This Agreement is entered into by Grateful Dogs, Inc. (referred to as the "Rescue") and
_______________________________________ (referred to as the "Foster"). The purpose of
this document is to outline the rights and responsibilities of both the Rescue and the Foster while the animal identified below is under the care of the Foster.

Page | 1

The Rescue retains legal ownership of the animal at all times. Foster has temporary custody during the period of fostering. Fostering begins on the date of this Agreement and continues until the animal is adopted or returned to the Rescue.

• Daily Care. Provide food, water, shelter, exercise, socialization, and humane treatment consistent with the animal's needs.
• Housing. Keep the animal primarily indoors unless otherwise authorized; do not leave the animal unattended outdoors for extended periods.
• Behavior and Training. Work on house training and basic manners and report behavior concerns promptly to the Rescue.
• Transport. Foster will transport the animal to Rescue-approved veterinary appointments and adoption events unless Rescue arranges otherwise.

Decompression is a deliberate, calm period that gives a dog time to recover from shelter stress and learn the routines of a new home. The flexible timeline is summarized by the 3-3-3 guideline: First 3 days: overwhelmed; next 3 weeks: settling in; 3 months: full adjustment, but individual dogs vary widely. A dog-led approach that prioritizes reading body language and offering predictable structure helps the animal feel safe.

Priority of calm and predictability. The foster will provide a quiet, consistent routine (feeding, potty, sleep, exercise times) to reduce stress. Consider the use of frozen Kongs or safe chew toys to reduce anxiety and provide enrichment.

Page | 2

Dog-led introductions. New people, children, and other animals will be introduced slowly and only when the dog shows relaxed body language. Ideally, limit new introductions during the initial 3 days. Don't force interactions, crowd the dog, or punish fearful behavior; allow the dog to approach on its own terms. Walk the dog on a loose leash and keep outings short at first, limiting exposure to new places.

Respect for space. The foster will provide a safe, accessible retreat (crate, bed, or quiet room) the dog can use without interruption. Keep noise and foot traffic low.

Observation and reporting. Foster will monitor appetite, elimination, sleep, and behavior, and will report concerns to the Rescue. Foster will promptly report any signs of severe stress, illness, or injury to the Rescue.

Signs of Stress to Monitor & Report:

• Physical-panting when not hot, hiding, loss of appetite.
• Behavioral - resource guarding, sudden aggression, repeated escape attempts, excessive vocalization.
• Physiological-diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy that persists beyond 24-48 hrs.

Routine care. Rescue will provide standard medical care such as vaccinations and monthly preventative medications.

Emergencies. In an emergency, Foster will seek immediate veterinary care and notify the Rescue as soon as possible. If Foster obtains emergency care without prior authorization, Rescue will reimburse only if the expense is reasonable and later approved.

Medications. Administer medications as directed and keep records of treatments.

Adoption authority. Rescue retains sole authority to approve adopters and finalize adoptions. Foster will assist with meet-and-greets and provide feedback on potential adopters.

Foster-to-Adopt option. If Foster wishes to adopt, they must complete the Rescue's adoption application and be approved under the same criteria as other applicants. Fosters have the first opportunity to apply for adoption.

Page | 3

Return on Request. Foster agrees to return the animal to the Rescue upon request, for any reason, within a reasonable time.

Voluntary surrender. If Foster can no longer care for the animal, they will contact the Rescue immediately to arrange return. Foster will not rehome the animal without Rescue's written consent. Foster will not surrender the animal to any animal shelter.

Assumption of Risk. Foster accepts responsibility for routine care and acknowledges risks associated with animal behavior.

Indemnification. Foster will indemnify the Rescue for claims arising from Foster's negligence or willful misconduct. Rescue will not be liable for damage or loss caused by the animal while in Foster's care, except where Rescue's negligence is proven.

No Euthanasia without consent. Foster will not euthanize the animal except in a documented emergency where a licensed veterinarian determines euthanasia is necessary to prevent suffering and Rescue cannot be reached. Foster must notify Rescue immediately.

Major medical procedures. Foster will not authorize major or non-emergency procedures without Rescue's prior written approval.

Rescue may conduct pre-or during-foster home checks. Foster consents to home checks, reference checks, and background screening as required by Rescue policy.

Page | 4

Photos and publicity. Foster grants Rescue permission to use photos, videos, and descriptions of the animal that the Foster takes or creates for adoption and fundraising purposes.

Confidentiality. Foster will not disclose confidential information (donor lists, internal policies, etc.) obtained during fostering.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This document constitutes the Agreement between the parties regarding the foster animal.

Termination by Rescue. Rescue may terminate this Agreement at any time and request immediate return of the animal.

Termination by Foster. Foster may terminate by notifying the Rescue and arranging return within a reasonable period.

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understand, and agree to the terms above.