Thank you for your interest in fostering with us! Fostering is a vital part of our mission to help pets find their forever homes. By becoming a foster parent, you provide temporary care and love that helps pets transition successfully to permanent adoption. Please review the following terms and conditions for fostering.
Eligibility Requirements
Foster parents must be 18 years or older with valid government-issued ID. You must demonstrate ability to provide appropriate temporary housing and care for foster animals. All household members must agree to fostering, and if renting, landlord approval is required. Previous pet care experience is preferred but not required, as training will be provided.
Foster Period Commitment
The foster period varies based on the animal's needs and circumstances. You agree to care for the foster pet until either adoption or return to the shelter, unless alternative arrangements are made. If you need to end the foster period early, you must provide reasonable notice to allow us to arrange alternative care.
Shelter Support and Resources
The shelter provides necessary supplies including food, bedding, and medical care for foster pets. You agree to use provided supplies and follow shelter guidelines for care. Emergency veterinary care must be approved by shelter staff unless immediate life-threatening circumstances exist. Training and support are available throughout the foster period.
Foster Home Environment
You agree to maintain a safe, clean environment for the foster pet, keeping them separate from resident pets when required. Foster pets must be kept indoors except for supervised outdoor activities. You will follow specific care instructions provided for each animal, including medication schedules and socialization requirements.
Medical Care Protocol
All medical care must be coordinated through the shelter's veterinary partners. You agree to monitor the pet's health, administer prescribed medications, and attend scheduled veterinary appointments. Any health concerns must be reported to the shelter immediately. Detailed health records must be maintained throughout the foster period.
Adoption Process Participation
Foster parents assist in the adoption process by providing detailed information about the pet's personality, habits, and needs. You may be asked to make the pet available for meet-and-greets with potential adopters. Foster parents interested in adopting their foster pet must follow standard adoption procedures.
Liability and Risk
You understand that fostering involves inherent risks. The shelter is not liable for property damage or injuries caused by foster pets. You agree to release the shelter from liability for incidents occurring during the foster period, except where prohibited by law.
Marketing and Social Media
You may be asked to provide updates, photos, and information about your foster pet for adoption promotion. While sharing on personal social media is encouraged, you agree to maintain the shelter's messaging guidelines and privacy policies.
Update Requirements
Regular updates to shelter staff are required. You agree to provide weekly updates on the pet's progress and immediately report any concerns or significant changes in behavior or health. You must be reachable during the foster period for emergency situations.
Property Rights and Transfer
The foster pet remains the property of the shelter throughout the foster period. You may not transfer the pet to another party or make permanent decisions about the pet's future without shelter authorization. All adoption inquiries must be directed to the shelter.
Training and Behavior Development
You agree to follow the shelter's training guidelines and help develop positive behaviors in foster pets. Any behavioral concerns must be reported to allow for professional intervention if needed. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement methods are required.
Record-Keeping Responsibilities
Maintain detailed records of medications, behavioral observations, and significant events during the foster period. These records are essential for providing continuity of care and assisting with eventual adoption placement.
Return Protocol
The shelter reserves the right to reclaim foster pets if terms are not met or if concerns arise about care quality. You agree to return the foster pet upon request or if unable to continue providing care. Reasonable notice will be provided except in emergency situations.