Fostering::Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can I choose which animal I want to foster? Yes and No. If there is a particular animal that you are interested in fostering, please specify that when applying to be a foster home. Usually, we are able to send you home with the animal you have specified, however, if for some reason we feel that the animal of your choice would not do well in your home we may ask you to consider a different animal who can better benefit from the environment that you can provide.
2) I've already been fostering an animal, but now I've decided I want to adopt him...Can I? Yes! We do require all adopters (even if you've already been fostering the animal) to undergo the same adoption process which consists of filling out some paperwork for us. We would urge any foster parent to contact us as soon as you have decided to adopt your foster animal so that we can stop searching for him a home!
3) How do I know what to feed my foster animal? Your foster animal's diet and current feeding routine will be included in your foster packet.
4) What kind of information will I find in my foster packet? Your foster packet will include all of the information you will need to know while fostering for this organization. It will include information on your foster animal's diet, exerceise needs, medical status, and daily care needs. It may also include this list of FAQ's and a copy of the foster care agreement.
5) Can I take my foster dog on walks or to the dog park? It depends on the dog itself. For example, we may ask that certain dogs who have not yet completed their full vaccination series do not visit dog parks or other places where you are likely to encounter other dogs until those vaccines are completed. It also depends on the dog's personality. If he is a dog who we think would not do well in a dog park, we may ask you to refrain from visiting one. The liability is high if a foster dog were to be involved in any kind of altercation while out in public. Walks on the other hand are usually fine unless we specifically ask you to refrain from walking your foster dog. We do ask that your foster dog remain on a secure leash at all times while walking.
6) Can I allow my foster cat outside? No. For the safety of the cat, we must insist that all feline foster homes keep their foster kitties strictly indoors. This is simply to keep our kitties from getting lost or injured.
7) If I know someone who may want to adopt my foster animal, can I let them foster him/her to see if it works out? No. Anyone interested in adopting or fostering an animal must first contact us directly. We will make all arrangements with them personally in regards to the animal they are interested in.
8) Why can't I take my foster animal to my own vet? As a not for profit group, we operate by donation only and must use our funds very strictly. We cannot afford to cover any costs incurred at an unauthorized veterinary clinic. We use specific veterinary clinics who have agreed to provide us with veterinary care at a lower cost. We also must be aware and involved in every aspect of the animal's medical care while they are still our responsibility. This is for legal reasons as well as to be sure that we are able to give the adoptive family a complete medical history while looking out for the animal's best interest.
9) What do I do if my foster animal becomes ill or injured? Contact us immediately. You can use either email, text message, or phone call and we will make all necessary arrangements with you at that point.
10) What if I can't care for my foster animal as long as I had agreed to? We try not to place our animals in foster homes for less than 2 weeks in order to limit the amount of stress placed on the animal. However, we do understand that in some circumstances you may be unable to complete your designated time. If this occurs, please contact us so that we can make arrangements for the animal to be returned to us.
11) What does foster to adopt mean? Fostering to adopt an animal is a special situation which allows the animal of your interest to go home with you before he/she has been deemed suitable for official adoption. Usually this type of situation occurs when an animal has not yet been spayed/neutered. It means that the animal will remain the responsibility of this organization until the adoption has been completed and while living in it's future permanant home. If fostering an animal with the intention of adopting him/her in the future, all foster care restrictions apply to you.
12) If I intend to adopt the animal I'm fostering, why can't I take it to the vet? Before the animal has been officially adopted, he/she is still in our overall care and we must be able to keep track of all of his/her medical requirements. In order for proper record keeping, we ask you to contact us directly if you believe the animal needs any kind of veterinary attention.
2) I've already been fostering an animal, but now I've decided I want to adopt him...Can I? Yes! We do require all adopters (even if you've already been fostering the animal) to undergo the same adoption process which consists of filling out some paperwork for us. We would urge any foster parent to contact us as soon as you have decided to adopt your foster animal so that we can stop searching for him a home!
3) How do I know what to feed my foster animal? Your foster animal's diet and current feeding routine will be included in your foster packet.
4) What kind of information will I find in my foster packet? Your foster packet will include all of the information you will need to know while fostering for this organization. It will include information on your foster animal's diet, exerceise needs, medical status, and daily care needs. It may also include this list of FAQ's and a copy of the foster care agreement.
5) Can I take my foster dog on walks or to the dog park? It depends on the dog itself. For example, we may ask that certain dogs who have not yet completed their full vaccination series do not visit dog parks or other places where you are likely to encounter other dogs until those vaccines are completed. It also depends on the dog's personality. If he is a dog who we think would not do well in a dog park, we may ask you to refrain from visiting one. The liability is high if a foster dog were to be involved in any kind of altercation while out in public. Walks on the other hand are usually fine unless we specifically ask you to refrain from walking your foster dog. We do ask that your foster dog remain on a secure leash at all times while walking.
6) Can I allow my foster cat outside? No. For the safety of the cat, we must insist that all feline foster homes keep their foster kitties strictly indoors. This is simply to keep our kitties from getting lost or injured.
7) If I know someone who may want to adopt my foster animal, can I let them foster him/her to see if it works out? No. Anyone interested in adopting or fostering an animal must first contact us directly. We will make all arrangements with them personally in regards to the animal they are interested in.
8) Why can't I take my foster animal to my own vet? As a not for profit group, we operate by donation only and must use our funds very strictly. We cannot afford to cover any costs incurred at an unauthorized veterinary clinic. We use specific veterinary clinics who have agreed to provide us with veterinary care at a lower cost. We also must be aware and involved in every aspect of the animal's medical care while they are still our responsibility. This is for legal reasons as well as to be sure that we are able to give the adoptive family a complete medical history while looking out for the animal's best interest.
9) What do I do if my foster animal becomes ill or injured? Contact us immediately. You can use either email, text message, or phone call and we will make all necessary arrangements with you at that point.
10) What if I can't care for my foster animal as long as I had agreed to? We try not to place our animals in foster homes for less than 2 weeks in order to limit the amount of stress placed on the animal. However, we do understand that in some circumstances you may be unable to complete your designated time. If this occurs, please contact us so that we can make arrangements for the animal to be returned to us.
11) What does foster to adopt mean? Fostering to adopt an animal is a special situation which allows the animal of your interest to go home with you before he/she has been deemed suitable for official adoption. Usually this type of situation occurs when an animal has not yet been spayed/neutered. It means that the animal will remain the responsibility of this organization until the adoption has been completed and while living in it's future permanant home. If fostering an animal with the intention of adopting him/her in the future, all foster care restrictions apply to you.
12) If I intend to adopt the animal I'm fostering, why can't I take it to the vet? Before the animal has been officially adopted, he/she is still in our overall care and we must be able to keep track of all of his/her medical requirements. In order for proper record keeping, we ask you to contact us directly if you believe the animal needs any kind of veterinary attention.