FOSTER HOME JOB DESCRIPTION

Foster homes provide the daily care such as feeding, watering, exercise, and love to the foster dog. They may also be required to housebreak and train a dog.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATED TO FOSTER DOGS

• The Foster Home may request to foster a specific dog, but the Intake Coordinator and/or 3 active members must approve the dog prior to removing the dog from the pound or shelter. The majority of the dogs in our Rescue have come from the Putnam County Pound; however, we can take dogs from other pounds/shelters/owner surrender.

• Pull fees for dogs are paid for by the Foster Home or Intake Coordinator, and are reimbursed if a reimbursement form and receipt are turned into the Treasurer.

• All vet care for the foster dog is paid for by the Rescue. Ottawa Vet Clinic, A.C. Humane Soc., Angels, or Leipsic Veterinary Services can provide the care. Angel’s for Animals and A.C. Humane Society will also be used for low-cost spaying/neutering. We have accounts at all businesses.

•  Basic vet care that is provided prior to going to the foster home: DHLPP, rabies (if age appropriate), de-worming, heartworm testing and prevention, weight and age evaluation, treatment for fleas, fecal test and a general exam. Either the Foster Home or the Foster Home Coordinator will take the dog to the vet for the initial visit. Antibiotics or worm medications may be given without approval by Vice President of Operations or the Board of Directors. Any other treatments such as dentals, surgeries, treatment for heartworm or additional medications will be approved by the Vice President (Operations) and/or the Board of Directors.

• It is advisable to quarantine foster dogs away from your own dogs for a period of 10 days. Many dogs from shelters and pounds have been exposed to kennel cough, parvovirus and other diseases.

• Either the Foster Home or the Coordinator needs to email putnampals@hotmail.com and notify the Adoption Coordinators and Vice President of the dogs being in the Rescue, name, age, breed and what vet care has been provided. This information will be posted on the three websites and used if there are any inquires for the dog. Digital pictures also need to be emailed ASAP.

• The foster home calls Angel’s for Animals and schedules an appointment for the spay/neuter at 419-339-3728 or A.C. Humane Society. All foster dogs will be spayed/neutered unless their health is at risk or their age is a factor. A licensed veterinarian will make the decision in this situation. Use Ottawa vet in a pinch.

• The Foster Home notifies the Adoption Coordinators at putnampals@hotmail.com of the pending spay/neuter surgery and then again following the surgery.

• The Foster Homes also notifies the Adoption Coordinators and Vice President at putnameptpals@hotmail.com and the Foster Home Coordinator at sdream@fairpoint.net if there are any changes in the dog such as housebroke or doing well in housebreaking, bad habits, not good with cats, any special needs, requires a fence or height of fence needed…. Changes will be made on the websites and people will be told this information if they inquire about the dog.

• Foster Home may assistant in the adoption process by telephoning or emailing the potential adoptive family to answer their questions if the Adoption Coordinators request such help. The foster home may assist in the home visit if needed. The Adoptions Coordinators will notify and work with the Foster Home.

• Transportation to the vet clinic or Angel’s for Animals may be provided by the foster home or the Transport Coordinator should be contacted if assistance is needed. Mileage will be paid at 30 cents per mile if the transporter turns in a reimbursement form to the Treasurer.

•  Food is provided by the foster home. If donations of food are received then this will be dispersed to the foster homes. If a foster home is unable to cover the cost of food for the dog then the rescue will provide the food. (This may change as the Rescue may start providing food for the dogs).

• Equipment such as kennels, toys, crates, collars or leashes will be provided by the Rescue. The Foster Home Coordinator should be contacted for these items. Purchase of larger items such as kennels will need to be approved by the Board. (Storage available at Hollywood Dogs, Ottawa)

• Foster homes are expected to work with their foster dog on housebreaking, leash manners and basic obedience skills. Obedience training classes will be provided for the foster homes.

• Foster homes will evaluate the dog’s behaviors by introducing them to a variety of situations, determining what behaviors may need work and socializing them. Foster homes are encouraged to take the dogs for walks, car trips and outings. Observe their behaviors with other adults, children, loud noises… Any aggression towards people or other animals should be reported immediately to the Foster Care Coordinator and Vice President (Operations).