Foster Program Overview

Our foster program is a vital part of our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. By becoming a foster, you provide a temporary, loving home for animals who are waiting for their forever families. This program not only helps to alleviate overcrowding in shelters but also gives animals the chance to thrive in a home environment.

Fostering animals offers numerous benefits, both for the animals and the foster. Firstly, it directly contributes to saving lives by providing a safe haven for animals that might otherwise be at risk. This safety net is crucial in animal rescue efforts. Secondly, fostering provides animals with one-on-one attention, which is instrumental in their socialization process. This personal interaction helps them become well-adjusted, increasing their chances of finding a permanent home. Thirdly, the calm and nurturing environment with a foster is conducive to the health and well-being of the animals.

How to Become a Foster

Application Process: Interested individuals fill out a foster application, providing details about their home environment and experience with animals.

Training and Support: Every foster will receive training and ongoing support from our adoption team, including access to veterinary care and behavioral trainer for the pet.

Duration: The length of fostering can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the animal’s needs and the foster’s availability.

Responsibilities of a Foster

Care and Feeding: Provide daily care, including feeding, grooming, and exercise.
Medical Care: Ensure the animal attends all veterinary appointments and administer any necessary medications.
Socialization and Training: Help the animal develop good behavior and social skills through positive reinforcement.
Communication: Keep in regular contact with the rescue, providing updates on the animal’s progress and any concerns.

Requirements

There are several requirements to foster an adoptable animal. Firstly, potential fosters must be over 21 years of age. They should have extra space in their home to accommodate the foster animal. It’s also crucial that all personal pets are up to date on vaccinations and are spayed or neutered.

Fostering requires a significant time commitment, including bringing the foster pet to meet-and-greet appointments with potential adopters and attending adoption events at the Ithaca PetSmart.

Personal qualities of a good foster include a compassionate nature, some schedule flexibility and previous pet experience.

The application process involves filling out an adoption application form. Lastly, potential fosters are required to review the Virtual Foster Packet sent via email.

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