Fostering a sled dog is a rewarding journey filled with love, learning, and a few muddy paw prints along the way. One of the most important parts of that journey is creating a safe, healthy environment where your foster dog can feel secure and start to thrive.
Here are some essential health and safety tips to help you build that safe haven:
🏠 Dog-Proof Your Home
Sled dogs are clever, curious, and sometimes a bit mischievous—especially in a new environment! Before your foster arrives, take time to check your space:
Secure all exits. Double-check garden gates, fences, and doors. Huskies and Malamutes are known escape artists!
Remove hazards. Tuck away electrical cords, cleaning products, sharp objects, and anything you wouldn’t want chewed.
Keep surfaces clear. Counter-surfing is real—especially with food-loving foster dogs.
Check indoor plants. Some houseplants can be toxic to dogs (e.g., lilies, aloe vera, pothos).
🧼 Create a Clean & Calm Space
A calm space helps your foster dog decompress, especially in the first few days.
Set up a quiet resting area with a soft bed, fresh water, and toys.
Use baby gates or pens if needed to manage their access to certain rooms.
Keep noise low at first—no loud introductions or overwhelming environments.
Cleanliness matters too! Regular vacuuming, washing of bedding, and cleaning up spills quickly can help prevent illness and stress.
🐾 Support Their Physical Health
When your foster dog arrives, they may be recovering from stress, poor care, or medical treatment. Your job is to help them build strength and confidence:
Stick to the food provided by the rescue (or approved alternatives) to avoid tummy upsets.
Monitor toileting habits, eating, and drinking—any changes should be flagged to the rescue team.
Limit strenuous exercise at first, especially if the dog is underweight, older, or recovering.
Keep them on-lead at all times unless otherwise advised—it’s safer while they adjust and bond.
🐶 Safe Socialisation
Every sled dog is different. Some are social butterflies; others may need time and space.
Introduce slowly to resident pets. Use gates or neutral spaces, and never rush the process.
Supervise all interactions with children and visitors, especially in the early days.
Avoid dog parks or group walks until you’re confident in your foster’s behaviour and recall.
The goal is to help your foster feel safe and supported, not overwhelmed.
🩺 Stay in Touch With the Rescue Team
Your role is vital—but you're never doing it alone.
Report any health or behaviour concerns right away.
Keep the rescue updated with photos, personality notes, and progress reports.
Ask for advice if you’re unsure—we’re here to help!
The more we know about the dog in your care, the better chance we have of finding their perfect forever home.
💙 You’re Their Safe Place
Fostering isn’t just about food and walks—it’s about love, patience, and providing a soft place to land during a difficult time. By prioritising health and safety, you’re laying the foundation for your foster dog’s future—and giving them the security they need to start again.
Thank you for being their hero.