Fostering Information

1. What is fostering?
2. What would I be expected to do as a foster parent?
3. Would I be responsible for finding the animal a permanent home?
4. What if I need to go out of town?
5. What if I already have pets of my own?
6. How long would I keep the animal?
7. Would I be responsible for my foster animal’s vet expenses?
8. How do I become a foster parent?

1. What is fostering?

Foster care givers are volunteers who take SPCR cats into their homes and care for them until they are ready for adoption. It’s a great way to volunteer from home. Since we do not operate a shelter, all of the animals we accept into our organization must be fostered. Animals that come into our organization include:

• Kittens old enough to be eating on their own.
• Kittens/cats that need socialization because they are very shy, have never been around people, or have been abused or neglected.
• “Senior” cats
• Cats with special medical needs.
• Cats with perceived behavioral problems
• Cats with no issues at all; they simply need a temporary home until they are adopted

While some volunteers end up adopting a foster pet, please note that the foster program is not for people who want to “try out” an animal prior to adoption. It is intended to provide one-on-one attention in a home environment for animals, in order to best evaluate them and prepare them for adoption. A home visit is required prior to receiving any foster.

2. What would I be expected to do as a foster parent?

• Provide a clean nurturing, indoor home for the cat, pending adoption.
• Bring the animal to a SPCR approved veterinarian for exams, vaccinations and other routine treatment.
• Give medication as needed.  We teach the inexperienced!
• SPCR has a spay/neuter before adoption policy, meaning that we spay/neuter all of our animals before they are adopted.
  • For adult cats, many of whom are spayed/neutered almost immediately upon entering our system, they are ready for adoption after they have recovered from surgery and have received any needed medical treatment.
  • For young kittens, this policy means that the commitment to foster can be longer. Kittens are usually spayed/neutered around 12-14 weeks.

3. Would I be responsible for finding the animal a permanent home?
No – all cats available for adoptions are posted on our website with a photo/video and brief description.  We receive applications for the cats through our website. Our screening process includes a written application, and a phone interview. If approved, adopters are given foster home contact information.

4. What if I need to go out of town?
Please make arrangements for your foster animal to be cared for by a responsible pet sitter.

5. What if I already have pets of my own?
If you are fostering a cat or kittens, we ask that they be kept separate from your pets.  A spare room is the best way to accomplish this.

6. How long would I keep the animal?
There are many variables when fostering; a cat could be in your home for one week or two months. If you are only willing or able to foster for a couple of weeks, this program probably isn’t for you. Please carefully consider the commitment and be sure all family members understand what this program entails.

7. Would I be responsible for my foster animal’s vet expenses?
No. SPCR will provide and pay for the animal’s veterinary care and medications, as provided by a SPCR veterinarian. The SPCR can also loan litter boxes, food/water bowls, cat bed, cat carriers and cage if needed. The foster parent is expected to purchase food and litter for the foster pet, unless the pet is on a prescription diet or unless purchasing the items would create a hardship.

8. How do I become a foster parent?
You can apply to be a foster parent by filling out the Foster Application online.