Foster Form + Contract - Updated 2/28/24

STEP 2: Foster Home Contract

This contract is made and hereby entered into, between Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) and the above-named person, hereafter referred to as the Foster Home. A Foster Home is defined as a person/family that provides a temporary home for the animal(s) to live in while waiting for a permanent adoption through BARCS. The purpose of this contract is to ensure that the animal(s) receives the best possible care and treatment throughout its stay in the BARCS Foster program.

The Foster Home understands and agrees:

to temporarily house and care for animal(s) belonging to BARCS and that BARCS is the sole and rightful owner of the foster animal(s).
all decisions regarding the animal(s) care and outcome will be made by BARCS.
they are responsible, at their own expense, for items necessary for the housing and care of the animal(s) such as food, toys, leash, collar, crate, formula, bedding, scratching posts, food and water bowls, litter, litter box, etc. BARCS will make an effort to provide items to Foster Homes as they become available.
to provide adequate care to the foster animal(s) including, but not limited to, keeping the animal(s) clean and well-groomed, feeding a wholesome animal diet, (no generic or store brand foods) and providing fresh water available at all times.
to treat the animal(s) in a humane and loving way at all times, and to make sure that anyone in the Foster Home temporarily caring for the animal(s) will do the same.
the care of the animal(s) is not transferable. If for any reason The Foster Home is unable to continue to house and care for the animal(s), they must notify the Foster Coordinator and return the animal(s) to BARCS.
to make certain the animal(s) wears a BARCS ID tag and current Rabies tag on its collar at all times. The collar must be checked regularly to ensure that it fits properly as the animal’s weight and size changes. The animal(s) are microchipped by BARCS prior to going into the Foster Home.
the animal(s) will reside inside their home, not outside, and the animal may not be left outdoors without adult supervision at any time.
to notify BARCS immediately should the foster animal(s) become lost or stolen.
to humanely work with the animal(s) on basic obedience and training.
any animal may bite. If the Foster Home determines the animal(s) to be a biter, or a bite risk, they are to contact BARCS immediately and return the animal(s) to BARCS.
BARCS is not responsible for any damage to property or persons caused by the animal(s) while in the Foster Home’s care. The Foster Home understands that the behavior history and medical history of the animal(s) is unknown. The Foster Home accepts liability for any and all incidents that occur in connection with the fostering of BARCS’ animals. The Foster Home agrees to release BARCS from any and all claims, known or unknown, now or hereafter, arising in connection with the animal(s) while under their care.
to have health insurance coverage for all members of the Foster Home. If injury occurs due to the animal(s) and the Foster Home’s health insurance does not cover it, BARCS will not be held responsible.
to confine the animal(s) to a crate or gate the animal(s) in an appropriate space when it cannot be directly supervised by an adult.
animals may act differently in different situations and it is their job to determine or learn the temperament of the animal(s) they are fostering in a home environment. The Foster Home understands that BARCS does not know, and cannot guarantee, the temperament or health of any animal(s) admitted to BARCS. BARCS relies on a brief evaluation and the information provided by the previous caretaker (if any). Therefore, the Foster Home agrees to use due caution when handling the foster animal(s) and is responsible for informing the Foster Coordinator or Behavior Manager of the temperament of the animal(s).
to notify BARCS should any behavioral concerns regarding the animal(s) arise. It is understood that only the best representatives of animals can be sent out to the public for adoption. Behavior issues such as guarding, aggression, biting, and attacks on other animals or people, must all be reported to the Foster Coordinator immediately.
to never leave this animal(s) unsupervised with a child or stranger.
to keep their pets separate from the foster animal(s) for a period of at least two weeks. The Foster Home will contact the BARCS foster coordinator to review proper and slow introduction techniques with any resident pet(s) prior to doing any introductions. After introductions, the Foster Home will supervise the animals at all times and understands that it may take weeks, if not longer, for animals to become fully integrated. The Foster Home agrees to not leave foster animal(s) and resident pets together when unattended by an adult. If the animals do not get along, the Foster Home agrees to keep them separated at all times. The Foster Home understands that there is a risk to their pet(s) becoming ill from exposure to the foster pet(s) or receiving injury if the foster animal(s) and resident pet(s) are allowed to interact with one another.
to assume the risk of introducing resident pets to a BARCS foster animal(s) and releases BARCS of any responsibility for medical needs of resident pets that may have been incurred as a result of exposure to a BARCS foster animal(s).
their own pets are currently up to date on all vaccines and that they follow all pet laws.
if they foster for any other rescue organization, they will always follow all BARCS protocols herein described in this Contract. The Foster Home agrees to keep the BARCS foster animal(s) separated from animal(s) of other rescue organizations at all times. The Foster Home also agrees that any animal(s) with contagious diseases (FIV/FeLV+, calicivirus, parvo, ringworm, etc.) may not be in the residence at the same time as a BARCS foster animal(s). If they foster an animal(s) with these diseases, they are subject to the quarantine period set forth by BARCS protocol.
to release rights to BARCS for any photos of foster animal(s) submitted via email or social media.
if BARCS requests the return of the Foster animal(s) for any reason, the Foster Home agrees to return the animal(s) to BARCS within 24 hours of being asked to do so. If the Foster Home is unavailable at the time of the request, the Foster Home agrees to make the animal(s) available for pick up within the 24-hour period.
to grant permission for a representative of BARCS to visit the home at any time to check on the wellbeing of this animal(s).
should BARCS need to seek legal action against the Foster Home for any violations of this Agreement, the Foster Home hereby agrees it will assume any and all attorney costs, court fees, and any other legal fees incurred in the process of enforcing this contract, or reclaiming the animal(s).
to thoroughly read and abide by the Protocols and Procedures in the Foster Manual sent to the foster via email along with other foster resources provided. Additional copies of these are available by request and they are posted on BARCS foster networks.
after a period of 3 months, if the foster animal(s) has not been adopted, the Foster Home must 1) meet with the Foster Coordinator about a plan for the animal(s) with an understanding that the Contract may continue, 2) they may adopt the animal(s) or 3) return the animal(s) to BARCS for alternative placement.

I have reviewed the above Foster Policies, and agree to and understand the terms set forth above. (Please type your initials)*

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

to work with BARCS to provide the pet(s) with proper veterinary care as is recommended by BARCS.
to make an online appointment and bring the animal(s) to BARCS for scheduled vet visits as required or if the animal(s) appears sick/injured and in need of medical attention (see Foster Manual for instructions on scheduling an appointment or making an ER call).
animals with medical needs may require multiple visits to BARCS and/or other veterinary hospitals for follow-up. The Foster Home agrees to deliver the animal(s) to BARCS and/or other veterinary hospitals, as deemed necessary by BARCS Staff.
to set up spay/neuter surgery as soon as the foster animal(s) is eligible for surgery per their weight, health, and status.
to ensure the foster animal(s) receives all medications as prescribed by BARCS and will administer no other medications without approval by BARCS.
to follow all treatment plans set forth by BARCS including, but not limited to, medication, crate rest, interaction with other animals, and follow up visits.
to call the emergency line or send an email to dogfosters@barcs.org or catfosters@barcs.org with the subject line “urgent” if the foster animal(s) appears sick or in need of immediate medical attention. If the concern is not immediate, the Foster Home can make an online appointment to bring the animal(s) in during normal business hours. If an emergency occurs after normal business hours, the Foster Home agrees to contact the emergency line immediately to be directed to an emergency facility. BARCS will not reimburse the Foster Home for any expenses at another facility/hospital unless pre-approved by an authorized representative at BARCS. Any costs associated with veterinary care, not approved by the appropriate person, will be the sole responsibility of the Foster Home. For approved care, all invoices should be billed directly to BARCS or copies of invoices paid must be provided to the Foster Coordinator for approval and submission for reimbursement.
results from an offsite veterinary hospital visit must be e-mailed, mailed or faxed to the Foster Coordinator’s attention.
any decisions regarding veterinary care for foster animal(s) are made by the BARCS medical team. The Foster Home understands that not all medical conditions will be treated due to circumstances such as the severity of the condition and the availability of resources. A decision to euthanize an animal(s) for medical reasons may be made by BARCS.

I have reviewed the above Medical Requirements, and agree to and understand the terms set forth above. (Please type your initials)*

DOG FOSTERING REQUIREMENTS
The Foster Home understands and agrees:

to refrain from taking a new foster animal(s) on public outings for a period of two weeks to allow it to acclimate to a new environment. After the two weeks, if the Foster Home is comfortable, the animal(s) may be taken out to appropriate locations. However, if the Foster Home has been observing an animal for behavior and/or working with the BARCS Training and Enrichment Team, they must receive authorization from a team member after the two week acclimation period before going on a public outing. If a BARCS representative determines that the animal(s) should not be allowed to attend public events, the Foster Home agrees to abide by that decision.
the animal(s) will never be allowed off a leash when it is outdoors, unless it is in a secure fenced area that is at least four feet high. The animal(s) may never be left outdoors if the Foster Home is not directly supervising the animal(s).
foster dogs are not allowed at any dog parks or off leash park areas.
the foster dog(s) may not interact with non-BARCS dogs [outside of resident pet(s)] due to liability issues. Fosters may bring their foster dog(s) to Play Group and allow them to interact with other BARCS dogs under the direct supervision of the Training and Enrichment Team. Pack Walks are permitted as long as the foster dog(s) is on leash and refrains from any direct contact with other dogs.
to have the dog crated when unattended and will not allow the foster animal(s) loose when not at home or unable to have an adult supervise the dog(s). This is for the safety of the foster dog(s) (possibly ingesting harmful materials), resident pet(s), and personal belongings of the Foster Home.
to never leave children unsupervised with the foster dog.
if resident pets and foster animals have been introduced, they shall feed them separately at all times.
to use only positive training techniques when working with their foster animal(s), i.e. clicker training. No shock collars are to be used at any time on a BARCS dog(s) in foster care. The Foster Home agrees to follow training plans set forth by the Training and Enrichment Team as appropriate.
BARCS may need to make the decision to euthanize an animal(s) for safety reasons.

I have reviewed the above Dog Fostering Requirements, and agree to and understand the terms set forth above. (Please type your initials)*

ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS:
The Foster Home understands and agrees:

if the foster decides they want to adopt the animal(s) permanently, they must notify BARCS before a potential adopter makes plans to meet the animal(s). BARCS will not cancel an adoption in progress. Should the Foster Home decide to adopt, they must notify BARCS and sign the necessary contract to finalize the adoption.
the animal(s) will be adopted to a permanent home only with the approval of BARCS. Any potential adopter must meet the animal(s) prior to finalizing their adoption. The Foster Home will work with the Foster Coordinator, or the pre-approved adoption applicant, to coordinate visiting the animal(s) at a convenient location. If the Foster Home is contacted by anyone else interested in the foster animal(s), the Foster Home agrees to check with the BARCS Foster Coordinator before proceeding.
to handle all phone calls and e-mails to prospective adopters promptly and professionally. The Foster Home shall make themselves available for visits.
should a meet and greet be needed between a foster dog(s) and a potential adopter’s pet(s), the Foster Home agrees to do the meeting at BARCS so that staff members may supervise or conduct the interactions between the animals.
to abide by the guidelines set forth by BARCS regarding adoption procedures. When an adopter is interested in a foster animal, the Foster Home notifies the Foster Coordinator. The Foster Coordinator will send the adopter an email with the adoption application link, BARCS payment link (through Jotform), adoption packet, coupons, and other pertinent information. The Foster Coordinator notifies the Foster Home when everything has been completed by the adopter and then the transfer of the animal may occur. The Foster Home agrees that they will not hand any BARCS animal(s) to an adopter prior to following the above guidelines.

I have reviewed the above Adoption Requirements, and agree to and understand the terms set forth above. (Please type your initials)*

*Each item in this agreement stands alone.

AGREEMENT TO TERMS OF CONTRACT: I have received, read and understand the BARCS Foster Home Contract. I understand that upon signing the Foster Contract, all future animals in foster care fall under the terms of this agreement and any additional amendments deemed appropriate by BARCS. I agree to abide by all terms set forth above with any and all BARCS animals in Foster Care. (Please type you initials)*

Signature; I verify that I have read and agree to this contract:*

Upon submission, digital copies of our foster manuals and a copy of this contact will be sent to the email you provided.

BARCS Foster Sign-Up Form

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