What does a Foster Parent do? As an approved foster parent, you agree to take a Garfield’s Rescue homeless adoptable cat/kitten(s) into your home and give him/her love, care and attention, either for a predetermined period of time or until the cat/kitten is adopted. How do I sign up to be a foster parent? Fill out our foster application, once approved, we will work with you to figure out the right foster cat/kitten(s) for your household. General Requirements:
· Age: Have to be at least 18 years old with a clean driver’s license.
· No History of Animal Cruelty: You must not have a history of animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment.
·Foster Agreement: You will need to sign a foster care agreement which outlines your responsibilities and Garfield’s expectations.
· Prior Experience: While not always required, prefer foster parents with some experience caring for cat/kitten(s). · Landlord Approval: If you rent your home, you'll need to obtain permission from your landlord to house cat/kitten(s).
· Home Environment: You need a safe, clean, and secure home for the foster cat/kitten(s) with a designated space separate from other pets.
· Quarantine: You may need to isolate the foster cat/kitten(s) from other pets in your home for a period of time (e.g., 14 days) to prevent the spread of disease and do a proper pet introduction.
· Time and Ability: You must be able to dedicate the time and resources necessary to provide care for the foster cat/kitten(s), including feeding, cleaning, and providing enrichment and socialization.
· Reliable Transportation: You need to be able to transport the cat/kitten(s) to vet appointments, adoption events, and other necessary locations as needed.
· Communication: You need to be able to communicate effectively with the Director of Fosters or Manager of Volunteers, keeping them informed about the cat's/kitten’s health and well-being.
Specific Requirements May Vary:
· Vaccinations and Spaying/Neutering: All household pets must be up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered before being placed in foster parent care.
· Medical Care: Garfield’s is responsible for all medical costs. You will need to seek pre-authorization for veterinary treatments from the Director of Fosters, ·
Follow-Up: You are required to monitor the cat's/kitten’s health, record any changes, and seek approval from the
Director of Fosters for follow-up vet care.
· Other expenses: Garfield’s is responsible for ALL expenses involved with fostering and Garfield’s provides ALL supplies needed to foster.
· Adoption Events: You may be asked to bring the foster cat/kittens(s) to adoption events to help find them a permanent home. Fostering provides an invaluable service to Garfield’s Rescue, Inc. (not to mention the pets themselves). It is a great way to learn about your own needs as a pet parent.
A valid driver's license is required.
A background check must be completed satisfactorily.
