Foster Program Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the No More Homeless Pets in Utah Pet Foster Program?
A: The Pet Foster Program helps to recruit as many foster parents as possible. Our goals are to promote the joys and needs of pet fostering in the state of Utah and to provide educational materials to develop successful foster programs.
Q: What is a pet foster parent and what do they do?
A: A pet foster parent provides temporary, in-home care for friendly kittens, puppies, dogs, or cats until they can be placed for adoption. Foster homes make it possible for us to rescue homeless animals from a variety of situations by providing these animals with temporary care and shelter until they are adopted. Foster homes are asked to provide foster animals with plenty of love, adequate food and water, shelter from the elements, and exercise. Administering medication may also be required. In addition to providing the basics, foster homes may also be asked to transport foster animals to veterinary appointments and adoption events.
Q: Why are pet foster parents needed?
A: We can only rescue as many animals as we have room and staffing for. Local animal shelters euthanize dozens of healthy and friendly animals each day to make space for the new ones coming in due to limited holding space. Local animal rescue groups have to turn away dozens of adoptable animals each week because they lack foster parents. Not only do foster parents maximize the number of animals rescued, they also help to care for animals that would be difficult to care for in a shelter or kennel environment such as orphaned or feral kittens, animals recovering from major surgery, or dogs and cats needing one-on-one behavior rehabilitation or a break from the shelter.
Q: Who should foster?
A:
- Someone who cannot, at the moment, adopt a pet for its entire lifetime
- Someone who is not sure how their current pet would get along with a new cat or dog.
- Someone who loves pets and has some room to welcome them while they wait for an adoptive home.
Q: What does it cost?
A: All pre-arranged veterinary costs associated with approved foster homes, are paid by No More Homeless Pets in Utah. In some cases, we also provide food and litter. Any financial donations that the foster home can make towards fostering will be greatly appreciated.
Q: I already own a dog and a cat. Can I still foster?
A: Before you bring a foster animal home, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your own pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. You may wish to ask your veterinarian if your pets need any additional vaccinations. Some foster families delegate a spare room for their foster pet so that their own pet isn't stressed by repeated new animals in their territory. This is common for cat fosters. Some foster families own pets who enjoy the company of the foster pets and give the foster free run of the house. If your pet has a history of aggression with other animals, you may want to reconsider fostering and look at our other volunteer opportunities.
Q: Can I adopt the animal I foster?
A: Yes. Foster parents who wish to adopt the animal they foster go through the same screening process as adoption applicants.
Q: I have decided that I want to join the foster program. What's next?
A: We will ask you to fill out a foster home application. You may download this form, or we can fax or email you a copy. Once you have filled this out, we will review it with you over the phone. After you have been approved, you will be asked to attend a No More Homeless Pets in Utah volunteer orientation and also a foster home training. Once this has been completed you will be given a foster home handbook and will be asked to sign a foster home agreement form. If you have pets of your own, those pets must be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Some other requirements may apply, depending on the individual needs of a particular pet. Pets needing to be fostered will be matched with a particular foster parent based on the pet's needs and compatibility with the foster parent.
Q: I still have questions about fostering. Who should I contact?
A: Please contact Maranda Hawkes at maranda@utahpets.org You may also want to consult our Resources section for more information.
Foster Program - Resources
The following documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader:
Foster Home Handbook
Foster Home Application
Foster Home Agreement & Guidelines
Foster Care Flyer - Dog
Foster Care Flyer - Cat
Foster Program - How to Apply
To find out more about fostering, or to submit your application, please contact our Volunteer Director:
Maranda Hawkes at maranda@utahpets.org or (801) 364-0370 x 27
