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| Home > Become a Foster Parent |
"You don’t know love until you’ve fostered an animal.
When I’m fostering, I start and end every day with a smile. How many people can say that?"
Kandi Heller, New Haven
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Who are Foster Family Volunteers?
Foster families are special volunteers who are willing to open their homes and their
hearts and temporarily care for a dog or cat. Fostering is a vital part of what we
do at ACHS by providing animals in need with that extra bit of TLC they may require
before they are ready to be adopted. Additionally, given that our facility is small
and there are times when there are many more animals in need, foster families can
extend our capacity, enabling us to bring more animals under of protective wing.
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What kinds of animals do you place in foster homes?
Orphaned kittens — ACHS periodically takes in kittens that have lost their
mother, often due to tragedy. These young souls need lots of TLC, often needing to be
fed formula every two hours around the clock.
Pregnant cats — Pregnant cats need a quiet, safe place to give birth and
raise their kittens.
Shy or special needs animals — Some dogs and cats simply don’t do well in
the shelter environment. If they appear unusually anxious or become depressed, it is
helpful to remove them from the stress of the shelter and get them into a quiet home.
Foster parents can also help us better understand how the animal behaves in a home
environment so we are aware of any special needs for a successful adoption.
Wait list animals — Sometimes there are animals awaiting entry to our
shelter that are in urgent need of a safe place to go. Foster families can help by
housing these animals until we have an available kennel.
Cruelty cases — ACHS heads up the Addison County Anti-Cruelty Coalition
facilitating humane investigations throughout the county. From time to time, ACHS
helps the state by providing temporary housing and care to animals seized during
search warrants. ACHS may need foster families for dogs, cats, horses, goats, cows,
sheep, pigs, llamas, or any other animal that may be a victim of abuse or neglect.
Domestic violence — ACHS works with other area service agencies to
provide short-term care for companion animals of people in crisis such as domestic
violence. We place their animals in our foster network so they can make important
and sometimes life saving decisions without worrying about the safety of their pets.
As a "no-kill" shelter, ACHS does not euthanize animals currently in our care to make room for incoming animals. Foster Homes can help ease the pressure for space when the shelter is full; giving us the time we need to properly place animals in loving homes.
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What is expected of a Foster Family?
The first thing to remember is that you are not alone. We are here to support you
and your foster animal every step of the way!
Foster parents will be given an information packet specific to their animal. There
you will find a listing of policies and procedures for fostering through ACHS and
lots of helpful hints about caring for your foster animal.
Foster Parents will have a clear understanding of any medical conditions the animal
is experiencing and how to address his or her needs.
Foster Families are expected to provide daily care for their foster animals;
including food, kitty litter, grooming if appropriate, toys, etc. ACHS is
responsible for all veterinary expenses.
Foster Parents are encouraged to help in the adoption process. You will know
your foster animal better than anyone else. Your information packet includes
adoption applications you can submit to our shelter manager for consideration
if you should happen to meet the perfect person to permanently adopt your
foster animal.
It is important to remember that fostering an animal for ACHS is intended
as short-term arrangement and if your animal is not adopted directly from
your home, you may need or want to bring your foster animal back to the
shelter once he or she is healthy or when we have space.
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How do we become a Foster Family?
It’s easy! Just fill out an application to become a Foster Family. When you
are approved, Jennifer Erwin, our Shelter Manager will contact you to discuss
the animals most in need of Foster Care. She will match an appropriate animal
to your household so your first experience as a Foster Parent goes as smoothly
as possible.
For an application, call Jennifer at 802-388-1100 or stop by the shelter.
"I started doing foster care several years ago. Some of my most rewarding cases
have been adult cats who needed a second chance. It has been very powerful to
witness the transformation in these cats. With love and patience, they come
around and return your love ten-fold."
Trish Bunal, Monkton
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