• Complete a foster parent application and subsequent home visit
  


• Agree to and sign the foster waiver
   
• Agree and understand that SPCAOL officers may also remove a foster pet from a foster home for any reason at any time they deem necessary.

IMPORTANT RULES AND REMINDERS REGARDING YOUR FOSTER PET

Foster parents MUST abide by the following rules:

• No off-leash park visits or interacting with other foster pets from different foster homes for the first ten days.


• All new incoming animals must be quarantined for a minimum of ten days. During said time they will have no nose to nose or bottom to nose contact with any other animal and will potty in a secure play yard, pen or small area being used just for the purpose of quarantine. Any fecal matter will be picked up and the area in which it sat either bleached or properly disinfected after each bowel movement. No exceptions.
   
• Foster dogs must be on leash at all times when outdoors unless in your own secured fenced yard.
   
• Any aggressive behavior must be immediately communicated to the SPCAOL ( to either humans or other pets )
   
• All vet visits must be pre-approved by calling one of the SPCAOL officers. Vet visits will not be reimbursed without pre-approval from an SPCAOL officer.
   
• You must visit a vet mentioned herein: (Denham Springs Animal Hospital) 225.665.8271 (Dodge City Veterinarian Clinic) 225.664.6441
   
• Foster parents must respond within 24 hours to communications from SPCAOL officers.

1. How long are pets in foster homes?
   It completely depends on the pet and the situation. The average stay in a foster home is about 2 months, but it can be as little as 2 weeks. Obviously, others, recovering from an injury, certain breeds and senior dogs, may stay much longer.
    
2. Can I adopt my foster dog?
   YES! As long as foster parents meet our requirements necessary for adoption, the foster parents would have first choice to adopt their foster pet - adoption fees for foster pets must be paid within 24 hours of calling requesting to do so, and must be approved by the director.
    
3. How are foster pets promoted?
   Photos of our adoptable pets in foster homes are posted on Petfinder.com and on the SPCAOL Facebook page where the public can view them. Foster pets are also promoted at special events and craigslist. Foster parents can also help promote their foster pet to their family, friends, colleagues and the general public through a variety of means including flyers, emails and even just by walking your foster dog in local pet stores with an ( Adopt me ) bandana around its neck.
    
4. What is the process for adopting a foster dog?
   • Potential adopters are required to submit an adoption application for review before they can physically meet a foster animal - applications can be found here: adoption page
   • Once approved, meet and greets with the foster pets can be scheduled with qualified applicants.
   • Adoption is approved or rejected by an SPCAOL officer or one of our Foster Coordinators - Final approval of all adoptions is at the sole discretion of the SPCAOL officers.
   • Once approved, the adopter pays adoption fees to the SPCAOL and makes a spay/neuter appointment, if necessary. Foster pet then goes to its new forever home.
    
5. I live in an apartment, can I foster pets?
   Yes, you can still foster a pet living in an apartment. Many of our pets need one‐on‐one socialization, so a small space can be beneficial. However it’s important that you select an appropriate pet for your lifestyle and are willing to commit to providing your foster pet with the needed physical and mental stimulation. And of course, you need landlord approval.
    
6. What if I have children?
   Fostering is a wonderful family experience. It’s important to select a pet that is “age” appropriate with your children, and as a general rule, children under 13 years old should NOT be left alone and unsupervised with any foster pet. You must also be diligent about providing guidance, instructions and rules to your children about caring for fostered animals
    
7. I don’t have a yard, or it’s not fenced, can I foster puppies/dogs?
   Yes! A yard is a nice‐to‐have for those early morning, or late night potty breaks and for a game of ball, but is not a requirement. Moreover, foster puppies/dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in a yard. SPCAOL will provide you with a x-pen for puppies and small dogs
    
8. If I have my own animals, can I foster pets?
   Yes, but keep in mind that it’s always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals whether it’s walking at parks, vet waiting rooms or other common animal areas. The health risk is minimal if your animals are current on their vaccinations, maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle, and are not elderly or very young. If you or someone in your household is immune‐compromised, consult your doctor before fostering since working or living with animals exposes humans to a group of diseases called zoonoses. A zoonotic disease (there are about 200) is defined as a disease transmitted from animals to humans and also from humans to animals. To find out more about zoonoses, talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian. Proper hygiene, preventative measures and an understanding
   of these illnesses can reduce the risk of disease.
    
9. What supplies are needed to foster?
   Foster parents provide space, (some) food, basic training, exercise and love for the dog. The SPCA of Livingston provides you with all the other supplies and equipment needed throughout your foster experience ( as requested )
    
10. Do I have to crate‐train my foster puppy/dog?
    No, but it is one of the most efficient and effective ways to house train a puppy or re‐train an adult dog. Some dogs do not like crates, and most dogs need to be transitioned or “trained” to use a crate, so it’s up to the foster parent to decide whether to crate or not. Putting the dog in a crate while you are gone will give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe place, away from harm, and not doing any damage to your belongings or themselves. For many dogs, a crate can also represent a safe and comfortable place to call their own and provides them with a sense of security. Dogs actually like having a “denʺ to cuddle up in. Crating should never be used as punishment. SPCAOL provides crates.
     
11. Do I need to have prior medical knowledge or expertise?
    No, but you may be asked to dispense medicine to your foster pet so you will have to be comfortable following veterinarian’s instructions if fostering a sick or injured pet.
     
12. What if my foster pet becomes sick or is injured?
    All veterinary costs are normally paid by the SPCAOL. If a foster pet becomes sick or is injured, foster parents can call one of the SPCAOL Veterinarians (SEE ABOVE) or Leave a message on our 24 hour hotline 225.788.6940 - SPCAOL officers can authorize a vet visit, or advise you.
    Do not take a pet to an un-authorized veterinarian - unless prepared to pay for veterinarian expenses yourself - please keep in mind that after hour and emergency vet hospitals can charge exorbitant amounts - the SPCAOL uses only the hospitals listed here to keep our costs at a minimum. 
     
13. Can I return my foster pet to the SPCAOL if I am unable to foster any longer?
    We prefer that foster parents continue to foster until we find a permanent home for their foster pet, however, we understand that situations change and it may become necessary to discontinue fostering a pet. We request that a foster parent provides as much notice as possible (minimum 2 weeks) so that we can find an alternative foster home to transfer the pet to. Of course, in an emergency a foster parent may always bring their pet to one of our previously mentioned vets offices.
     
14. Are foster pets ever euthanized?
    Much energy, love, time and vet care is devoted to our foster pets, and we are committed to finding homes for ALL the adoptable pets in our care. Some pets are in foster care because they're seriously ill or injured. If, after medical attention, these pets are too young or too weak to heal and are suffering, then one of the SPCAOL vets will humanely euthanize these animals. Fortunately, most pets in foster care heal beautifully. On rare occasions, a pet in foster care may start to exhibit potentially dangerous behavior that was unknown or suppressed prior to rescue. The SPCAOL may determine that this pet is too dangerous and will humanely euthanize the animal or seek an alternative facility for its care. Your safety is our #1 priority. You must always inform the SPCAOL officers or your foster coordinators if your foster animal exhibits any aggressive behavior.