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Foster
Care Program
Our sanctuary, with over 100 animals, is no
place for “special needs” pets, such as pregnant moms-to-be,
moms with un-weaned litters, or animals confiscated as a
result of abuse. Foster homes provide that special care.
The Foster Care Program has saved the lives of hundreds of
animals who had little hope of adoption.
While we do the best we can with the dedicated staff and
volunteers we have, the environment at the sanctuary cannot
match a home with its individualized attention for socializing
and caring for an animal with special needs. We thank you
for your interest in participating in this important program
and in helping to make a difference for the unwanted animals
of Calhoun County!
Foster
Care Application |
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What is a foster home?
A foster home is a safe and loving environment where an animal
with special needs can live on a temporary basis until
they become more adoptable. Animals who are older, injured,
or nursing and sometimes those who have been at the HSSCM
for a lengthy period of time may need this kind of special
care. Also, animals who have been victims of cruelty may
need a temporary safe haven while the cruelty investigation
is being conducted. |
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What
does the foster care program and foster homes do for
the animals? |
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Foster care animals are often more adoptable
because attention in a loving environment helps to socialize
them. |
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The foster care program helps alleviate overcrowding
at the sanctuary, thus allowing us to protect more animals. |
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Foster care animals may be more adoptable because
their improved health and happiness is always reflected in
their appearance. |
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The foster caregiver can often provide better
information to a prospective adopter, e.g., Is the pet housebroken?,
Does (s)he like children? Other animals?, What are his/her
fears?, etc.
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What
are the responsibilities of the foster care participant? |
1. |
The foster "parent" agrees
to shelter and feed the animal in his/her home and to provide
a safe and loving environment. |
2. |
If medical problems arise, the foster parent agrees to
clear all veterinary visits with HSSCM before making them,
to take the animal to a veterinarian specified by HSSCM (HSSCM
has a list of veterinarians who agree to discount their charges
for HSSCM animals.), and to administer medications and follow-up
care as prescribed by the vet. HSSCM is financially responsible
for veterinary care and any prescribed medications. |
3. |
If the fostered pet is considered adoptable, the foster
parent makes every effort to transport the animal to and
from any pet adoption events scheduled during the period
of foster care. Foster parents are welcome, but not required,
to stay at the event to talk with prospective adopters about
the pet. |
4. |
Foster care parents are asked to provide any
information they can about the pet for the animal's file
to facilitate the dissemination of accurate information to
prospective adopters.
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5. |
If there is a need to return the foster pet
to the sanctuary before the termination date of the foster
care agreement, the foster parent is urged to notify HSSCM
at least 48 hours in advance so that other arrangements may
be made for the animal's care. |
6. |
The foster parent takes responsibility for
returning the pet to the sanctuary at the termination of
the foster care agreement. In some cases, the animal may
have to be brought to the sanctuary periodically during the
term of fostering for checkups or for the administration
of other special care. |
7. |
The foster parent understands that the animals
are the sole property of HSSCM and therefore agrees not to
sell, trade, or give the animal away. It is understood that
any adoption of the fostered animal must take place only
through HSSCM. |
8. |
Because foster care homes must be approved before
an animal is placed, the foster parent agrees not to place
the animal in any other home except in EXTREME emergency
situations such as fire. |
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What
are the steps to follow to become a Foster caregiver? |
1. |
The prospective foster parent calls, faxes,
or comes to the HSSCM sanctuary to express interest and get
any questions answered. |
2. |
An application is completed by the prospective foster parent.
An application may be mailed to the home upon request or
completed in person at the sanctuary. |
3. |
HSSCM visits the foster care home to determine its appropriateness. |
4. |
The application and interview are reviewed
and verified by an HSSCM director and the application is
approved, if appropriate.
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5. |
The foster parent signs the foster care agreement
at the HSSCM sanctuary. |
6. |
Foster pet(s) is (are) placed at the home as
needed. All necessary information about the pet as well as
all HSSCM phone number contacts. |
7.
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HSSCM monitors the progress of the foster situation and
keeps the foster parent informed of any scheduled pet adoption
events or need for the animal(s) to be brought to the sanctuary. |
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