What if my foster pet has to go to the vet?
As you signed in the Foster Agreement, vet care for foster animals must be provided by an approved HT vet. All vetting is paid for by Homeward Trails, but only if you take the animal to one of HT’s vet partners. (Email fosterdog@homewardtrails.org or refer to your foster handbook for a list of approved vets.) If you take your foster animal to a vet other than an HT vet partner but have not received approval to do this, you will be responsible for paying the bill. With very limited funds, HT must utilize the partnerships we have whenever possible. This is very important, and non-negotiable.

What if my foster pet has a vetting emergency?
We always want to make sure all of our animals get the very best medical care – especially in the case of an emergency. If your animal has an obvious and clear emergency (hit by car, serious fight with an animal, ingestion of dangerous object) then contact your HT contact person and inform them that you will be taking the animal to your nearest emergency vet. HT does not usually receive discounts from emergency vets, so you will likely just go to your nearest emergency vet. However, it is important that you get the HT credit card number from your HT contact person. All vet bills must be paid for through the HT credit card (for purpose of managing cash flow). So you cannot pay the bill on your own and expect reimbursement from HT. The bill needs to be paid through the HT credit card. Often, emergency vets will allow you to “hold” the bill on your own credit card until you can get the HT card, should you be unable to reach your HT contact person to retrieve this number. But every effort should be made to pay for emergency vetting with the HT credit card. We cannot guarantee reimbursement if this procedure is not followed.

What if I don’t like a prospective adopter?
Homeward Trails feels that Foster volunteers should, as much as possible, make the decision regarding the home in which their foster animal gets permanently placed. We recognize that you have probably developed a close bond with your foster animal and want to make sure he/she gets only the best home. If you are fostering an animal but are not acting as its Adoption Coordinator, then the acting AC will screen each adoption application, conduct an interview, check references, and conduct a home visit. Once that potential adopter has been accepted, your AC will put them in touch with you. You will need to work closely with your AC to determine if an adopter is suitable. If you meet a potential adopter and find you have concerns about whether they are a good fit, simply tell the adopter that you will discuss the meeting with your AC and get back to them. You can then confer with your AC, who will work with you to consider your concerns and make the best decision.

What if my foster animal isn’t working out?
HT will make every effort to ensure a good and safe foster match. However, there are times when this will fail. In this case, contact your HT representative as soon as possible. If the issues are minor, HT will work with you to address them. Many times, problems can be solved by trying a few new things and/or by giving the animal time to adjust to your home. For example, we can switch crates, switch foods, or offer simple behavioral solutions to try. We may also have a trainer work with you. Other times, an animal may simply not be a good fit for your home or lifestyle. HT will always take the foster animal back if an issue cannot be resolved. However, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours to make a plan. If that is not possible, we will make emergency arrangements. HT never wants to put the safety of the Foster person, their own animals, or the foster animal in jeopardy.

Can I adopt my foster animal?
Yes, so long as we all feel it makes sense. But keep in mind that adopting your foster animal may mean that you can no longer foster. We’ll be sad to lose you! Think through the decision carefully so that you are not deciding to keep the animal solely because it is too difficult to let him/her go. The first few foster experiences can be difficult, as you’ll get attached and may have trouble letting go. But remember, your role as a Foster person is invaluable! As an adopter you may only be able to save one animal’s life, but as a foster parent you have the potential to help dozens of animals. You will need to work with your HT contact person to discuss whether your adoption is truly in the best interest of your foster animal.

What if I have to leave town?
Please notify us ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for your foster animal to go elsewhere while you are gone. Some foster people (who have other pets) have dog sitters who will also watch their foster dog. Other Foster volunteers like to travel with their foster dog. Others may have a boarding facility they work with. We are open to ideas, but generally cannot afford to cover the costs of dog sitters or expensive boarding facilities. If you wish to pay for these options once they are approved by HT, that is great (and can be considered a donation)! If you cannot, HT will allow you to make arrangements either with one of our boarding partners or with another Foster volunteer. Be sure to give us enough warning so that we can help you make these arrangements. Keep in mind that holidays can be difficult to find space and are expensive. The more advance time we have, the better!

What if I have an emergency and have to leave town suddenly?
Contact your HT representative right away. We will work with you to find a suitable option or have you bring the animal to one of our boarding partners.

Can I take my dog to the dog park or hiking?
Absolutely, but only after you get to know the dog and know that he/she will do well in that environment. Going to the dog park prematurely may result in a fight, and we cannot afford expensive vet bills. And of course, we don’t want your foster dog or any other dog harmed. And NEVER take your dog off-leash unless you are in a fully fenced, secure area. Be aware, too, that some dogs like to climb or jump fences, so be sure to pay close attention the first time you take your foster dog off-leash. You will be surprised at which dogs like to and can jump fences! Your foster dog should always have an ID tag with your contact information on it. This is vital.

Do I have to use the crate for my foster dog?
We highly recommend it! We cannot guarantee that a dog is housebroken, won’t chew your items, and won’t hurt him/herself when unattended. The safest way to protect your home and the dog is to use the crate. HT cannot be responsible for damage done by a dog left unattended and uncrated. We also cannot guarantee that we will pay the vet bill if you choose to leave the dog uncrated and the dog or your own pet is injured. We have lots of experience in this area! In time, you may find your foster dog doesn’t need the crate. But make that decision only after you “test run” the dog a few times and really get to know the dog and his/her behavior.

What if my pet gets sick from my foster pet?
To prevent this, we strongly suggest that all your pets be current on their vaccinations, use flea/tick prevention, and have the bordatella vaccine (for kennel cough). In order to prevent your pet from getting intestinal worms (which are passed through the animal’s stool) you should pick up each dog’s stool immediately or have your foster cat utilize a separate litter box until we are sure that any/all worms have been rid of. Pets that are current on their vaccines usually will have no problems with foster pets, or the problems that do arise are small and very easily addressed. If your animal is fully vaccinated and you follow the above protocol, but your own pet still contracts an ailment from your foster, contact your HT representative and we will determine whether or not we can pay for treatment. Do not go to your vet expecting reimbursement. Check with your HT rep to see if we have meds in the Med Shed that we can provide you free or at cost. We will evaluate each case individually.

Can I rename my foster animal?
In most cases, yes! Animals that were turned into a shelter, however, may have had their names for years. In that case, we recommend against giving them a new name or suggest you find a name similar to their existing one. If you have any question about this, contact your primary HT representative.

Am I expected to buy supplies for my foster?
Purchases made for foster care are considered donations to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue and are tax-deductible. Keep your receipts. We will be happy to issue you a tax donation letter. If you want to be reimbursed for a purchase, you must get prior approval from your HT rep. You must complete the Expense Reimbursement Form located on the HT Adoptions Yahoo! Group under Files in the Folder titled Expense Reimbursement Form and submit it along with the receipt. Again, you must get approval from your HT rep if you want reimbursement.