Foster Agreement and Standards of Care

The agreement incorporates, among other things, requirements from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture for approved foster care provider. For the purpose of G.S. 19A-23 [5a] per 02 N.C.A.C 52J.0201 (t), written standards for an “approved foster care provider” shall include but not limited to: the application process, sanitation process, provision of daily observation of the animals, feeding and water protocols, provision and documentation of veterinary care, provision and documentation of human and same-species daily interaction, exercise, play and environmental enrichment for animals in long term care; requirements for inspection by the shelter, and compliance by the foster care provider with the NC Animal Welfare Act and its rules pursuant thereto.

• I agree to keep the area where the animal is housed clean and sanitary according to the following rules (02 NCAC 52J .0207):

• I agree to observe each animal on a daily basis and note any abnormalities.

• I agree to provide adequate food and water according to 02 NCAC 52J .0205/6

• I agree to provide and document veterinary care according to 02NCAC 52J.0210

• I agree to provide and document human and same species daily interactions according to 02NCAC 52J.0209

• I agree to provide daily exercise that allows each dog or cat to run and express natural play behaviors typical of the species.

• I agree to provide daily enrichment for the animals including but not limited to: appropriate toys, treats, lick mats, sensory enrichment, etc.

• I agree to inspection by MCAR before this agreement is signed, or at any time thereafter. I agree to be compliant with the NC Animal Welfare Act and its rules pursuant thereto.

Therefore, the two parties agree to the following terms:

1. Application process: The above Foster care provider will provide MCAR a copy of their government issued photo ID and complete the appropriate foster application.
2. Standards of Care: The above rescue agrees to follow the standards of care set forth in this document.
3. Spay and Neuter: All animals from MCAR must be altered when age appropriate.
4. Veterinarian Care: MCAR is responsible for providing veterinary care for the pet while in Foster care AS long as a shelter manager approves the vet visit. If a foster pet is taken to the vet without permission, the foster care provider will be responsible for the cost.
5. MCAR makes no claims as to the health, temperament, or mental disposition of animals and the above Foster Provider releases MCAR from liability associated with its animals.
6. Termination: Both parties may dissolve this agreement any time, for any reason.
7. I agree to return the animal on the agreed time and date. I will contact a shelter employee if I will be late.
8. If I am fostering an animal during the 72 hour stray hold (weekend not included) and the owner contacts the shelter within this time, I will return the animal when contacted.
9. I agree that my foster cat/kitten will stay INDOORS at all times.
10. I agree that my foster dog/puppy will be on leash while walking outside of a fence. If in a fenced in area (at least 5 ft tall) they can only be off leash when supervised.
11. I agree that the foster animal will be in my care at all times and I will not transfer care to anyone without speaking with a shelter manager.
12. I agree to keep appointments given by shelter staff members for vaccinations, vet appointments and spay neuter surgery.
13. I agree to respond in a timely manner if the shelter staff contacts me via phone or email.
14. I agree to notify the shelter immediately of any bite inflicted by the animal to my family or general public.
15. In the event that a foster animal is introduced with other animals in the home and injury or illness in owned pets results, veterinary expenses are to be the sole responsibility of the foster care provider.
16. I understand that the foster animals in my care will remain the property of Mitchell County Animal Rescue. I also understand that violation of any of these agreements will result in MCAR removing the animals from my care.