer-run and foster-based, and every Newf who enters our care needs a safe foster home before they can receive their second chance. CNR provides veterinary care, medical treatment, and support so each dog can be prepared for adoption and matched with the right forever family.
CNR will:
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Provide and pay for food, treats, and necessary supplies for your foster Newf.
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Cover routine, preventative, urgent, and emergency veterinary care through approved veterinary providers.
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Provide flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, medications, supplements, prescription food, or special diet items when needed.
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Coordinate and approve veterinary appointments, medical treatment, spay/neuter, vaccinations, and other required care.
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Provide guidance and support throughout the foster period.
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Help evaluate the foster dog’s needs, temperament, behavior, and readiness for adoption.
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Promote available dogs for adoption through CNR’s website, social media, and adoption network.
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Screen potential adopters and make placement decisions based on the best fit for the dog.
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Coordinate adoption logistics, contracts, and adoption fees.
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Provide support if a foster family has questions, concerns, travel conflicts, or needs help.
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Work with fosters to set each dog up for a safe, successful transition into their adoptive home.