FUR-GIVING HEARTS RESCUE FOSTER PROGRAM

By becoming a Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue Foster Volunteer, you provide a vital lifeline for animals who are awaiting adoption placement. The individual love and care you provide gives these animals an opportunity to flourish. Foster periods may vary from a couple of weeks to several months – but the impact on the person and pet last a lifetime. 
Being a foster parent for homeless animals is a rewarding and gratifying experience. With the extra attention and socialization, animals that are fostered are more likely to be adopted into permanent, loving homes. 
In an effort to better the foster volunteer experience, we have created this manual to best serve your needs. In it we address questions and concerns that you may have while fostering with the Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue. The contents also include specific information regarding animal care and our policies – please be sure to review these carefully. 

As a foster parent, you will also enjoy many personal benefits. These include:
 
Rehabilitating under socialized, under nourished, or otherwise under cared for animals 
Experiencing the unconditional affection of the animal as he or she is receiving care for the first time 
Connecting with other members of the community who share your passion for animals 
Feeling the satisfaction of selfless giving as you take an active role in your community 

Our Mission 

Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue is dedicated to helping neglected and distressed cats and dogs and getting them the help they need and finding a forever home.  We are not selective in which animals are rescued; they all deserve a chance no matter their color, breed or condition.

OVERALL FOSTER PROGRAM GUIDELINES 

OWNERSHIP 
Foster animals remain the legal property Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue while in foster care and should wear a Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue identification tag at all times. Foster volunteers must release the animal to Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue when requested. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 
Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue must be advised of any name, address or telephone number changes as soon as they occur. 

SCHEDULE 
We ask that you do not have any planned vacations or business trips on your calendar when you are contemplating a foster period. Fosters may need to stay for a period of several weeks to several months.  We understand that personal or professional emergencies come up from time to time. If this does occur, we ask to be contacted immediately so we can make other arrangements that are in the best interest of your foster pet. Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue animal(s) in foster care should not be placed with veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, boarding facilities, or the like without permission from the Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue. 

OTHER PETS 
For health reasons, it is better to foster an animal of another species than your resident pet(s). Most common dog and cat diseases are not transferable from one species to the other. We still urge you to keep the foster animal segregated from your resident pet(s) for a minimum of 10 days – kept at home and not allowed to visit parks, pet supply stores, groomers, etc.  This 10-day period allows time for illnesses to become apparent and for vaccines to take effect.
You should always wash your hands between handling a foster animal and your resident pet(s). Finally, we require your own animal(s) are up to date on their vaccinations.  Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue will not reimburse you for medical attention for your own resident pet(s). The home and yard area should be kept clean to keep animals from reinfection themselves or spreading parasites to other animal family members.  Also, we ask that you do not introduce other rescue animals or foster animals from another organization while you have a Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue foster in your home without notifying us first. 

FOSTER INFORMATION 
Foster Volunteers will need to make note of personality traits, take pictures and transport foster animals to any scheduled veterinary appointments sharing all information with Fur-Giving Hearts rescue to help with the adoption process.  We will do our best to make sure the appointment is at your convenience. If you are unable to transport the foster animal, be sure to notify the Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue as soon as possible so other arrangements can be made. 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS
Foster animals should not have any access to plants or flowers, electrical cords, or other hazardous materials. Survey the area where foster animals will be housed. Anticipate that as foster animals grow or are rehabilitated, their capabilities may change (e.g. jumping over pet gate). Never allow foster or your own animals to ingest chocolate, or other human foods, as many can have negative health effects. 

FOSTER ANIMALS
It is not unusual for foster animals to have a reduced appetite for a day after the foster period begins. Remember that the animal is coping with new surroundings, new people and perhaps a new diet. All of this can be stressful. Allow your foster animal some time to adjust to its new environment. 
All animals are given deworming medication and vaccines upon arrival into Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue care. However, further treatment may be required. Please monitor your foster animal(s) bowel movements. Loose or watery stools may be an indication of continued infestation and should be reported to Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue. 

Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue recommends the use of stainless steel food and water bowls. They are most durable, easy to disinfect and keep free of contaminants. The best way to disinfect objects (toys, bowls, litter boxes, etc.) is with a mild bleach solution: 1 part bleach to 32 parts water (½ cup household bleach in 1 gallon water). 
It is important to recognize, regardless of the original cause for foster care, it is still possible that foster animals may become ill during the foster period. Animals that appear free of a contagious sickness upon veterinary examination may be incubating a viral or bacterial infection, and can show symptoms later on. Please advise the Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue of any new symptoms.  Foster animals should be worked with on a daily basis for basic socialization and manners. Foster Volunteers are willing to exercise the pet and work on basic training daily. 

Please let us know if you need us to provide you with dry food for your foster. If you are able to provide your own food, please feed only a diet from Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, Pedigree or Iams Eukanuba and the amount requested by Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue. Because many of these animals have been starved or received very poor food, feeding too rich or too much food can be harmful rather than helpful. 

Animals should receive medical care only at the direction of a licensed veterinarian. 
 
LOST 
Should an animal become lost or stolen, Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue should be notified immediately. A police report should be made for any stolen animal. 

DEATH 
If a foster animal should die, you MUST contact Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue as quickly as possible. This will be helpful in ascertaining the cause of death, and will also help in determining time frames or special disinfecting instructions before your next foster animal. 

EMERGENCY POLICY 
Any excessive vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, loss of appetite and lethargy that occur for more than 24 hours may be a sign of serious illness. In these events, it is important that Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue as soon as possible. Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue will reimburse Foster Volunteers for charges incurred at animal clinics or hospitals only if Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue has approved the visit. 

ADOPTIONS 
Animals must be at least 8 weeks of age and at least 2 pounds before becoming eligible for adoption. Foster Volunteers should be willing to meet potential adopters.  Any person expressing interest in adopting the foster animal(s) should be referred to Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue.
 
FOSTER CANDIDATES 

Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue reaches out to a diverse community of both animals and people. Because of this, we intake animals from various backgrounds in ranging conditions. Some animals who find their way to Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue may be too young, underweight or ill and therefore not ready for adoption. Others may simply be awaiting forever homes. 

FOSTER PET NAMES 
To avoid any confusion within Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue records and vetting we ask that you keep the name given to the pet when picked up.

ADOPTION 
General Adoption Requirements: 
Must be 18 years of age or older 
Must have a valid photo I.D. with current address 
All members of the household should be present or contactable by telephone 
Landlord's name and telephone number (or copy of lease) 
Payment of the adoption fee, payable by check or cash 

Adoption Donation Covers: 
Complete veterinary examination 
Inoculations against rabies and other diseases 
Heartworm test for dogs 
Feline leukemia test for cats 
Spaying and neutering (mandatory) 

If you have a friend, relative, or co-worker who wishes to adopt your foster animal, they are welcome to complete an adoption application and submit it to Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue for review.  Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue will then follow up with the potential adopters to schedule a processing appointment.   UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A FUR-GIVING HEARTS RESCUE PET EVER BE TURNED OVER TO A PERSPECTIVE ADOPTER UNTIL ADOPTION PROCESS IS COMPLETED AND APPROVED BY FUR-GIVING HEARTS RESCUE.

CAT & KITTEN CARE  
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 
 Carrier 
 Newspapers 
 Size appropriate litter pan 
 Water bowls 
 Food bowls 
 Age appropriate dry food – provided if needed
 Old towels 
 Toys 

GENERAL CARE 
 Always remember to kitty proof the area where the foster cat will be staying. Electrical cords, computer cables, telephone wires, drapes, anything valuable or irreplaceable, etc. should be removed or secured. 
 Cats must be confined inside your home at all times. When transporting pets they must be in a carrier. 
 Cats clean themselves, so bathing is rarely if ever, required. Small kittens may not quite understand the concept of cleaning and preening themselves. A sponge bath is all that is needed. 
 Nail clipping is fine, especially for kittens with razor sharp nails. Be careful when doing so – make sure you clip off only the curved end. Avoid the pink area where the veins are located. 
 No cow's milk! It can cause diarrhea in some cats. 
 Cats may develop hairballs. Frequent brushing will help alleviate this and will also keep their coat clean and shiny. If hairballs persist, there are commercially available products for hairballs. 

MEDICAL CONDITIONS 
SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS: 
 Runny discharge from the eyes or nose 
 Lack of appetite 
 Lethargy 
 Diarrhea 
 Vomiting 
 Weight loss (or no gain if a kitten) 
 Coughing and sneezing 
 Congested breathing 
 Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness 
 Blood from any orifice or in elimination 

Contact Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue should any of the above symptoms occur and, if they persist for over 24 hours. Only Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue approved veterinary visits will be reimbursed. 

FELINE BEHAVIORAL/TEMPERAMENT ISSUES 
COMMON BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: 

Scratching 
Biting 
Inappropriate elimination 

SCRATCHING 
Cats scratch for a variety of reasons, both physical and behavioral. They do it for exercise, play, stretching and to remove dead layers of their nails. They also “mark” their territory with scent glands located in the pads of their feet. If a cat or kitten is inappropriately scratching your furniture, you may want to consider purchasing a post and training the cat to it. Scratching on inappropriate surfaces (such as furniture) can also be lessened by the use of “sticky paws”, a type of tape that makes scratching unappealing, or feliway, a calming cat hormone available as a spray or diffuser. 
BITING 
Biting is not unusual during play. It may be a result of overstimulation or the cat's innate predatory drive. If a cat or kitten begins to bite, have a toy handy and direct the animal's mouth toward it. The cat will learn to look for toys instead of hands. A loud “Ouch” will frequently work too. If you yell “Ouch”, immediately stop handling or holding the animal. If the cat continues to bite, a 5 minute “time out” in a dark room (bathrooms are good) can also be effective. If a cat ambushes you by attacking your legs or feet, try using a squirt bottle filled with water and zap them once with it. If plain water does not work, add a bit of vinegar to the squirt bottle. Also try using a toy attached to a wand or stick and drag it behind you. Hopefully, they will attack that instead of your feet. 
INAPPROPRIATE ELIMINATION 
Inappropriate litter box use may arise from physical or behavioral problems. Always rule out medical conditions first. A kitten may have “accidents” because its living area is too large and is unable to make it to the box in time. Keep kittens confined to one room with their box when you are unable to closely supervise them. 
Cats may prefer to eliminate on the floor rather than in a soiled box. Scoop the litter box at least once a day. If using clay litter, clean the box and replace the filler at least once a week. If using clumping litter, add a little fresh litter after each cleaning 
DOG & PUPPY CARE 
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 
Carrier or crate 
Newspapers 
Water bowls 
Food bowls 
Age appropriate dry food – provided if needed

GENERAL CARE 
Always remember to doggy proof the area where the foster dog will be staying. Electrical cords, computer cables, telephone wires, drapes, anything valuable or irreplaceable, etc. should be removed or secured. 
Dogs must not be taken to Doggie Parks or Doggie Day Care Centers. 
Dogs must always be on leash when outdoors or in a secure, fenced backyard, with supervision. 
Nail clipping is fine, especially for puppies with very sharp nails. Be careful when doing so; make sure you clip off only the curved end. Avoid the pink area where the veins are located. 
Puppies in particular are a chore to keep clean. Frequent sponge baths may be needed to keep their paws free of fecal material. If giving a full bath, always use a mild dog or puppy shampoo. 
Make sure chew toys are manufactured in the United States. Foreign imports may contain pesticides or chemical preservatives. Please do not give dogs or puppies pig ear chews as these frequently harbor salmonella that give them diarrhea. 

MEDICAL CONDITIONS 
SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS: 
Runny discharge from the eyes or nose 
Lack of appetite 
Lethargy 
Diarrhea 
Vomiting 
Weight loss (or no gain if a puppy) 
Coughing and sneezing 
Congested breathing 
Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness 
Blood from any orifice or in elimination 

Contact Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue should any of the above symptoms occur and, if they persist for over 24 hours.  Only Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue approved veterinary visits will be reimbursed. 

CANINE BEHAVIORAL/TEMPERAMENT ISSUES 
COMMON BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: 
Housebreaking 
Separation anxiety 
Aggression toward people, litter mates or other animals 

HOUSEBREAKING 
Housebreaking can be difficult to achieve during the brevity of a foster period. However, you can get an animal well on its way to an “accident” free life. What is first and foremost is establishing a routine. Once a schedule has been set, be consistent! Dogs and puppies need to eliminate after a nap, after exercise or play, and after eating and/or drinking. For dogs going on the transport, crate training is a must. 
SEPARATION ANXIETY 
An important thing to keep in mind is proper crate size – if the crate is too big for the animal, he can relieve himself in a far corner of the crate and still have a clean sleeping area. The crate should be large enough for the animal to stand up, stretch, turn around and lie down comfortably. 
If your animal throws a temper tantrum during the early stages of training, do NOT let them out until they are quiet. If you let them out, they will have learned that temper tantrums work. Instead tell the dog “NO! Quiet!” in a mild voice. Once the dog calms open the door in a matter-of-fact fashion. Take the dog to their outdoor elimination area immediately after letting them out of the crate, especially if they have been crated for a couple of hours. It is not unusual to have a previously housetrained dog to have a few accidents once placed in foster care. The animal will need time to adjust to its new schedule and environment. If the dog does have an accident and you don't find it for a while, it's already much too late to correct the dog. You have to catch them in the act. When you do catch them, interrupt them “No... ahhh ahhh!” and take them outside to your previously designated area. When cleaning up any area, do not use ammonia-based cleaners. Urine is composed mostly of ammonia and an ammonia-based cleaner will bring the dog right back to that spot. Use instead any product that contains an enzymatic component. 
Separation anxiety affects both dogs and puppies. Separation anxiety leads to destructive behaviors such as chewing, scratching, barking, howling and “accidents” in the house. Boredom and anxiety are the biggest reason for destructive behavior. Keep your dog occupied with chew toys. Make sure you give the animal a lot of exercise time and mental stimulation. Don't “baby” them with too much attention as this can create over-dependence. 
OVERLY ASSERTIVE DOGS 
Bossy or overly assertive dogs are conditioned that way from an early age. As dogs are pack animals, they establish themselves in a hierarchy as pups. Those at the top of the pyramid – the pack leaders – are frequently territorial, possessive, demanding, and uncooperative. As obnoxious as they may seem, they should never be corrected with physical or heavy-handed techniques. Never hit a dog! When an animal attempts to get your attention in an inappropriate way (e.g., nudging you with his head, pawing you), walk away and ignore the animal. Another suggestion would be to disregard the behavior while issuing a command such as “sit”. Never tease such a dog with a game of tug of war. 

FOSTER TO FOSTER TIPS 
The following advice was compiled by experienced Foster Volunteers
. 
Heating pads are great for keeping tiny underweight kittens and puppies warm – just be sure to keep the setting low. 
Wrap kittens or puppies gently in a towel and take out one paw at a time in order to clip their nails. The towel keeps them from squirming and makes it possible for one person to do the entire nail clipping themselves. You don't need a special nail clipper to clip kitten nails. 
Puppies and kittens love a toasty towel after a quick bath. 
When fosters first arrive, put them in a nice cozy small clean place to rest. Leave water, an animal bed, small toys and litter for cats. They have been through a lot, coming home, being handled and bathed they like a good nap and a little relaxation time to de-stress and settle in before being expected to socialize or even eat. 
By waiting to introduce food for a couple of hours, fosters are much more likely to start eating when food is brought to them. If there is food just sitting there when they arrive, they are likely to remain uninterested. 
Provide fresh, cool water for your foster that is available at all times. 
If the foster is being picky about their dry food, try adding a tiny bit of high quality wet food to stir their appetites. If they're still not eating, pop their food in the microwave for a few seconds (10 or so) to release the aroma. Be sure to check that the food is not too hot. 
Some cats have sensitive whiskers. If they're not interested in food from a bowl – try a plate. 
It's easiest not to have connecting food and water bowls. Young animals are messy and you'll be amazed at how much time you can spend cleaning food out of the water bowl when it is attached to the food bowl. If you already have a combination bowl, use it just for water and get something else for food. 
Have a picky adult cat? Try giving them some cuddle time. Some cats are social eaters and will chow down if touched. 
If your foster is mouthy, try substituting flesh with toys and snacks. Balls and rawhides are great for dogs while catnip-filled mice will redirect cats. 
Buy childproof cabinet locks to make sure fosters, especially puppies, don't get into cabinets and ingest harmful chemicals and cleaning agents. 
Keep some fleece baby blankets, baby shampoo and some super absorbent kitchen towels on hand just in case a clean-up is needed. 

Thank you for helping us them!!

Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue

 
I _________________________________________ fully understand and agree to assume any and all risks involved in any and all duties that I perform for Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue, also known as FGHR, in my capacity as a volunteer for this organization. 
I understand and agree to hold FGHR harmless for any injury or injuries which I may sustain during the course of my volunteer duties for FGHR including, but not limited to: the risks of being bitten, scratched, injured, or frightened by cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies or any animal under my care as a volunteer for FGHR. 
I understand and agree that FGHR is not liable for any injuries, damages, liabilities, losses, judgments, costs, or expenses whatsoever that I may suffer or sustain in connection with the performance of my volunteer activities unless they are the result of FGHR gross negligence (defined as: a carelessness and reckless disregard for the safety or lives of others, which is so great it appears to be almost a conscious violation of other people's rights to safety) or intentional misconduct. 
I will indemnify, defend, and hold FGHR harmless from and against any claims, lawsuits, injuries, damages, losses, costs, or expense whatsoever sustained by any companion animal or any person in 
connection with my intentional misconduct or grossly negligent performance of volunteer activities for the FGHR or with my breach of FGHR’s rules, regulations, policies, and programs. 
If I will be sheltering or providing foster care or boarding for any FGHR animals in my home or business, I consent to Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue visiting my home or business from time to time to 
observe the animals and their living quarters. I also agree that these visits may be unplanned or unscheduled prior to the actual visit. 
This Hold Harmless Agreement will forever prevent me from seeking any legal actions whatsoever against the FGHR organization or any of its representatives. 
I had reviewed the Foster Manual and understand Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue foster and adoption policies.  I will contact Fur-Giving Hearts Rescue with any questions I may have.  

Foster Parent Signature

Date

Fur-Giving Heart Representative

Date