Major Foster Requirements
The goal of the FosterCare program is to increase adoption potential and decrease euthanasia of special needs animals by providing them the opportunity to improve in a home environment. We do this by partnering community members with animals, to care for in their homes until suitable for adoption.
An animal in FosterCare still belongs to the Humane Society of Washington County. In turn for a warm, safe home, the HSWC provides food and litter, bedding, lots of support and approved veterinary care*. As a FosterParent, you agree to house the animal indoors, provide basic care, until the animal is ready to return to the shelter for adoption.
*Approved veterinary care refers to ONLY the Foster Coordinator scheduling the appointment and approving certain treatments.
The interested party fills out a FosterCare application and sends it to the Foster Coordinator via e-mail, fax, snail mail, or drop it off at the shelter's front desk. (See Contacts below).
The Foster Coordinator will call you to set up an appointment to have an interview, review Foster Care Manual, and to discuss the animal that is right for you.
- The FosterCare application is reviewed - Calls are made to verify:
- Housing, owned or rented
- If renting, the type of pet of you are interested in is allowed by the Landlord
- Place of Employment
- All pets must be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations
- History of Animal Control complaints/charges
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation
Once an animal is well and ready for adoption, it is returned to HSWC.
All animals need attention, love, and care. The Foster Home provides the animals an opportunity to experience life in a home setting. They may need to be taught what is ok and what isn't, for example:
Dogs
- Potty training, most desirably with crate training
- Furniture Etiquette
- How to behavior with other pets and/or children
- House Rules- don't jump on counter tops, kitchen table, etc.
Cats
- Using the litter pan( very young kittens)
- Furniture Etiquette - no scratching!
- House Rules - don't jump on counter tops, kitchen table, etc.
Basic Care, such as following a dietary schedule, brushing, clipping nails, cleaning, ears, establishing a daily routine with feeding/eliminating/exercise/rest times, and most importantly , love and attention, are needed for all pets. Additional, but not required skills include: ability to give oral and/or topical medications, instruction of obedience skills-including crate training, grooming talents, etc.
Don't worry if you don't possess or are just learning these skills - Lots of resources and support are available to you as a Foster Parent that will help you along the way!
Sound like something you'd be interested in? Please complete the Foster Care Application online print it and fax to 301-733-0248 or snail mail to: FosterCare Coordinator: Debbie Porterfield, Humane Society of Washington County, P.O. Box 367, Maugansville, Maryland 21767
OR Drop it by the Humane Society of Washington County , 13011 Maugansville Rd., Maugansville, MD 21767
Need directions? Questions or Comments? Please e-mail Star or call her at (301) 733-2060 EXT 213
You can make the biggest difference in your community by first, spaying and neutering all your pets and educate friends and family members to do the same. Secondly, volunteer at your local animal shelter. Even if you cannot adopt a dog or cat, you can enrich their lives by spending time walking or playing with them, help feeding, cleaning up, or bathing them. The attention they receive in the shelter will make them friendlier and happier, increasing their chances of adoption. Lastly, spread the word! Educate family and friends on great volunteer possibilities animal shelters offer, stress the importance of adopting and saving lives of shelter pets over pet store animals (that often come from puppy mills) and breeders. If you must have a purebred pet, there is a breed rescue for every breed out there. These animals are rescued from shelters or owners that didn't want them any longer.
Save a life: Adopt or Foster a shelter pet!