Tips for Shelters Offering Foster Care Programs

Hold a staff meeting to discuss the pros and cons of such a program and to determine the parameters for implementing it.
Train all staff on what the shelter is doing. Provide clear communication to all staff members.
Develop a written foster care agreement to be signed by the shelter and the pet owner.
Develop a written foster care agreement to be signed by the shelter and the foster caretaker.
Ask the pet owner to provide vet records and keep copies on file.
Ask the pet owner to complete a pet personality profile for their dog or cat.
Consider requiring that all pets entering the program wear identification and be microchipped.
Consider requiring the pet to be spayed or neutered.
Check in with foster families at regularly scheduled intervals to make sure pet is adjusting well and is being cared for properly.
Be sure your phone information system and Web site are providing accurate information.
Formulate a plan carefully and be sure you can support it!