How do I become a foster parent?
1) Fill out the online Foster Care Application and the Foster Parent Agreement and submit it.
2) After reviewing your application, the Foster Care Coordinator will contact you to discuss the program further.
3) Take home your first foster animal!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I choose which animal I’m willing to foster?
A: Normally you can’t request a “specific animal’ but you can specify what type of animal you are willing to foster, dog or cat, puppies or kittens, sick or injured. It’s your choice.
Q: I have pets of my own, it that okay?
A: Yes, you can foster even if you have pets of your own as long as your pets vaccinations are current. Patriots for Pets provided any medication needed for the foster animals; however we are not able to treat foster parents own animals if they have medical issues arise.
Q: What supplies do I need to foster an animal?
A: LOVE! Patriots for Pets will provide everything else.
Q: What happens if my foster animal becomes ill?
A: Contact Patriots for Pets or the Foster Coordinator immediately. 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week in case of an emergency.
Q: How Long will I foster an animal?
A: Every case is different. Foster care can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the reason for fostering. For example, if you are available for two weeks, you will only have the animal for two weeks. However there may be times when you are asked to keep a foster animal longer than the initial estimated time. Any amount of time that you can volunteer is helping an animal and us.
Q: If I spend time fostering an animal, will it find a home?
A: The majority of foster care animals are placed into new homes. We understand that a bond can be formed between you and your foster animal so we will do everything we can to make sure that your foster animal gets placed into a loving home. Foster parents are also encouraged to help find their foster animals a home by instructing people how to apply to adopt. Sadly, there are times when even with the best care provided by you and the Patriots for Pets staff, the outcome is not always what we hope for. Our staff will do it’s best to help you understand the particular circumstances in these instances. At no time do our foster families have the right to place an animal – all adoptions MUST go through and be approved by Patriots for Pets.
Q: Can I adopt my foster animal?
A: Our foster parents often become attached to their foster animal and wish to make them a permanent family member. Foster parents interested in adopting their foster animals must go through the normal adoption procedure.