Consider being a foster parent!
What is a pet foster parent?
A person or family willing to give a dog or cat care and shelter in a home environment for a period of time agreed upon by the Pet Foster Parent and the FosterCare Coordinator.
Why are fosters needed?
There are several answers to "why." Dogs and cats who find themselves in a shelter often have experienced traumas such as: death of their owner, divorce, or financial upsets; running away due to inadequate supervision; being abused and being dumped in the desert. There are also various behavior problems due to the owners not participating in dog obedience classes and blaming the dog for the negative behaviors. These animals are stressed, afraid, and sometimes sick when they finally get to the Animal League.
- Provide a safe home environment if there is no room at our shelter when the dog/cat arrives.
- Provide a place to convalesce after a surgery or an illness.
- Give "TLC" and a time-out from the stress of shelter life.
- Provide rules, boundaries, and limitations.
- Begin basic dog obedience.
- Assess behaviors that need corrections in order for the dog to be more adoptable.
Who should be a pet foster parent?
- People who have the time to devote to the animal.
- People who are forgiving if an animal has "accidents" in their home and are willing to work on housebreaking.
- People who are willing to teach animals basic "house manners."
- People with tolerance for negative behaviors and a willingness to begin correcting these behaviors at a basic level.
- People who have patience, flexibility, a sense of humor, and realistic expectations for themselves and the animal.
Can I adopt an animal I foster?
Yes, after you go through the adoption process with an adoptions counselor.