Our fosters are a vital part of our organization. Because we don’t operate a shelter, placements have depended on the participation of foster parents, who serve as the bridge between a pet’s unfortunate situation and its new and better life.
What is a Foster Parent?
A pet foster parent provides temporary, in-home care for friendly kittens, puppies, dogs, cats, rabbits, or other animals until they are adopted. In addition to affection, the foster parent provides basic care for the animals such as food, water, and shelter. When fostering a dog, the pet foster parent may teach him basic house manners. The pet foster parent may have to transport their foster animal to adoption events or have potential adopters visit the foster animal in their home. In the event that the foster animal needs veterinary care, or becomes ill or injured, the foster parent may be required to transport the animal to a designated veterinary hospital.
Why are they needed?
We can only rescue as many animals as we have room for. Animal shelters euthanize dozens of healthy and friendly animals each day to make space for the new ones coming in due to limited holding space. Animal rescue groups have to turn away dozens of adoptable animals each week because they lack foster parents. Not only do foster parents maximize the number of animals rescued, they also help to care for animals that would be difficult to care for in a shelter or kennel environment: puppies and kittens with immune systems not strong enough to fight germs, orphaned or feral kittens, animals recovering from major surgery, or dogs needing one-on-one behavior rehabilitation or a break from the shelter.
Who should become a foster?
- Someone who cannot, at the moment, adopt a pet for its entire lifetime.
- Someone who never had the chance to have a pet but would really like to have one now.
- Someone who loves pets and has some room to welcome them while they wait for an adoptive home.
How long is a foster pet with you?
The length of fostering can vary from a few days to several months.
What are the requirements for becoming a foster parent?
CHDR requires that all fosters and volunteers attend a CHDR training session. Training sessions are designed for ongoing attendance, however it is only require that you attend once. Because each animal’s personality is different, we try to match them to the best possible foster home to suit the animal and the family. So, if a foster family has young children, then only animals that do well with young children are placed there. The main requirements of people who want to foster is that they be willing to provide a loving, safe environment.
What does it cost to foster a pet?
From the time we rescue a pet until the day it leaves foster care, CHDR assumes responsibility for all necessary expenses related to the animal’s healthcare and well-being. We’ll pay all veterinary expenses, including any necessary vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, routine medications and emergency veterinary visits. We will provide all fosters with food, litter, and a crate if necessary, however, as a donation many of our fosters supply their dog or cat with food. And of course, while the pet is in foster care, we work diligently to quickly provide a carefully screened, permanent home for the pet you’ve so graciously taken in.
I already own a pet, can I still foster?
Of course! Fostering is a great way to socialize and give your personal pets a playmate. However, before you bring a foster animal home, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your own pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. You may wish to ask your veterinarian if your pets need any additional vaccinations.
Can I adopt the dog or cat I foster?
Yes. Foster parents who wish to adopt the animal they foster go through the same screening process as adoption applicants.
How do I become a CHDR foster parent?
If you’re ready to join CHDR as a f oster parent, please download and fill out our Foster Parent Application and email it to ashley@cocosheartdogrescue.org . It takes only a few minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
