Throughout the fostering process, the dog(s) placed in the FOSTER HOME may change from time to time. The FOSTER HOME agrees to honor this agreement and comply with the following Terms and Conditions for any dog placed in their care by GRSF.
- Ownership
FOSTER HOME understands and agrees that Golden Rescue South Florida (GRSF) is the sole and rightful owner of all foster dogs placed in their home. FOSTER HOME acknowledges that they have no claim of ownership of any GRSF foster dog.
- Adoption by Foster
If the FOSTER HOME wishes to adopt a foster dog, they must meet all GRSF adoption requirements, pay the applicable adoption fee, and sign a GRSF adoption agreement.
- Care of the Foster Dog
FOSTER HOME agrees to provide a safe, loving, and responsible environment for all foster dogs placed in their care.
- Food and Supplies
FOSTER HOME will provide quality food and treats for the foster dog at the Foster’s expense. If prescription food is deemed necessary, the cost will be covered by GRSF. If the Foster requires GRSF to provide food, the Foster agrees to notify GRSF in advance and only GRSF-approved food will be purchased. Any remaining food will accompany the dog when adopted.
- Dog Identification
FOSTER HOME agrees to maintain the dog’s existing name to ensure accurate identification and record keeping.
- Adjustment Period
FOSTER HOME understands that foster dogs may be adjusting to a new environment and may not be fully house-trained or behaviorally predictable.
- Safety and Supervision
FOSTER HOME acknowledges that even well-behaved dogs may react unpredictably in unfamiliar environments and agrees to provide reasonable supervision and take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of the foster dog, people, and other animals.
- Indoor Housing
FOSTER HOME agrees that the foster dog will be kept primarily indoors and will not be left outside for extended periods or when the Foster is not home.
- Identification Tag
FOSTER HOME agrees that the foster dog will always wear a GRSF identification tag while in their care.
- Leash and Containment
FOSTER HOME agrees that the foster dog will never be off leash outdoors unless in a securely fenced area and it has been determined that the dog is comfortable and unlikely to flee.
- High-Risk Environments
FOSTER HOME agrees not to place the foster dog in situations that may increase risk, including dog parks, off-leash public areas, or interactions with unfamiliar animals or young children without proper supervision.
- Incident Reporting
If the foster dog bites, scratches, or injures any person or animal, or is involved in any incident that could pose a safety concern, FOSTER HOME agrees to notify GRSF immediately and follow any instructions provided by GRSF.
- Property Damage
FOSTER HOME understands that normal pet-related damage such as chewing, scratching, digging, or house-soiling may occur. FOSTER HOME accepts the normal risks associated with caring for a dog in their home. GRSF cannot reimburse or be responsible for damage to personal property, household items, landscaping, or similar losses that may occur while the dog is in foster care.
- Resident Pets
The Foster acknowledges that introducing animals carries inherent risks. If a resident pet becomes ill due to exposure to a foster dog, the Foster may be responsible for veterinary care for their own pet, particularly if resident pets are not current on vaccinations or if reasonable sanitation and supervision practices are not followed.
- Veterinary Care Approval No Reimbursement for Unauthorized Veterinary Expenses
FOSTER HOME agrees to follow all veterinary care instructions provided by GRSF. All veterinary treatment must be approved in advance by GRSF and performed by a GRSF-approved veterinarian in order for expenses to be covered by GRSF. GRSF will cover veterinary expenses for the foster dog only when treatment has been approved in advance and performed by a GRSF-approved veterinarian, except in a life-threatening emergency. GRSF is not responsible for veterinary expenses incurred without prior authorization.
- Emergency Veterinary Care
In the event of a life-threatening emergency when immediate care is necessary and GRSF cannot be reached, the FOSTER HOME may take the dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic and must notify GRSF as soon as reasonably possible thereafter.
- Medications
No medications, supplements, flea or tick preventatives, or treatments may be administered without prior approval from GRSF.
- Heartworm Prevention
The only heartworm prevention approved by GRSF is Heartgard.
- Oral Flea and Tick Medications
GRSF does not permit the use of oral flea and tick medications such as NexGard, Simparica, Bravecto, or similar products unless specifically authorized by GRSF. These medications belong to the isoxazoline class and have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including tremors and seizures in some dogs. For this reason, GRSF uses alternative flea and tick prevention methods unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
- Over-the-Counter Treatments
FOSTER HOME agrees not to administer over-the-counter medications, supplements, or home remedies without prior approval from GRSF.
- Monitoring the Dog
FOSTER HOME agrees to observe and evaluate the dog during the foster period, including noting any concerns regarding health, weight, skin and coat condition, temperament, energy level, or behavior patterns. Any concerns must be reported to GRSF promptly.
- Communication with Adoption Coordinator
FOSTER HOME agrees to provide photos, updates, and evaluations to the assigned GRSF Adoption Coordinator. Together, the Foster and Adoption Coordinator will determine when the dog is ready for adoption.
- Social Media and Public Posts
All public posts, fundraising efforts, or media related to the foster dog must be approved by GRSF prior to posting.
- Home Visits
GRSF retains the right to visit the foster home at reasonable times to check on the wellbeing of the foster dog.
- Assisting with Adoption
FOSTER HOME agrees to assist GRSF in securing a permanent home for the foster dog, which may include communicating with approved applicants, coordinating meet-and-greets, and providing information about the dog.
- Approved Adopters Only
All adoptions must be approved by GRSF. Potential adopters must complete a GRSF adoption application and interview before being considered.
- No Adoption Promises
FOSTER HOME agrees not to promise adoption or schedule meet-and-greets with any person who has not been approved by GRSF.
- Travel and Transfer Restrictions
FOSTER HOME agrees not to transfer custody of the foster dog to another person, kennel, pet sitter, or boarding facility, or transport the dog outside the local area without prior approval from GRSF.
- Lost or Missing Dog
If the foster dog becomes lost or missing, FOSTER HOME agrees to notify GRSF immediately and assist in all reasonable efforts to locate the dog.
- Return of the Dog
If the FOSTER HOME can no longer care for the foster dog for any reason, the dog must be returned to GRSF. The foster dog may not be given away, transferred, sold, or adopted by another person without GRSF approval.
- Right to Reclaim
GRSF reserves the right to reclaim the dog at any time if the terms of this agreement are not followed or if any misrepresentation has been made on the Foster Home Application.
- Foster Guidelines
FOSTER HOME acknowledges that they have read and understand the Foster Guidelines and any materials provided by GRSF.
- Entire Agreement
This agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties and includes the Foster Home Application and any written materials provided by GRSF.
- Enforcement
FOSTER HOME agrees to reimburse GRSF for reasonable expenses, including court costs and attorney’s fees, incurred in enforcing the terms of this agreement if the Foster fails to comply. Payment of such expenses does not relieve the Foster of the obligation to return the dog to GRSF.