Foster Expectations
We know that fosters are our most important asset at Gateway Pet Guardians. We could not continue to save homeless animals without your assistance! This does require commitment and dedication by the participant (and everyone in the household).
FOSTER PROGRAM AGREEMENT
As a foster, I understand stereotypes and paradigms exist in animal welfare that are designed to disproportionately regulate pet-owners of color, restrict foster and adoption opportunities, and target communities of color through breed specific legislation and arbitrary screening processes. I understand at GPG, we envision a vibrant organization and community where people of all races enjoy resources and relationships equitably.
I will give all medications as prescribed by the vet team and contact vetting@gatewaypets.org for refill on medications 48 hours in advance.
I will notify the vet team (vetting@gatewaypet.org) immediately if my unaltered female foster pet is showing any signs of pregnancy.
I understand that if I need to return a foster pet, I will email our Placement Team at placement@gatewaypets.org and ideally allow for 4 days for a kennel or 7 days for a new foster parent to be found unless it’s an emergency where the pet needs to come back immediately.
I will not take a foster dog to a dog park or any other off-leash area unless approved by the Adoption and Foster Manager (placement@gatewaypets.org)
I will follow the instructions of the Foster Team on any restrictions for my foster pet (such as no kids, no other pets, etc.)
I will not let a foster dog off-leash outside of my home or allow a foster cat to roam outside.
I will not hand off a foster pet to another foster without first discussing it with the Foster Placement Team at placement@gatewaypets.org
I will not hand off my foster pet to an adopter or let them take my foster pet on a trial basis or sleepover without first having the adopter complete the adoption contract and pay the adoption fee.
I will respond to adoption inquiries within 24 hours, and I will set up meet and greets with potential adopters within 5 days of their inquiry.
I will check the e-mail address that I provided to Gateway Pet Guardians daily and will respond to any questions or requests made by GPG volunteers or staff within 24 hours.
I will provide marketing information (pictures and information about my foster pet) to the Profile Coordinator at profiles@gatewaypets.org.
I understand that if I have a concern about a potential adopter, I will e-mail placement@gatewaypets.org and any decision to deny an adopter will be made by Gateway Pet Guardians.
I will e-mail adoptioncontracts@gatewaypets.org ideally 48 hours prior to my foster pet having an adoption meet and greet to get a link to the virtual adoption contract for my foster pet.
I will report any behavioral issue to the Behavior/Training Team at training@gatewaypets.org and I understand that I should not engage in any unauthorized training methods (such as a pinch collar or an e-collar) prior to authorization from the Training Team.
I will immediately notify the Foster Emergency Hotline at 929-367-8371 if my foster pet gets loose or is lost, bites someone or if there is a dog fight.
I understand that Gateway Pet Guardians has to make very difficult medical and behavioral euthanasia decisions and as a foster I will respect and honor these decisions."
I will immediately notify the Foster Emergency Hotline at 929-367-8371 with any emergencies regarding my foster pet and will leave a message if there is no answer.
I will email intakes@gatewaypets.org if an adopter of my foster pet needs to return their GPG adopted pet. I will not take the pet back unless approved by the Intake Manager.
Medical Care Acknowledgments: GPG is committed to ensuring our dogs and cats get the care they need to transition into their forever home. To clarify your understanding of the potential risk in any shelter animal and our medical care expectations while you foster, please read and acknowledge the statements below:
I understand that although any pet that I foster has been/will be medically examined and vaccinated, it is possible they may still have an underlying medical issue not initially identified.
I understand that GPG has expertise in treating shelter pets and I will respect and defer to the GPG Medical Team’s decisions regarding the care of my foster pet.
I will notify our Medical Team at vetting@gatewaypets.org immediately if my foster pet is showing any sign of illness or injury. I will not allow any foster puppy or kitten to touch the ground in any public area; this includes at the vet office.
I understand that I will be responsible for rescheduling any vet appointments that I cannot attend.
I understand that the Gateway Pet Guardians Medical Team authorizes all medical care for my foster pet and will NOT reimburse me for the cost of ANY medical care that has not been authorized.
We Ask that You Do Not...
Do not send your foster pet to its new home without having been spayed or neutered unless it has been approved by the Adoption and Foster Manager. (placement@gatewaypets.org).
Do not tie or tether your foster pet outside for extended periods of time when you are not home or crate your foster pet for more than 10 hours.
Do not leave your foster pet(s) unsupervised in your yard for long periods of time or when you are not home.
Do not alter your foster pet in any way, including, but not limited to cropping of ears, bobbing of tail, dewclaw removal, declawing, etc. unless recommended by the treating GPG partner veterinarian.
Do not take your foster dog to large public or private events, crowded patios, or dog parks, etc. unless you are CERTAIN that its temperament and behavior is an appropriate match for these environments. Begin socializing your foster dog in smaller groups of dogs and people and work your way up to more challenging environments only IF the dog is happy and comfortable.
GPG Responsibilities
What GPG covers:
Vaccinations until the foster pet is adopted. Once the foster pet is adopted, the new owner is responsible for all other vaccinations and wellness costs. Please advise adopters of the pet's medical history and ensure they understand when the next vaccinations are due.
Spaying & Neutering. Your foster pet must be spayed/neutered before they go to their new home. Unless they are on approved Foster to Adopt status, at which time, GPG will cover the cost of altering the pet when it is cleared for such by the treating GPG partner veterinarian.
Monthly heartworm and flea preventive until the pet is adopted.
Microchip.
Any veterinary care while the pet is in foster care.
Veterinary care that is caused from a preexisting condition within reason. Please discuss any treatment or concerns with GPG prior to approval.
Dog food, crates, x-pens, collars, harnesses, bedding, grooming items, toys or any other basic care needs, if necessary.
Things to note:
Return all items borrowed from GPG upon adoption (crates, collars, leashes, harnesses, ID tags, “Adopt Me” vests/bandanas, leftover food, beds, litter, litter boxes, etc.) if you do not intend on fostering another pet in the near future.
GPG is not responsible for any damages that the pet(s) may do to any person, animal or property while in foster care.
If GPG believes that the foster parent has violated any conditions of the foster agreement, the foster parent shall, upon request of GPG, immediately return the pet to GPG. The foster parent will reimburse GPG for all costs and attorney fees incurred to enforce its rights under the foster agreement.
Each foster pet should also have a silver ID tag. This tag has GPG’s contact number in case the pet becomes lost. This will be returned to GPG upon adoption. The adopter keeps red microchip tag.
We strongly encourage crate training your foster dog(s). Crates give them a sense of security. Many adopters like the idea of having a crate trained dog just in case they prefer to use one while they are away for the day. This is particularly true for people adopting puppies!