What does it take to be a dog/pup foster parent? Its not really that hard to do, it just takes compassion, dedication, reliability, organisation and common sense. 1. Are you aware that there is a great deal of clean-up and even possible damage to your home when you take a foster pet home? Foster pets have ruined drapes, carpeting, clothing, and other valuable items. Preparing your home and the area the animal will stay in can prevent most accidents, but not all of them! 2. Are you able to monitor the health of the foster pet? You will need to pay attention to signs of illness or worsening of symptoms and call the shelter or rescue group if you are concerned. Before taking in a foster, ask the foster care coordinator what to look for. If you see troubling signs, the coordinator will help you decide if you should bring the animal in for treatment. 3. Can you get to the shelter’s vet quickly in case of an emergency? The shelter or rescue group likely works with a vet who will treat your foster pet at no charge to you. If the animal you are fostering needs medical attention, you will need to transport him or her to the vet’s office or shelter for care. 4. Are you emotionally prepared to return the pet after the foster period is up? It can be very difficult to let go once you have become emotionally attached to an animal! Be prepared for tears and heartache when the day comes that you must bring your first foster pet back to the shelter or give he/she to the new owner. 5. Can you place your trust in the shelter staff to decide what is the best for the animal? Sometimes adoption is not an option even after a pet has been fostered. Knowing that an animal you have fostered may need to be euthanized can be very hard to deal with. 6.Do you feel comfortable explaining to friends that these pets are not yours to adopt out and that they must go through the regular adoption process at the shelter? If you are interested in helping to find a home for your foster pet, refer your friends and family to the shelter or rescue group to complete an adoption application. Qualifications To be a successful foster parent, you will need a compassionate nature, the cooperation of your family or roommates, flexibility, and some knowledge of animal behavior. You also must understand that there is a possibility that the foster pet may or may not be adopted when returned to the animal care center. The length of time a foster pet may stay in your home varies with the animal’s situation. You will most likely be asked to fill out a foster application and you may be asked to attend a training session. Shelter or rescue group staffers may conduct a home visit prior to your receiving your first foster pet. Foster Policies and Procedures Every adoption organization has its own policies and procedures when it comes to fostering. Most likely, a foster-care coordinator will work with you to identify the type of pet you should foster (puppies, large or small dogs, cats, etc.). The coordinator will contact you when a suitable pet is in need of fostering. Many organizations require that a foster parent’s own pets are up-to-date on all vaccinations before the volunteer can foster. Some organizations will provide the foster parent with food and supplies for the pet’s care. Preparing Your Home If you are fostering kittens or puppies, remember that they will play or chew anything they can find, including drapes, electrical cords and lampshades. So be sure to kitten-/puppy-proof your home. Taken from petfinder
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:44:12 +0000