Become a Foster!
-Foster homes provide the daily care such as feeding, watering, exercise, and love to the foster dog. They may also be required to housebreak and train a dog. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATED TO FOSTER DOGS
1. The Foster Home may request to foster a specific dog, but the Intake Coordinator and/or 2 active members must approve the dog prior to removing the dog from the pound or shelter. The Rescue tries to pull from the Putnam County Pound; however, we can take dogs from other pounds/shelters/owner surrender. If a foster pulls a dog without first getting it approved from the Intake/Foster Coordinator and another Board Member, then the foster just adopted a new family member.
2. Pull fees for dogs are paid for by the Foster Home or Intake Coordinator, and are reimbursed if a reimbursement form and receipt are turned into the Treasurer.
3. All vet care for the foster dog is paid for by the Rescue. Leipsic Veterinary Services or Ottawa Vet Clinic can provide the care. Leipsic Veterinary Services will also be used for low-cost spaying/neutering. Ottawa Vet Clinic can be used in an emergency.
4. Basic vet care that is provided prior to going to the foster home: Microchip, DHLPP, Bordetella, rabies (if age appropriate), de-worming, heartworm testing and prevention, weight and age evaluation, treatment for fleas, fecal test and a general exam. Either the Foster Home or the Foster Home Coordinator will take the dog to the vet for the initial visit. Antibiotics or worm medications may be given without approval by the Board of Directors. Any other treatments such as dentals, surgeries, treatment for heartworm or additional medications will be approved by the President and/or the Board of Directors.
5. The Foster Homes need to e-mail [email protected] and notify the Adoption Coordinator of the dogs being in the Rescue, name, age, breed and what vet care has been provided. This information will be posted on the web sites and used if there are any inquires for the dog. Digital pictures also need to be emailed ASAP.
6. The foster home calls Leipsic Vet Services 943-2155 and schedules an appointment for the spay/neuter. All foster dogs will be spayed/neutered unless their health is at risk or their age is a factor. A licensed veterinarian will make the decision in this situation. Use Ottawa Veterninary Clinic if Leipsic Veterinary Service cannot do the procedure within a reasonable time frame. If under 4 months of age, dog may be adopted on a spay/neuter contrtact.
7. The Foster Homes also notifies the Adoption Coordinator at [email protected] if there are any changes in the dog such as housebroke or doing well in housebreaking, bad habits, not good with cats, any special needs, requires a fence or height of fence needed. Changes will be made on the web site and people will be told this information if they inquire about the dog.
8. Foster Home may assist in the adoption process by telephoning or emailing the potential adoptive family to answer their questions if the Adoption Coordinators request such help. The foster home may assist in the home visit if needed. The Adoptions Coordinators will notify and work with the Foster Home.
9. Transportation to the vet clinics may be provided by the foster home or the Transport Coordinator should be contacted if assistance is needed. Mileage will be partially reimbursed if the transporter turns in a reimbursement form to the Treasurer.
10.Food is provided by the foster home. If a foster home is unable to cover the cost of food for the dog then the rescue will provide the food. (This may change as the Rescue may start providing food for the dogs). If donations of food are received then this will be dispersed to the foster homes.
11. Equipment such as kennels, toys, crates, collars or leashes will be provided by the Rescue. The Foster Home Coordinator should be contacted for these items. Purchase of larger items such as kennels will need to be approved by the Board. (Storage available at Hollywood Dogs, Ottawa)
12. Foster homes are expected to work with their foster dog on housebreaking, leash manners and basic obedience skills. Obedience training classes will be provided for the foster homes upon request.
13. Foster homes will evaluate the dog’s behaviors by introducing them to a variety of situations, determining what behaviors may need work and socializing them. Foster homes are encouraged to take the dogs for walks, car trips and outings. Observe their behaviors with other adults, children, loud noises… Any aggression towards people or other animals should be reported immediately to the Foster/ Network Coordinator.
14. Grooming: PPP will pay for needed grooming such as removal of mats. Foster homes can bathe and do basic grooming. If a dog needs professional grooming, please contact Karen Hovest at 419-456-3339, or Country K9 Kennels at 419-604-1403 or Heaven Sent Kennels at 567-376-0693 for an appointment. If an appointment can not be scheduled in a reasonable amount of time then contact another groomer. Reimbursement form and receipt must be turned into the Treasurer.
