Foster Consideration
Before you beginning fostering, consider the following.
Before You Foster
Are you aware that there can be a great deal of clean-up and even possible damage to your home when you have a foster pet?
Preparing your home and the area the animal will stay in can prevent most accidents, but not all.
Are you able to monitor the health of your Foster?
You will need to pay attention to signs of illness or injury and any worsening of symptoms. Before taking in a foster, ask what to look for.
Are you emotionally prepared to give up the animal when they are adopted?
Be prepared for tears when the day comes. But by letting your foster go to their new furever home, you make room in yours to save another life.
Do you feel comfortable explaining to friends that these animals are not yours to adopt out and that they must go through the adoption process?
Refer your family and friends to HSLC to complete the adoption application.
Are you prepared to follow our policies and procedures for fosters?
Our policies and procedures are in place to protect both the foster animal and their foster parents. Failure to comply will result in termination of your Foster Agreement contract, and you will no longer be a foster for HSLC.
Questions We’ll Try to Answer about Your Foster Animal
- How did he/she come to be in the shelter/rescue and how long has he been there?
- Does he/she have any medical concerns or need medication?
- Has he/she been neutered/spayed? If not when will it be scheduled?
- Is the foster up to date on vaccinations and has it been tested for disease (combo test for cats)?
- How long should I keep him separated from my pets?
- Does he have any behavioral issues or concerns?
- How is he/she with kids, cats, dogs, and strangers?
- Do you know how he/she does when left alone?
- What should I do if there is a medical emergency?
- If I have a problem, whom do I contact?
- Can I adopt my foster if I choose to?