Dark Horse Dogs ~ Foster Resources

PLEASE READ PRIOR TO FILLING OUT A FOSTER APPLICATION.

As of August 2025, new fosters will no longer have the option of choosing their own foster from animal control. New fosters can help with vacation foster coverage, and they can foster a dog we already have within DHD. If a new foster works with us successfully, they will have the opportunity/privilege of choosing their own fosters from animal control. While we understand this change may frustrate people who want to save a dog at animal control, this change has been made for a reason. And just because a new foster can’t pull from animal control does not mean a dog at animal control isn’t being saved. If a new foster helps us open a kennel at our shelter, or open a spot in one of our foster homes, we will then be able to pull a dog from animal control. New fosters will still be a critical part of saving more dogs from our local shelters. 

Pursuant to the Illinois Animal Welfare Act, your signature on this contract officially licenses you as a  Dark Horse Dogs foster home. The Illinois Department of Agriculture reserves the right and has the  authority to inspect any and all licensed foster homes. By signing here you acknowledge this law and  agree to cooperate with any home inspection requested by the IL Department of Agriculture or Dark  Horse Dogs. 

 TWO WEEK SHUTDOWN – THIS IS IMPORTANT – DECOMPRESSION IS KEY!!! 

Picking a dog that fits your home, family, and lifestyle...is important.

 Dark Horse Dogs, NFP does not condone or promote any use of aversive training methods or tools. We do not allow any dogs that are fostered or adopted through Dark Horse Dogs to be subjected to them. This includes trainers that may call themselves “balanced” trainers, the use of choke collars, prong collars and electric (shock) collars. We want to promote and enforce “force free” training. We do not believe dogs can have long term success and trust when using fear or painful methods of training. Let’s train our dogs by teaching them what we want them to do, not punishing what we don’t want them to do.  

This is an extensive list of force free trainers that have real credentials. Training matters.   

Choose wisely. 

If you're a current foster, interested in fostering, volunteering, or helping to transport supplies or dogs, we have a closed Facebook page where we make requests.  This is where we post for transport help, vacation fostering or anything in between. If you're requesting to join, please note that we do anticipate offers to help.  If you're not interested in fostering or volunteering, you don't need to join this page. Those who do not engage will be removed at our discretion.

Got questions about fostering?  Check out the FAQs.

Legal information regarding your duties and obligations as a foster parent. You too, are responsible for safety.  Safety of your foster, your family (humans and animals), the public, and anyone you allow your foster to have interaction with. Whether it be intended or unintended interaction. Be smart, and be safe.

Help for common questions/challenges.

Adoption bio help?

Decompression help?

Ideas for enrichment? 

Simple training tips and tricks?