 Did you ever wish you could have a companion that would stay a puppy or a kitten forever? If you said "YES,” then you should become a FOSTER PARENT. Foster Parents are volunteers who are willing to provide temporary, in-home care for dogs, cats and their offspring. You provide the love, and we’ll provide the critters. Foster Care is a most rewarding and fulfilling program that helps save the lives of animals that might not otherwise have a chance.
Generally speaking, kittens and puppies need to be kept in a foster home until they are 8 weeks old. Kittens need to meet a weight requirement of 2 lbs. Once the age and weight requirements are met, the animals are returned to SVACA and put up for adoption to forever homes.
Who would make a good foster parent?
Anyone who loves animals and is willing to donate their time, providing lots of tender love and care.
What are the requirements?
In order to be a foster parent, you must be over 18 years of age, and have an extra room in your home (so you can keep the foster animals separate from your other animals). Your current animals must be up to date on their shots. In addition, you need approval from all the adult members of your household. Your property owner or homeowners association will be contacted to find out about their pet policy.
Complete an application. The next step is to attend two mandatory orientations: volunteer followed by foster parent. Your application will be reviewed and you’ll be interviewed. After you’ve completed that, you’ll sign the Foster Parent Agreement. Together, we’ll then decide what type of animal you’ll foster. When the need for a foster home arises, you’ll be contacted.
What costs are involved?
Your daily responsibilities are to provide a clean safe environment for your fosterlings. Fostering animals does require paying for their food, supplies and veterinary care.
What happens to the animal after I return her?
We understand that it may be hard for a foster parent to return fosters because of emotional attachments. Please know that it was YOU that made this animal available for adoption and that the SVACA staff will do their best to find a suitable, permanent home. If you or someone you know wants to adopt your foster animals, all animals must be adopted through our regular adoption process. We do, however, ask the foster care provider to share their observations and experiences with the animal in order to help us match the needs of the companion animal with the desires of the new family.
Please contact us at (408) 764-0344 if you have any questions. |
