Fostering a Pet FAQ



Fostering is an important step on a pet’s journey to their forever home. A home environment is best for their health and wellbeing. Fostering cats and dogs allows them to thrive in a home environment and practice forming bonds with their caregivers.  For pets who have been waiting longer for adoption, foster caregivers can help reassure adopters that these pets are a good fit for a home and speak to the type of home or family that would be the best match for the pet.

What’s the process to become a foster?

First, we ask all potential foster families to fill out our foster application, which can be found HERE Once we’ve received your application, a member of our team will review it and be in touch via email or phone. You are then eligible to be a foster for Faithful Friends Animal Society!

What kind of fostering opportunities are there?

All ages and types of shelter pets can be in need of fostering, including:

  • Cats and dogs that are too young for adoption
  • Pregnant/nursing moms and babies
  • Adult cats and dogs

Where do the animals in need of foster come from?

  • Stray dogs brought in from our community.
  • Ill or injured stray cats or kittens
  • Pets saved from neglectful or cruel conditions in their former homes
  • Pets surrendered by their owners
  • Pets transported to us from our rescue partners 

Can I foster if I have a full-time job?

Absolutely! Our foster program has opportunities for just about any work schedule.

What does fostering offer pets?

Foster families provide an important service for animals that need additional care beyond the shelter environment, including:

  • Affection and proper socialization
  • Physical and mental stimulation

Additionally, foster families are expected to provide a safe and healthy environment for their foster pets and must transport them to and from the shelter for veterinary treatment.

How long do foster terms last?

The foster length varies based on the animal and the reason for foster care. On average we ask for a commitment of a few weeks.

Can I allow foster pets to interact with my resident pets?

We do not recommend exposing foster animals to your personal pets unless Faithful Friends has specified it is okay to do so. Pets placed in foster care may be too young to be fully vaccinated or have other medical concerns. Other foster pets may not have interacted with other animals before, and we can’t be fully sure how they will react. However, many foster animals display behaviors in a home that we do not observe in a shelter environment, often in a positive way. Foster homes can let true personalities shine through!

What am I financially responsible for while fostering?

FFAS will provide you with all of the necessary tools for foster success. This may include veterinary care, food, medications, and a carrier or crate. You may choose to personally purchase toys, treats, or any other miscellaneous items for your foster animal. If there are other specific supplies you believe you may need for your foster animal please reach out to the foster coordinator.

What happens if I want to adopt my foster pet?

If you decide you would like to adopt your foster pet please alert your FFAS contact right away. Since most pets being fostered are not immediately available for adoption, arrangements for adoption may need to be arranged at the end of the foster term. Once the animal is old enough or large enough, you will need to finalize the adoption with an adoption counselor.

 

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