Foster

Safe Harbor Lab Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue.  This means all our rescued dogs are cared for in foster homes.  We do not have a physical facility.  Without our highly valued and appreciated foster families, we could not save Lab lives.

Becoming a foster family and a member of our foster team is a commitment beyond one dog.  While foster families can fall in love and add a foster to their family, if you are fostering for the sole reason of adopting, we kindly ask that you fill out an adoption application instead. Training and supporting a foster family is a large commitment on our part.

Our Labs come from rescue partners in Colorado, Texas, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and occasionally other states. Some come directly from a shelter while others are briefly in foster homes with rescue partners and then are transported to Denver.  We also receive owner surrenders from families who can no longer care for their Lab, as well as vet hospitals when clients have surrendered their Lab for various reasons.  We take Labs of all ages.

Our foster families are supported by our dedicated and experienced team of Foster Family Coordinators.

All our Labs are vetted at Safe Harbor’s expense at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver before they go to their foster home.  We cover all on-going medical care while they are in foster homes.

The only thing we ask you to provide is patience, love, and food. If the dog is on a special medical diet food, we will provide that for you; most families use the same food they feed their dog. We will provide any medicines that are required and have access to trainers for consultation if behavioral issues are discovered.

The length of time fostering can run from a couple days to several weeks. Puppies tend to go quickly as do yellow females. Older dogs may take longer. Much depends on the applicant pool at a given time.

Safe Harbor Lab Rescue is licensed and regulated by the State of Colorado through PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act) which is administered by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture.  To be compliant with regulations, all foster homes must sign a foster agreement and have a home inspection once a year.