Animal Shelter Foster Parent Application
Interested in becoming a foster parent to an animal in need? Please complete this application so we can find the best match for your home.
Walker County Animal Shelter is a county-run shelter, and a brief in-person home check-in is part of the foster process. These visits are friendly and informal, and simply help make sure you have what you need to feel comfortable and supported while fostering. Because this step is required by the shelter, we’re only able to move forward with foster applications from homes that are open to a visit. If this is something you’re comfortable with, we’d absolutely love to have you continue with the application and be part of helping animals in need.
Please enter the mom's details in the "Animal 1 Information" section below.
If you are reporting a litter ONLY with no mother or other animals, please do not fill out the Animal 1 section.
1. I agree to provide a safe, warm, clean, and loving environment for the animal(s) that are participating in the foster program. I further agree to take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of all animals and people when introducing the Walker County Animal Shelter animal(s) to my/our resident animals.
2. I understand that co-mingling our owned animal(s) with foster animal(s) is not recommended, as there is a risk of illness or injury to my owned animal(s). I further understand and agree that should my owned animal(s) become ill or injured due to the co-mingling of animals, the resulting veterinary expenses will be my sole responsibility, and Walker County Animal Shelter will be held harmless.
3. I understand that should I lose the animal(s) while it’s in my care, I must notify the shelter immediately and animal control in the jurisdiction that I live. I understand that I may not give away or sell any animals participating in a shelter program.
4. I agree and understand to follow all medical and behavioral instructions. I agree that I will attend all required check-up appointments as set by Walker County Animal Shelter staff.
5. I agree that any foster pets will be in my care at all times. Cats and kittens are to be kept exclusively indoors. Dogs and puppies must be supervised when outside.
6. I agree not to take the Walker County Animal Shelter animal(s) to any pet stores, animal daycares, dog parks, or veterinarians without prior approval from Walker County Animal Shelter. I further understand that if I do take a Walker County Animal Shelter animal to a veterinarian, Walker County Animal Shelter is not responsible for payment to the veterinary office. I understand that the foster would be liable for any debt incurred from seeking outside medical care.
7. I release any and all staff, volunteers, officials, officers, insurers, or any other individual affiliated with the Walker County Animal Shelter from any and all civil liability and/or any and all forms of injury which may arise as a result of fostering by volunteering to take animals into my home.
8. I also acknowledge that there are many dangers and risks associated with fostering/volunteering to work with shelter animal(s), and I am granting that I do hereby release any and all persons affiliated with Walker County Animal Shelter from any injuries, whether physical or mentally, sustained by me or the individual(s) I have guardianship over.
9. Tetanus Information: I understand that because I, or my child (if the applicant is under 18), may handle animals, it is important to discuss being vaccinated against tetanus with my physician. I release Walker County Animal Shelter from all responsibility that may occur because of my not pursuing this matter further, and I understand whatever decision I make is at my own risk.
10. I acknowledge and understand that as a foster/volunteer of Walker County Animal Shelter, I or my child (if the applicant is under 18) is not covered by Walker County Animal Shelter workers' compensation or any other insurance policy for any damages or injuries I or my child may sustain during fostering/volunteer activities.
11. I understand that fostering may involve strenuous activity on my part. I am in good health and am aware of no physical problem or condition that will limit or interfere with my ability to participate in taking care of the animal(s) I have agreed to. I have read and understand this agreement and am of legal age. I am legally competent and am signing this document of my own free will, devoid of any influence of a Walker County Animal Shelter staff member.
12. I understand that the animal(s) I am taking into foster are owned by Walker County Animal Shelter, regardless of how long they are in my care under the program. I further understand that Walker County Animal Shelter is the owner of the animal(s) until I have completed the adoption process, including payment of any fees.
13. I agree to hold Walker County Animal Shelter harmless for any damages or injuries that may arise from an animal that is in a foster home. I further agree and understand that Walker County Animal Shelter cannot predict how an animal will behave, nor can Walker County Animal Shelter be held responsible for an animal’s behavior. I understand that should an injury occur to any person or animal for the duration of the foster period, Walker County Animal Shelter is not responsible for medical payments or debts incurred and cannot be held liable.
14. I give permission for Walker County Animal Shelter to use the photographs I provide of me, or my child (if the applicant is under 18), for use in any publication or advertising purposes that Walker County Animal Shelter may designate.