Because we are a non-profit rescue organization, we have certain guidelines that we follow before pulling an animal from the shelter:
All animals pulled from the shelter for FRIENDS must have prior approval from the FJCASP board.
We always prefer and usually require that any animal we pull have a rescue organization that has given us solid approval for transport. Then the animal needs to be evaluated for behavior issues and heart worm tested before it is pulled. Most foster time periods will last from 4 – 12 weeks, perhaps longer depending on the health, the training, spay/neuter surgery, transport arrangements or any number of other factors. Do not agree to foster an animal unless you are prepared to keep it long term.
We require that all fosters fill out a foster application.
Click Here for the Foster Application or send an email to fosterforfriends@gmail.com and an application will be sent to you. It is imperative that you complete and sign this paperwork and that members fully evaluate fosters BEFORE they are allowed to pull or foster an animal. This is to ensure that potential fosters have the resources, facilities and knowledge to successfully foster long term and to protect us from liabilities.
We require most fosters to have a fenced yard.
This is because we never know the training, trauma or personality of the animal that is being pulled. Fenced yards are for the safety of the animal and for the ease of care for the foster. All foster animals must be kept on leash when not in a fenced yard or home.
We require that ALL fosters have their personal pets up to date on vaccinations, heart worm and flea preventatives.
This is to ensure that your pets do not get sick from any disease that the foster animal may have been exposed to. We also require that your animals be spayed and/or neutered. Most animals that you will foster are unaltered and we don’t want babies, nor do we want fosters that don’t spay and neuter.
We do not take most of our animals to the vet at the drop of a hat.
We have knowledgeable rescue members who will answer most of your questions about health care for your foster. We have medical supplies available for most of the treatments that are needed for your foster. We have a vet tech that is available to answer questions and administer treatment if needed. If you feel that your foster must go to a vet you must get prior approval from the FJCASP board before you take that animal to the vet and you must use one of the clinics that give us a discount. (or pay for it yourself!)
If you are willing to foster you should have certain supplies on hand.
You need to have a crate or kennel to isolate a sick dog and to help with training. You need toys, towels, blankets, food, water bowls, leashes and collars, cat litter, food and treats. We get in shipments of supplies from donors regularly; if you need something ask on the closed page. But for the most part, fostering supplies are at the foster’s expense. If you are a foster you need to have certain medicines and supplies on hand. Benadryl, dog shampoos, dawn dishwashing liquid, bleach, ear wash, antibiotics (we will supply). Do not agree to foster an animal if you cannot provide the care it needs or you are not willing to care for a sick animal.
Lastly if you decide to foster the most important part of this process is to let the animal go when it is time for it to leave for its forever home.
So many get overwhelmed because you want to adopt the animals you foster and then you can no longer help. So, as hard as it is, try not to be a foster failure. You will save so many more animals in the long run.