Be a Foster Parent
Foster Home – Info Questions and Answers
PAWS would not exist if it were not for our foster homes. Some people foster once or twice and decide that it is not for them; others get hooked and foster for years, and yes even end up with a new member of the family. Fostering can be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. We have compiled a list of questions that are commonly asked when people are deciding to become a foster family. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
- Will fostering cost me any money?
You should not incur any out of pocket expenses if you foster for PAWS. The society will provide all necessary items you will need to foster, however some people donate the expenses for their foster pet.
- What are items provided for fostering?
The foundation will provide you with a dog crate, food and water dishes, collar and leash, food, and treats.
- Will there be much driving involved?
It is always helpful if a foster home can transport any animal in their care to various events or vet appointments. We do understand that is it not always convenient or if an individual does not have access to transportation. We are fortunate to have some volunteers that are willing to transport animals when needed. Lack of transportation will not preclude you from becoming a foster home, but is it preferred.
- What types of dogs will I foster?
PAWS brings in animals of all shapes and sizes with various temperaments, genders and ages. Whenever possible we try to match the animals’ needs, temperament, age with the foster homes lifestyle. It is very important that the society fully understands your experience with previous animals, and what you are comfortable handling to make the perfect match.
- What happens if the animal does not fit in.
When an animal is brought into the foundation, it is generally very unsettled. It has been taken out of generally bad situations, malnourished and most likely very scared and confused. The way it acts when it first comes to a foster home is not necessarily it’s actual demeanor. It will take a few days or a few weeks for it to settle into a routine and for it to understand that it is safe and it will be taken care of with no one out to get them anymore. If an animal after a week has not become settled, we can make arrangements to take the animal out of the foster home and bring in another dog that may be more compatible.
- What happens if I need to go away for a few days?
The foundation will find alternative care for your fosters while you are away. Arrangements vary from leaving the dog at your home and have someone come by daily to walk and feed and care for the foster animal, to temporarily moving the foster until you are back home.
- How long will I foster each dog?
It is generally in the animals’ best interest to stay in one home from the time it is brought to the foundation until the time it is adopted. There is no sure indication on how long one dog will be at your home for. Animals have been fostered for 24 hours to over a year.
- What happens if we decide we would like to keep our foster animal?
Not to worry, it has happened to us all. If you decide that you cannot part with your foster animal, then we will be the first to congratulate you on your new addition. As the foster home you have first rights to adoption unless otherwise stated.
- Who decides what permanent home the animal will go to?
PAWS has a screening process in place which is very similar to the foster home screening process. Individuals that are interested in an animal must fill out an application prior to meeting the animal. If the individual is approved then the potential adopter will be contacted by the director in charge of the dog in question. If the director thinks that the home might be compatible with the animal a meeting with the foster home and animal is set up. While at the meeting the potential adopter can meet the dog and ask the foster home and director questions about the animal and possibly bring any other pet to ensure compatibility. The foster home will know the animal the best, so if at any time the foster home thinks that the home is not the right fit then the adoption process will be stopped. Foster homes know the dogs, we greatly value their input and take concerns seriously. You with the director will have the final say about adoptions.
- What happens if an animal ruins my house or property?
We strongly recommend that the dog is never left unsupervised in your home. If you leave the house, crate the dog. There are many good reasons to have an animal crate trained. The dog will be safest in the crate; dogs are great at finding many little things that you may have over looked and could be dangerous to pets. Your home will be safe. Dogs are like children, they can get into everything, and if the animal is not fully housetrained then it will save your carpets too. We have found that animals that are trained to go into the crate willingly are more adoptable than those that are not. If there was ever a disaster of some sort and you were not able to take your animal, you could crate your animal easily and rescue groups such as ourselves, the Alberta SPCA, or veterinary clinics could move your animal safely and in a timely manner so that you and your animal can be safe until such time that you could go back home. We cannot cover expenses to repair damage that is caused by an animal, we simply do not have resources to cover that type of cost when there are simple solutions such as crating.