1. THE PET(S)
With your agreement, FFF will periodically entrust pet(s) to you for temporary care until they are adopted into permanent homes or returned to us as provided in Paragraph 8 below. At the time of delivery, you will be given the case number(s), name(s), date(s) of birth and any other pertinent information for the cat(s) being entrusted to your care. If names are not assigned, you agree to work with the Foster Team Lead to assign unique names to each pet within 24 hours of arrival. You agree to allow FFF to visit your home at agreed upon time(s) when foster cats are in your care, so that FFF can ensure that the cats are being cared for properly.
2. FOSTER CARE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide wholesome food, water and clean litter pans on a daily basis (bottle feed, if necessary).
- Provide a clean, warm, safe place inside your home, separate from other household pets or fosters. Note: All resident pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations. Foster pets must be kept separate from your household pets unless otherwise approved by the Foster Team Lead.
- Monitor the general health and progress of the pet, including the weight of the cat(s) at least monthly, or in cases of an unusual weight loss or gain. Monitor kitten weights daily until they are at least 6 weeks old.
- Bring the pets to vet appointments, as needed.
- Administer medication, if necessary.
- You agree NOT to show the pets to potential adopters, bring them to adoption events/centers or expose them unnecessarily to other animals until they have had at least two FVRCP vaccinations, been deemed to be healthy enough to be adoptable, and are at least 8 weeks old and ready to be spayed or neutered.
- You agree to transport the pet(s) to the vet and adoption centers and/or make arrangements for potential adopters to meet the pets, as soon as they are ready for adoption. Should you fail to do so, FFF reserves the right to remove the pet(s) from your care at any time.
- Socialize and play with the cat(s) on a daily basis.
- Keep cats indoors (even if the cat was formerly an outdoor cat).
3. VETERINARY CARE
- FFF agrees to pay all veterinary treatment costs that may be incurred during the foster care period, provided that the treatment is pre-approved by the Foster Team Lead or President, Linda Bellomy, (216) 978-1200.
- Unless otherwise instructed, veterinary care will be provided by Able Animal Hospital, 5341 State Rd., Parma, Ohio 44134, (216) 749-6990. After after-hour emergencies will be sent to West Park Animal Hospital, 4117 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135, (216) 252-4500. West Park must contact the President or your Foster Team Lead for required credit card deposit.
4. GENERAL CARE SCHEDULE
- Kittens may receive their first FVRCP vaccination as early as 5 weeks old, and boosters every 3-4 weeks after that until the kitten is over 16 weeks old.
- The rabies vaccination and microchip are usually administered when the cat is spayed or neutered. Note: The cat must be at least 16 weeks old to receive the rabies shot.
- Kittens/cats should be dewormed with two rounds, 10 days apart. Generally, they are given Anthelban or Revolution on intake. If not, please contact the Foster Team Lead for deworming.
- Kittens can be spayed or neutered at 3 pounds or whenever recommended by the vet.
- Previously unvaccinated adults generally require two FVRCP vaccinations, 3-4 weeks apart.
- All post-adoption vaccinations (including rabies) and boosters are the responsibility of the adopter.
IMPORTANT: Call your Foster Team Lead to determine when and where to schedule appointments and obtain the required approvals.
5. FOSTER TEAM UPDATES
You agree to contact the Foster Team Lead as soon as possible in the following instances:
- To advise of any emergencies involving the pets
- For pre-approval for non-emergency vet care
- For vacation/out-of-town coverage
IMPORTANT: If you are going on vacation or out of town, you must make advance arrangements with the Foster Team Lead to have someone else take care of the cats while you are away. NEVER leave kittens alone, even if someone is coming in to feed them daily.
- In addition, you agree to update the Foster Team Lead (or other team member, as advised) on a weekly basis to provide updates on the pet’s progress, condition, and/or readiness and availability for adoption.
- All medical updates are to be emailed to foreverfriendsfoundationohio@gmail.com
6. COSTS AND EXPENSES
FFF will provide supplies if you cannot. Supply orders are placed once per month. You must respond with your supply needs when order requests are solicited on the Facebook volunteer page, in order to receive supplies. If you purchase supplies on your own, we will be happy to write you a donation receipt when your provide your receipt(s) of purchase. You should keep copies if you plan to claim the expenses on your tax return. You are providing foster care as a volunteer, at no charge to FFF. Note: Food, litter, bedding and toy donations made to FFF are available to fosters, upon request. Specific food cannot be requested unless medically necessary. Please treat all items with care. You may contact the Foster Team Lead for more information.
7. CAGES AND CARRIERS
FFF will temporarily provide you with the cages, carriers, scales and other equipment for use in providing foster care. You agree to return these items in good, clean condition (subject to normal wear and tear).
8. RETURNING CATS OR MOVING CATS TO ANOTHER FOSTER LOCATION
You agree to contact the FFF Foster Team Lead immediately by phone, in the event that you are no longer able or willing to provide foster care to any or all of the pets. You will continue to care for the pets for a reasonable period until we are able to determine another location for your foster cat(s). You may not entrust the care of the cats to any other person, including another foster volunteer, or relocate the cats without prior authorization from the Foster Team Lead.
9. ADOPTION BY FOSTER
In the event that you wish to adopt any or all of the pets as household pets for yourself, you must complete the Adoption Application and Adoption Agreement. You must also pay the required fees.
10. FOSTERING FOR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OR CO-MINGLING PERSONAL PETS
As a FFF foster home, you agree that you will NOT foster or temporarily care for ANY pets that are not FFF fosters. Further, you agree that you will maintain adequate separation of your personal pets to reduce any health risks to any of the animals. You understand that by co-mingling your owned animal(s) with FFF animal(s) there is a risk of illness or injury to your owned animal(s), for which you are responsible. For questions or more information about separation requirements, contact the Foster Team Lead.
11. LIABILITY
You are liable for damage, loss or illness to yourself, your family and/or your pets due to gross negligence, misconduct or carelessness. FOREVER FRIENDS FOUNDATION is not liable for any bodily injury, property damage, loss or illness whatsoever caused by the actions, behavior, or health of the foster pets, or arising out of the foster care.
SIGNATURES
By signing this agreement, you confirm that you have read and agree to abide by the policies contained herein. You also agree that these terms apply to all current and future foster cats in your care. You agree that you will join our Facebook volunteer page (facebook.com/groups/foreverfriendsvolunteers) and that we may communicate with you through Facebook, phone and/or email. A copy of this form will be sent to the email you have provided.