Foster Contract Preview

FOSTER AGREEMENT CONTRACT PREVIEW

Fishy’s Friends Rescue – Foster Agreement & Legal Addendum Effective April 2025

 Foster Responsibilities

Loving Care & Daily Needs

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

• Nutritious food and fresh water

• Safe and comfortable shelter

• Regular exercise and enrichment

• Transportation to veterinary appointments and adoption events as needed

Safety & Well-Being

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

• Never leaving the dog unattended in unsafe environments

• Not tethering the dog or leaving it outdoors unsupervised

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

• Utilizing Pet Academy training modules to support the dog's development

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 dog's temperament, health, and routines

• Notify the Foster Director of any significant updates or concerns

• I will utilize all forms of communications and chain of command

• I will also 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 Foster Director Step 3: Contact Operations Director Step 4: 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 dog to veterinary and adoption events

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

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

 Return of Foster Dog

If I am unable to continue fostering, I will:

• Notify the rescue immediately

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

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

• If any medical, or safety concerns arise I will keep foster dog in 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 dog 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 dog 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 the Foster Coordinator or accept 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 dog 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 or Foster Coordinator

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 dog 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.

Foster Name: ___________________________________

Foster Signature: ________________________________

Date: ___________________