Foster homes are an essential element of our success in saving lives. Fostering is a very rewarding, and many times life changing, experience – knowing that you are the one who gave a rescued animal a change they may have never had. We see animals who are shy and scared of everything to become playful, happy, affectionate babies. Some are very thin or suffering from treatable illnesses and just need a little more time and TLC to blossom into the beautiful creature they were meant to be. We get babies who have lost their mom and need to be cared for around the clock but it’s worth every moment when you see them enjoy being alive. And then there are some that just need a little training in house manners but they usually bring a lot of fun energy to your household too.
We PRIMARILY pull from the Jackson County Shelter, but will help other pets in need whenever we have the means to do so, and that will be a decision of the FJCASP board members.
Now on the flip side, fostering is not always easy – whether it’s housetraining, chewing, medical treatments, not being able to save them all, or saying goodby when they get adopted or go in transport. Fostering is not for everyone, BUT sometimes you don’t know unless you GIVE IT A TRY! You may surprise yourself. Although it is very rewarding, being a foster family for FJCASP is a commitment so it is important to consider all the facts to determine if this is something you truly want to do. There are requirements, responsibilities and personal liabilities that come along with caring for any pet brought into your home.
The average commitment for each animal is 6-12 weeks. The need to be out of the shelter for a minimum of 2 weeks. In some circumstances they could require a longer stay than 6 weeks – if they are heartworm positive, have another illness or needed additional training, lack of adopters, etc.
Properly caring for an animal can be expensive, but because of donations and fundraising efforts, our fosters are only asked to purchase the bare minimum – and often times those items are donated too!
All animals have the potential for problems – it could be a behavioral issue or health issue – and some are more serious than others. One of the key reasons we need animals to be in foster before they are adopted is to determine the issues, whether or not they can be handled, and then handle them. And FJCASP members are always available to provide guidance and help whenever needed.
However, it is important to recognize that by signing the foster contract you agree to hold FJCASP harmless from any direct or consequential damages or liability arising out of the agreement to become a foster. Any expensed incurred other than those specifically stated will be the sole responsibility of the foster family. Please read thoroughly the Foster Rules and Reasons.
Our foster families are very valuable to us, so we take every step we can to make the experience a rewarding one. Therefore, these are some important basic requirements to keep everyone safe and healthy:
Our foster families are very valuable to us, so we take every step we can to make the experience a rewarding one. Therefore, these are some important basic requirements to keep everyone safe and healthy:
Once you have been approved, we will help match you with a suitable foster animal. Remember, our foster volunteers are always available to help you with questions or concerns regarding your new foster.
Click to open the Foster Care Application: Foster Care Application
