Foster FAQ
What is a foster home?
Foster homes are a very important part of our organization.
Rescues can be coordinated by us, but without the dedication of people who open their homes to care for these animals, the cats are still in peril.
A foster home provides the “between” time: the time the cats spends from the shelter or street to the permanent home. When a cat is rescued, it will likely be very scared, and possibly ill because it has been so stressed. A foster home will provide good food, fresh water, protection and love. Depending on the experience level and willingness the foster family may need to rehabilitate the kitty, so that it will accept human companionship or overcome behavioral problems. If willing, the foster family might be asked to provide some nursing if there are health problems.
What is involved in becoming an approved foster home?
Dedication and commitment …mixed in with a willingness to learn how to provide better care for the cat! The foster needs to be willing to open his or her heart and home to a rescued kitty. The foster parent must be willing to care for the rescued cat from the time it’s put into foster care until it is adopted. This could be weeks …or months. The foster parent must be willing to put the necessary time and effort into the care and rehabilitation of the cat. Sometimes these animals come from bad or abusive environments, and need to understand how to love and trust again! Sometimes they need to be re-trained to use a litter box…or even eat without feeling threatened. If the foster parent is a family, the whole family must be dedicated to these goals. Being a foster home can, at times, be difficult. A successful foster home is one in which everyone works together for the welfare of the cat! Please make sure that everyone who will be involved in caring for the cat will be dedicated to its well-being!
What are a foster’s responsibilities?
Foster homes are responsible for providing a loving home, premium food, fresh water, healthy treats, and safe toys for the cat. They are also responsible for protecting their own cats through maintaining a quarantine until it is determined to be safe to relax such safeguards.
WAGG will always remain in contact with the foster family and will seek the foster family’s opinion as to any recommendations for the animal’s permanent home (no children, no other animals, etc.). We ask fosters to sign up to our Facebook Group so they receive emails about adoption events and medical treatment.
What is the foster not responsible for?
WAGG always tries to make sure that all medical treatment needed by the foster animal (vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, etc.) is completed prior to delivery to the foster home. However, in rare cases this is not possible, in which case you may be responsible for taking the cat to the vet for spay/neuter surgery, FIV/FeLV testing, initial flea treatment, worming, and/or rabies or other routine vaccination. These treatments will be paid for by the rescue after the prices are negotiated with the vet by the rescue coordinator in charge. Generally, fosters are not responsible for the cost of any medications and further vetting, if such treatment is approved by the rescue.
Are there any risks involved in fostering?
There can be. That is why it is necessary to ensure that, as a foster home, your own cats are fully vaccinated, and healthy! It is also important that a quiet area for quarantine be provided. This is the best and safest way to evaluate the needs of the rescue cat, as well as provide the best care possible for each individual situation. There is also a BIG risk that you will experience a sense of loss when the rescued cat gets adopted. All good rescuers/fosters recognize this risk. However, the sense of accomplishment and eventual joy that comes with knowing that a cat has been saved and is in a loving home far outweighs the initial risk! We will do our best to keep you updated as we get pictures from the cat’s forever home.
The facts…
Fostering is not always an easy job,
Fostering can be exhausting,
Fostering is often challenging,
Fostering costs money,
It can be painful to let go/adopt out a foster cat…..
BUT, fostering can be THE MOST rewarding and fulfilling thing a true cat lover will ever do!
What are the steps to becoming a foster?
Step 1. Complete the Foster Application.
Step 2. Submit the form and wait for the screening process to occur.
Step 3. You will be notified upon our receipt of your application. We will check your references and then schedule an interview with you. Upon approval of your application we will notify you.
Step 4. Once a kitty is available you must sign a foster agreement and read through our foster family rules & procedures.
Step 5. Wait for your first foster kitty to arrive!
If you have additional questions which were not answered above, please email us with your question!