PAWS: Foster Care Questions

Thinking about becoming a foster care volunteer?

Ask yourself these important questions first...

Are you at least 18 years of age?
Due to insurance issues and safety concerns only people over 18 can be the primary caregivers in this program. Children can help, and receive community service credit, but an adult in the home must be the main contact.

Are you able to drive to PAWS frequently?
You will need to transport animals back and forth to PAWS on a regular basis for vaccinations, vet checks, weight checks and spay and neuter surgeries.

Are you able to work with harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach?
Between sets of foster animals you should thoroughly clean the foster area with a disinfecting chemical.

Are you able to to separate the foster animals from your own?
Foster animals should be isolated from your own companion animals. A separate room or enclosed area without carpet will work best.

Are you aware that there is a great deal of clean-up and even possible damage to your home when you take a foster animal home?
Foster animals have ruined drapes, carpeting, clothing, and other valuable items. Preparing your home and the area the animals will stay in can prevent most accidents, but not all of them.

Are you able to monitor the health of the foster animals?
You will need to pay attention to signs of illness or worsening of symptoms and call PAWS if you are concerned. The Foster Care Manual describes what to look for and the PAWS Foster Care team will help you decide if you should bring the animals in for treatment.

Can you get to us quickly in case of an emergency?
Only the medical staff at PAWS will treat foster animals free of charge. If the animals you are fostering need medical attention, you will need to make an appointment with our staff veterinarian and transport the animal to PAWS for care.

Are you emotionally prepared to return the animal to PAWS after the foster period is up?
It can be very difficult to let go once you have become emotionally attached to the animals. Be prepared for bittersweet tears and some heartache when the day comes that you must bring your first foster animals back to PAWS.

Can you place your trust in the PAWS staff to decide what is the best for the animals regarding their medical care and adoptability?
Sometimes adoption is not an option even after the animal has been fostered. Knowing that an animal you have fostered may need to be euthanized can be very hard to deal with.

Do you feel comfortable explaining to friends that these animals are not yours to adopt out and that they must go through the regular adoption process at PAWS because PAWS is the legal owner of the animal?
If you are interested in helping to find homes for your foster animals, refer your friends and family to the PAWS shelter staff to complete an adoption application.

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