FOSTER AGREEMENT CONTRACT PREVIEW

FISHY’S FRIENDS RESCUE – FOSTER AGREEMENT & LEGAL ADDENDUM

Effective January 2026

Foster Responsibilities

Loving Care & Daily Needs

I commit to providing my foster pet(s) with:

• Full access to nutritious food and fresh water at all times

• Safe and comfortable shelter

• Maintain basic care safe and healthy practices (Litter boxes, pee pads, waste picked up)

• Regular exercise and enrichment

• Transportation to veterinary appointments and adoption events as needed

Safety & Well-Being

I will ensure the foster pet's safety at all times by:

• Never leaving the pet unattended in unsafe environments

• Not tethering the pet or leaving it outdoors unsupervised

• Handling the pet with kindness and patience (No tugging, pulling, lifting by harness, etc.)

• Utilizing Pet Academy training modules to support the dog's development (not applicable for cats)

Veterinary Care

I understand that Fishy’s Friends Rescue covers all approved veterinary care. I will:

• Promptly contact the Operations Director for any health concerns

• Allow FFR to schedule and manage veterinary appointments

• Provide transportation to these appointments or coordinate alternatives

• Familiarize myself with the emergency protocol provided during foster orientation

• Follow all post-operative care instructions provided

Preventive Care & Supplies

I agree to:

• Administer all preventive medications (e.g., flea/tick, heartworm) as provided

• Record the date of administration to assist with tracking

• Request necessary supplies using the provided form and adhere to pickup schedules

Communication & Reporting

I will:

• Use the foster portal to log the pet's temperament, health, and routines

• Notify the Operations Director of any significant updates or concerns

• Utilize all forms of communications and chain of command

• Follow proper protocol on forms, events, supplies needed

• Use the proper line of communication (Chain of Command) outlined in my Foster Handbook and Training.
  Step 1: Review Handbook
  Step 2: Contact FFR Operations Director
  Step 3: If no resolution is obtained, I will request the Directors to call an Executive Board meeting to discuss concern at the upper level.

Adoption Process

I understand that Fishy’s Friends Rescue handles all adoption decisions. I agree to:

• Provide input on potential adopters

• Attend meet-and-greet events, recognizing that my insights are valuable

Training & Education

I commit to:

• Reviewing and completing the Foster Training

• Familiarizing myself with the Foster Handbook

• Completing all modules and educational guidance through Pet Academy

Transportation & Events

I acknowledge that by FFR providing financial support, I am responsible for:

• Providing love and communication

• Transporting the pet to veterinary and adoption events

• Attending as many adoption events as possible to aid in finding the pet a forever home

• Communicating when alternate transportation is needed and assisting with the alternatives as required

Foster Commitment, Support, & Placement Stability Clause

Fishy’s Friends Rescue relies on foster homes as the foundation of our lifesaving mission. By choosing to foster, you acknowledge that fostering is a significant commitment and that stable placement is essential for the animal’s emotional well-being, safety, and adoptability.

We ask that every reasonable effort be made to keep the animal in your care until adoption. If challenges, stress, or compassion fatigue arise, you agree to communicate promptly with Fishy’s Friends Rescue so we can work together on solution-based plans, training support, or adjustments to help you and the animal thrive. We are here to support you, not remove an animal at the first sign of struggle, so long as safety is not at risk.

Because we are a foster-based rescue with extremely limited placement availability, same-day returns or same-day re-intakes are not possible. Sudden handoffs without notice place the animal at risk and significantly strain the rescue’s ability to provide safe, appropriate housing. You agree to provide reasonable time for FFR to secure another placement when necessary and to collaborate on interim safe housing solutions.

If you are the finder of an animal and reach out to Fishy’s Friends Rescue for assistance, you acknowledge that your commitment includes fostering the animal through to adoption. As the finder, your participation in the full fostering process is essential to prevent unnecessary displacement, stress, and delays in the animal’s care.

To support timely adoption, you also agree to participate in basic self-marketing efforts for your foster pet. This includes sharing photos or updates on personal social media, networking within your community, and helping showcase the pet’s personality. Your visibility and engagement significantly widen the animal’s audience and contribute directly to a successful adoption outcome.

This clause is intended to reinforce transparency, shared responsibility, and a solutions-focused partnership between fosters and Fishy’s Friends Rescue. Working together ensures we can continue saving lives and providing the best possible outcomes for every pet who enters our care.

Return of Foster Pet

If I am unable to continue fostering, I will:

• Notify the rescue immediately

• Understand that new placement can and may take time, and I will work alongside the rescue to make action steps and I am aware that creativity may be needed through the whole process

• Arrange for the safe return of the foster pet when another placement is secured

• If any medical or safety concerns arise, I will keep foster pet in a safe separate location until another placement is secured

Contract Execution & Termination Policy

Signature Requirement & Binding Enforcement

A foster agreement becomes legally valid and enforceable only when:

• The foster has signed and submitted the agreement in full

• Fishy’s Friends Rescue has formally acknowledged acceptance of the terms through documentation of foster onboarding and placement assignment

If Fishy’s Friends Rescue utilizes an electronic signature platform that does not support traditional counter-signature functionality:
The act of placing a foster pet in the foster’s care, with a completed foster agreement on file, will constitute mutual acceptance and render the agreement fully binding on both parties.

If a foster begins caring for a pet prior to counter-signature or without formal rescue approval, Fishy’s Friends Rescue reserves the right to:

• Immediately terminate the foster arrangement

• Remove the animal from the home

• Decline any obligations under the unsigned agreement

Right to Terminate (At-Will Foster Relationship)

Fishy’s Friends Rescue retains the right to terminate any foster placement at any time and without cause, in the best interest of the animal, the foster, or the organization. Grounds for termination may include, but are not limited to:

• Repeated failure to comply with rescue policies or communication expectations

• Any action or omission that jeopardizes the safety, health, or well-being of a foster animal

• Disrespectful, disruptive, or unprofessional behavior directed toward Fishy’s Friends Rescue staff, volunteers, or adopters

Upon termination, the foster agrees to peacefully and promptly return the animal to the rescue or comply with next steps outlined by FFR/Affiliates or accept the rescue responsibility withdrawal.

Behavioral Protection Clause

Fishy’s Friends Rescue maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abusive, harassing, or threatening behavior—whether in person, via phone, email, or on social media. Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Yelling, intimidation, or verbal abuse

• Disparaging comments about the rescue or its team online

• Defamatory statements or false accusations

• Attempts to interfere with rescue operations or adoptions

Any such behavior will result in immediate removal from the foster program and may trigger legal action to protect our organization, its mission, and its people.

Non-Disclosure, Non-Compete, Rescue Withdrawal & Exit Conduct Clause

Non-Disclosure

I agree not to share, distribute, or use any confidential information obtained through my role as a foster—including but not limited to adopter/foster/donor contact information, veterinary care arrangements, rescue processes, internal communications, or private medical/behavioral information about animals—for any purpose outside of Fishy’s Friends Rescue.

Non-Compete

While actively fostering with Fishy’s Friends Rescue, and for a period of 6 months after the end of my last foster placement, I agree not to foster for, adopt through, or represent another rescue in a way that conflicts with or undermines the operations, reputation, or mission of Fishy’s Friends Rescue.

Ownership & Representation

I acknowledge that all foster animals remain the sole property of Fishy’s Friends Rescue unless otherwise formally adopted. I will not independently place animals, solicit adopters, or represent the rescue without prior written approval.

Rescue Withdrawal Clause

I understand that if I am unable or unwilling to follow the rescue’s policies, training protocols, safety guidelines, or communication expectations, Fishy’s Friends Rescue reserves the right to initiate a rescue withdrawal at any time. This may result in one of the following actions:

• The animal may be immediately removed from my home and placed with another foster or boarding arrangement

• In certain cases, I may be asked to assume full legal and financial responsibility for the animal if removal is not in the animal’s best interest or logistically possible at the time

I agree to cooperate fully with any such decision made by the Executive Board.

Professional Exit & Conduct Agreement

If, at any time, the foster relationship ends—whether voluntarily or involuntarily—I agree to conduct myself in a respectful, non-disparaging, and professional manner. I will not post negative commentary about the rescue, its staff, volunteers, or decisions on social media or in public forums. I understand that public negativity can be harmful to the animals we serve and the mission we stand for.
I agree to peacefully disengage, maintain confidentiality, and allow all parties to move forward without further issue or escalation.
Violation of any of the above may result in immediate removal from the foster program and/or legal action if necessary to protect the rescue, its mission, and the animals in its care.

Compliance

I understand that the animal in my care is the sole property of Fishy’s Friends Rescue. Failure to abide by this agreement may result in:

• Removal of the animal from my home

• Legal consequences

• Placement on a do-not-foster/adopt list

Liability

I acknowledge that fostering involves inherent risks. I agree to release Fishy’s Friends Rescue from liability for any damages or injuries caused by the foster pet while in my care.

Acknowledgment & Agreement

By signing this contract, I acknowledge that I have reviewed the Foster Handbook and completed the required training. I understand and agree to the terms outlined above.

 Acknowledgment & Agreement

By signing this contract, I acknowledge that I have reviewed the Foster Handbook and completed the required training. I understand and agree to the terms outlined above.

Foster Name: ___________________________________

Foster Signature: ________________________________

Date: ___________________