Foster Touching Base with Applicant

Hello Foster Parent!

Part of your role is keeping applicants “warm”.  We don’t want this for all applicants, but for the ones that we really really feel could be “the one!”.  It’s important that applicants feel engaged with DIBS.
And, it’s important that foster parents feel that their dogs are going to people they can feel good about.  So, whether your foster dog is here or not, it is good to learn about the people, find out what they like, don’t like, etc.  Once you meet the dog, the puzzle pieces will fall into place, but do take the opportunity to get to know the applicants.

This has been renamed from “keeping it warm” to “touching base” as it more accurately reflects the intended use/results.

When do you need to fill out this form?  Each time you reach out to the applicant!  For most applicant processes, you will likely do this a minimum of 2-3 times. Form is quick and easy, and lets the board know the current status of your interaction with the applicant.

  • Intro Email:  “Hello, I am ___ and will be fostering ___.  She does have a few applications that I am reviewing and I just wanted to send you a quick note to introduce myself as we wait for her arrival. Do let me know if you have any questons for me”    (please don’t cc DIBS on this)
    • Short and sweet
  • Phone call before PS is done
    • Suggestion – just do the PS and feed 2 birds with one stone!
      • Note, if you did the PS for your dog, you can skip this step as we know you have connected!
    • If you can’t do PS, then just do phone call
    • Fill out form!
  • Phone call after PS is done
    • Introduce yourself
    • Fill out form!
  • Virtual Meet and Greet (not a replacement for actual meet and greet, but more of a timesaving meeting to see if you want to book in person M&G)
    • Fill out form!
  • Real life Meet and Greet
    • Fill out form

Reminder – there are no approvals sent, etc at this time.  Do not go into “education mode” – keep it light on boundaries, training, etc.  This is our time to listen!!!  Applicants need to learn more about the dog, and DIBS volunteers need to determine if they like the applicants. This is a two-way street!

 

Foster call to selected Applicant(s)

We ask that fosters "keep the contact warm" during the screening process. This happens after we have decided that we really like an app....but it's too soon to commit in full yet (either dog is not here, screening is in motion, etc)

"*" indicates required fields

Volunteer Info

Sometimes this differs from the dog they apply for.

Before the Call

We want to call the applicant to introduce ourselves. As the foster parent, its really important that we feel right about where the dog is potentially going. This is a required part of the process.
Reminder, if you are thinking of calling before screening has started, it makes more sense for you to do the Phone Screen. Let us know!

Could it be a match?

Call to introduce yourself as DOG's foster parent. State that you just wanted to check in, see if they had any specific questions for you (as you know the dog best)
While it's important for adopters to see the DIBS pup, it is equally (if not more) important for you to see their dog during a virtual meet and greet.
Dig into how the interaction will be with existing dog/new dog. Have they had 2 dogs before, how does their dog behave with a new dog in the home? Probe to determine how foster dog will be accepted by humans and dogs.
Do they have a real plan or a "maybe some day" plan?
Put more/less emphasis on this depending on your stance on them. If foster is keen, we need to drive this point home!!! There is a lot of good content our website, and we need to ensure they have read it, will will adhere to it. Info on kids, boundaries, integration, etc.
Let us know your thoughts - if there is more screening to be done, we can ensure it's known. Or, DIBS can send email for clarification.
Think it’s a great idea? Dumb? Too complicated?
Maybe ask something like.... "DIBS volunteers usually work fast with the screening process. What is your timing like?
What is the next step for DIBS?
What is board approval needed for?*
For example, if you are hoping for "Approval pending meet and greet"....you need to let us know! This is a good spot to clarify details, let us know why, etc.
Approval Pending Meet and Greet - NOT THE NORM!
Overall Rating - so far.....