Foster Application

Foster Application

We are committed to matching the right animal to the right foster family. This is such an important process because we depend on our fosters to help ease the transition from a shelter or street situation that our animals may have come from.

All fields marked with * are required and must be filled.

Our foster process includes the completion of an application, may include a phone and/or email interview, veterinary reference if there are animals currently in the home, a possible home visit (virtual in some cases, which may include the home being viewed on Google or real estate sites) and once approved, a fostering contract. We reserve the right to refuse any applicant for any reason if we feel the needs of the animal will not be properly met or the fostering situation is not in the best interest of the animal. You must be 21 or older and living in New England to complete & submit the application.

We prefer applicants own their own home, but there may be exceptions to this policy. If you are in a rented home (including "rent to own" properties) or are in a mobile home park on a rented lot, we WILL contact the landlord. We prefer that the applicant contact their landlord first. We will not adopt an animal to anyone living in a hotel room, even extended stay units.

Any dogs or cats living in the foster home currently MUST be spayed or neutered and UTD on current vaccinations at the time of application. If animals in the home currently are not spayed or neutered or UTD, please wait to apply until they are.

Should a foster family decide to permanently adopt the dog they are currently fostering, they will be required to complete a separate foster to adopt contract. By signing and submitting this form, applicant understands this serves as a binding contract regarding the items contained within.

Pulled From the Pits certifies that all dogs that have been imported into the State of Maine will have been tested for heartworm, elrichia, lyme, anaplasmosis and intestinal parasites. They will have received vaccines against the following: Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Canine Parvo Virus and Rabies. This may not apply to puppies that were not old enough at time of transport to be tested or given all shots. PFTP is not responsible for other diseases or issues that may arise at a later time after the quarantine period, as we have no way of foreseeing or controlling those instances.

All animals are also treated topically for fleas and ticks, but please keep in mind that it can take up to three weeks to take care of any issues, and in the case of puppies and kittens they can't be treated too early, so they may have fleas or ticks upon arrival.

The State of Maine requires that all animals being imported into the state be quarantined for the following periods before they can be formally adopted: Animals 6 months and older must be quarantined away from any animals outside of the home for 48 hours, or animals under 6 months must be quarantined away from any animals outside of the home for 5 days.

The parties hereto agree that the foster(s) shall abide by the following conditions:

The foster(s) agree that they will keep said animal separated from any other animals inside or outside of their immediate household for the following period of time: For animals over six months they shall be kept separated for 48 hours. For animals six months and under they shall be kept separated for 5 days. Pulled From the Pits will not be held liable for any illness or injury to the fosters current animals should it be proven that the quarantine protocols were not followed.

The quarantine policy is ONLY applicable to animals that have been imported into the State of Maine and who are going directly into the foster home. Should the animal have already served the quarantine period at another home or facility then the quarantine period does not need to be observed. The decompression period however still applies and should still be followed.

Please Initial in the box below to indicate that you have read, understand and agree to the quarantine policy explained above. *

Primary Applicant*

First NameLast Name

Co-Applicant

First NameLast Name

Date Of Birth of Primary Applicant (this may be verified before application is approved):*

E-mail*

Physical Address (No PO Boxes Please)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number - Cellular*

Area CodePhone Number

Do you live in :*

Your own homeAn Apartment or rented homeA Mobile Home (if not on your own property please provide park owner information in the landlord fields below

If you rent either your living space or the lot it is on, please provide your landlords name. Put N/A if not applicable.*

Landlord's Phone number. If not applicable please fill fields in with zeros. *

Area CodePhone Number

Have you notified your landlord that you are applying to be a foster?*

YesNoN/A

How long have you been at your current residence?*

If at current residence less than a year, please provide previous address. Put N/A if not applicable. *

Please List all People Living in the Household (Include Name, Relationship, Gender and Age)*

Does Anyone in your Household have Allergies to Animals?*

YesNo

Are all members of your Family agreeable to Fostering a Dog?*

YesNo

Are you interested in fostering a: *

PuppyOlder DogKitten/CatWhatever is Needed

Do you have a preference in the sex of the animal to be fostered?*

MaleFemaleNo Preference

Are you willing and able to medicate your foster, even if it is just a monthly heartworm preventative?*

YesNo

Even if a dog is known to be housebroken, the stress of transport and a new place may cause accidents. Are you willing and able to deal with this possible regression?*

YesNo

Have you had any experience with with an emotionally or physically neglected or abused dog?*

YesNo

If yes, please briefly explain. If no, please put N/A*

Are you willing to use a crate for a dog if recommended?*

YesNo

Will you need to borrow a crate from the rescue? We require that a valid credit card be kept on file if a rescue crate is used. We do not charge it unless the crate is not returned or is damaged.*

YesNo

Vet Reference
If you have cats or dogs in your home, THEY MUST BE ALTERED AND UP TO DATE ON VACCINATIONS. WE WILL VERIFY WITH YOUR VET! If they are not altered or UTD, please do not continue with application until they are. Please contact your vet immediately and give them permission to speak with us. Failure to do so will delay the processing of your application. If you do not have animals in the home currently simply put N/A or choose "no" in the fields below to continue. This includes indoor cats!!

Are all dogs in your home altered and up to date on at least distemper and rabies vaccinations, and currently being tested yearly for heartworm and on heartworm preventatives for at least 6 months out of the year? This WILL be verified.*

YesNoN/A (no animals in household currently

If the answer to the question above is No, is there a medical reason why they are not ? If yes, please briefly explain below. If the answer to this question is NO, and there is not a medical reason, please do NOT continue with this application. Please put N/A if not applicable*

Please list dogs in the household currently. Name, Age, Breed, Good with other dogs? Put N/A if no dogs in home currently. *

Current Cat(s)- Name, Age, Gender, Comfortable with Dogs? Are they an Inside cat only? Though we prefer that all cats currently in the home be altered and UTD on vaccinations, if you have an inside cat and they are altered we will accept that. However, if they are an outside cat, they must have at LEAST current distemper and rabies vaccinations, as well as being altered. THIS WILL BE VERIFIED WITH YOUR VET!!!*

Have you called your veterinarian to give them permission to speak to us*

YesNoN/A (No animals in house currently)

Veterinarian Name (put N/A in fields if no vet check needed)*

First NameLast Name

Veterinarian Address (Put N/A if not applicable)*

Phone Number (Put zeros in fields if not applicable)*

Area CodePhone Number

Personal References

They should NOT be related to you either now or in the past, nor live in the same household.

Reference #1, how many years you have known them, and how they know you. (NO RELATIVES PLEASE) : *

Phone number Reference #1*

Area CodePhone Number

May we text this reference to make first contact?*

Yes, text away!No, they prefer a phone call.

Reference #2, how many years you have known them, and how they know you. (NO RELATIVES PLEASE) : *

Phone number Reference #2*

Area CodePhone Number

May we text this reference to make first contact?*

Yes, text away!No, they prefer a phone call.

Do you have a fenced yard?*

YesNoPartial

If fenced, please give details on height and materials.

How many hours a day would the foster be left alone?*

Where will the foster animal be kept while alone in the house?*

CrateGarage or basementSingle room in houseFree Roam of house

I understand that PFTP will cover any vet costs for my foster animal ONLY if the foster animal is brought to Gray Animal Center, 55 Portland Rd, Gray Maine, and if the visit has been pre-approved by PFTP. If the animal being fostered is outside of a resonable range for this condition, the vet to be used must be approved by PFTP, and all visits to them must be pre-approved by the rescue. It is preferred that the rescue pay the vet directly for any charges incurred. *

Initials of Primary Applicant

Please note, PFTP does NOT release medical records to Fosters, only to Adopters. If there are any questions about the medical conditions of an animal that is going to be fostered, please contact Pulled From the Pits directly. If for any reason the foster animal needs to go to a vet, the vet's office will be provided with the information they need.

I understand that I will need to drive to pick up my Foster animal and, if for any reason I want to return the Foster to PFTP, I will need to drive them to the kennel at 53 Gayton Rd, Lewiston. Maine*

Initials of Primary Applicant

I understand that potential adopters may call me and visit my home to meet the Foster animal. I may also be asked to bring a Foster animal to PFTP sponsored meet and greets. *

Initials of Primary Applicant

Please read the following paragraphs carefully:

Decompression Procedures:

Why does a dog need to decompress?

Shelters are stressful environments for dogs. The stress a dog experiences in a shelter can greatly impact his mental state. Sounds, smells, and noise in the shelter are very intimidating to pets who have lost their homes. Some dogs walk in the door and shut down completely while other dogs quickly show aggression or cower when they are walked through the kennels.

Dr. Marcus Smith, DVM says, “A lot of behaviors you see from dogs that have not been properly decompressed are fear, occasional aggression, and submission. Sometimes they will inappropriately urinate any time someone comes near them or tries to touch them, or they will hide.”

How long does it take to decompress a dog?

Younger dogs, especially puppies, will take less time to decompress than adult dogs. “I usually tell folks you can expect to see the dog coming out of their shell and getting used to their environment and routine within four to six weeks,” says Dr. Smith. “The first week is usually just them being almost self-protective.” Every dog is different; some may take longer to decompress. Make it a smooth transition with these professional tips on how to decompress a new rescue dog.

1. Forget expectations

No matter how much you plan, you will not know how a dog is going to react in their new environment until after you bring them home. “The first 24 to 48 hours will be a learning experience for all, Leave your expectations at the door. Your situation is unique, so don’t compare it to others.

2. Take your time

It can take on average four to six weeks for your new rescue dog’s personality to surface. Do not expect to get a lot of sleep, don’t expect the pup to be perfect, and don’t expect them to come into their new home exhibiting their true personality. It all takes time. The best thing you can do is go slowly. Your dog and your family will be happier in the long run.

3. Keep calm

A newly rescued dog needs a calm environment to acclimate. Bringing a new dog to your home takes a lot of trust on both parties. Keep things quiet and calm in your home as much as possible. Every sound, movement, and smell will be new to them. Keep toys and affection to a minimum. Let the dog come to you, less attention is usually better at the beginning. Resist the temptation to shower your dog with affection and toys. The real idea is you want to establish structure. You want a relationship that is founded on respect first and foremost, as well as love and affection –those things should weigh evenly.

4. Give them space

Dogs are den animals and need a space to feel safe. To help with the transition, give them a space that is quiet, comfortable, and cozy. You are allowing the dog to be comfortable; they are going to be a little self-protective at this point. Give your dog a spot to let them emerge out of their shell of their own accord.

5. Keep them on a leash

A leashed dog is a must for the safety of your pet and will help keep you stay in control. The leash should essentially become your best friend, the idea is if the dog jumps on the couch, you do not have to grab the dog by the collar. You just simply grab the end of the leash and pull the dog off the couch. This keeps you safe, and it doesn’t run the risk of harming your relationship with the dog.

6. Crate train

A crate is an easy and effective way to create a safe haven. Crate training is one of the quickest and least stressful ways to encourage desirable behaviors in dogs. Some new dog owners are not fans of using a crate; however, we strongly recommend implementing crate training as soon as you bring a dog into your home. A crate satisfies a dog's instinct to be in a den while alleviating many behavioral issues like resource guarding, separation anxiety, and house-training issues.

7. Slow introductions

For the first week, keep your dog at home and limit visitors. When it comes time to make introductions to people and other pets, do it slowly. If you have other animals, it’s best to let them get acquainted with the new dog outside your home. Take them on a walk and let them meet on neutral territory; an established dog may feel more territorial in the house. Advise your friends (especially children) to give your new dog “face space.” Ask them to resist the urge to touch or get in their face. Let your dog go to them and pay close attention to how they communicate comfort or discomfort.

8. Exercise them every day

The adage “a good dog is a tired dog” is true for a reason. Dogs are active creatures. They need a daily exercise routine to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Get the leash and take them for a walk every day to improve you and your dog’s health while establishing a positive bond.

9. Keep a routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. Their happiness depends on their environment. Dogs need a steady routine, so they know what to expect from their owners and their lives. Their behavior will reflect this accordingly. Once they have a solid structure, they can handle occasional changes like a pro. Feeding, walking, playing, sleeping, and other daily activities can all be a part of your dog’s regularly scheduled routine.

10. Establish positive associations

It is your job to help your dog form positive associations in their new environment. You want your new dog to feel like their home and all the sights, sounds, and smells that come with it, are the most wonderful things in the world. Keep treats on hand to praise and reward your dog if you are getting ready to vacuum for instance, or if there are other unfamiliar things going on. Remember that everything is new to a shelter dog. Your dog will soon associate any unpleasant experiences with that of comfort, affection, and yummy treats.

The Takeaway

Decompression is a key step toward ensuring a successful home transition for your new pet. Time spent getting to know your rescue pup will be well worth the love they give you in return.

Please initial below to indicate that you have read and understood the above Decompression Procedure. These procedures are available for reference at any time on our website. We expect that families will follow these procedures closely, as they are proven practices.*

Initials of Primary Applicant

If you are fostering an animal under the age of six months who has not yet been altered, the rescue will need access to the animal on a day indicated by PFTP for spaying or neutering at Gray Animal Center in Gray Maine. If possible, the rescue may ask the foster to either bring the animal to the facility, pick the animal up after the procedure or both.

This is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Pulled From the Pits determines when the animals will be altered according to information provided by our veterinarian. If the foster does not abide by this policy, and does not bring the animal to GAC at the time set, we reserve the right to take possession of the animal.

Should it be necessary for the rescue to regain possession of the animal, the foster will be liable for any expenses incurred by these actions, included but not limited to fuel costs, boarding fees, or any civil or legal fees that may be created by such actions.

Please initial below to indicate that you have read, understand and agree with the vet policies outlined above. *

Primary Applicant

Please inital below indicated that you understand that if an unaltered puppy is being fostered that you agree to provide access to the animal when they come of age to be neutered or spayed. Refusal to provide access to the animal WILL result in the animal being removed from the foster home.*

*Please note, in the following document Pulled From the Pits may be referred to as “PFTP” and refers to the organization as a whole, including the owner of said organization and anyone deemed to be an “employee” or volunteer designated by the organization as such. The words "Applicant(s) or Foster(s) refer to the person or persons responsible for filling and signing the application form and Foster contract and are used interchangeably without notice. *

The undersigned Foster(s), by signing below, do hereby forever release, discharge and covenant to hold harmless Pulled From the Pits (hereafter referred to as PFTP) and any other person, firm or corporation, executors, successors and assigns, from any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, loss or services, actions and causes of actions belonging to the said Foster arising out of any act or occurrence from the present time and particularly on account to the acquiring of any animal from PFTP.

The Foster(s), by signing below, declare that no representations about the nature of said animal, nor any representatives regarding the nature and extent of legal liability or financial responsibility have induced the Fosters(s) to make this release and indemnity agreement. All relative facts pertaining to the animal applied for have been revealed to the applicants by PFTP to the best of its knowledge.

By filling out and submitting the online foster form, potential fosters are agreeing that this form serves as a formal contract, binding in its entirety, and that they have read this policy page in full, and that they understand and agree to all items within.

Please type your name in the space below. This serves as your binding signature on this form. *

Primary Applicant

Please type your name in the space below. This serves as your binding signature on this form. *

Co-Applicant (Put N/A if no co-applicant)

Date and Time:*

MonthDayYearHourMinutesAM/PM Option