FOSTER CARE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.s)
WHAT IS A FOSTER HOME?
Foster homes provide temporary housing and care for our animals until we can find a permanent home through pet adoption. Foster homes provide daily care for the pets such as feeding and exercise, as well as giving them the attention they need. For dogs, it is helpful to teach (if needed), basic commands such as sit, stay and come. You must be at least 21 years old to provide foster care for our animals.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A FOSTER HOME?
- Foster care providers must be at least 21 years old
- All pets must be housed indoors only
- Proof of vaccinations on all pets living in the foster home are required
- Attend monthly Pet Adoption Days with your pet (usually 3 hours on a Saturday)
- Transport the foster pet to any necessary veterinarian appointments
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FOSTER CARE?
- 10% discount on shirts and merchandise
- A copy of our quarterly newsletter Paw Prints
- Attend Volunteer Appreciation Events
- Meet others who share your love for animals!
- Make a difference in many homeless pets lives!
- All volunteer miles are tax deductible.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE THE PET?
This varies. The average time you will have a pet usually ranges from 2-4 months. We do not euthanize animals in our care, therefore, they remain in our foster care program until a suitable permanent home can be found.
WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE A PROBLEM OR A QUESTION?
Call the cat or dog coordinator. The coordinators are here to help you and the animals in your care. If you have any problems, questions, or concerns, we urge you to call for assistance. That’s why we are here.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO FOSTER?
No. Southwest Metro Animal Rescue provides all medical care, food, supplies, any equipment needed; such as crates, carriers, etc., and adoption opportunities for our foster animals. However if you would like to donate food, supplies, etc., it is tax deductible.
HOW DO THE ANIMALS GET EXPOSURE?
One method of exposure is monthly Pet Adoption Days at area pet stores. We advertise Pet Adoption Days on our web site, newspaper announcements, on our phone line for callers to hear, as well as posting Pet Adoption Day posters at various businesses prior to Pet Adoption Day.
We also have a site on petfinder.com where all of the animals are posted with a picture and a profile. This method has proven to be quite successful! Visit us at www.swmetroanimalrescue.petfinder.org.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Call us at 952-368-PAWS (7297) for more information. A representative will answer any questions you may have.
We will send you an application, or
click here to download a Cat Foster Application
Click here to download a Dog Foster Application
Click here to download a Small Animal Foster Application.
Return Application to Southwest Metro, P.O. Box 493, Chaska, MN 55318
Once your application is approved, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to welcome you aboard! In a hurry? Send us an E-mail - we'll get right back to you.
foster@swmetroanimalrescue.org
swmetroanimalrescue@hotmail.com
sponsorship@swmetroanimalrescue.org
