Form

Purpose

This packet prepares foster caregivers to provide safe, compassionate, responsible care while following Loving Paws of the South Rescue policies and applicable state standards.

Keep this packet accessible throughout every foster placement.

How to Use This Form

1.     Review each section with the foster coordinator before or at the beginning of your first placement.

2.     Ask questions whenever a policy, animal-specific instruction, or safety concern is unclear.

3.     Complete the personal emergency arrangements and all acknowledgment checkboxes.

4.     The foster caregiver and rescue representative sign the final acknowledgment. LPOTS retains the completed acknowledgment in the foster record.

5.     Review updates whenever LPOTS distributes a revised policy or emergency plan.

 

 

1. Welcome to the Foster Role

Thank you for opening your home to a rescue dog. Many LPOTS dogs come from shelters, neglect situations, owner surrenders, or long transport journeys. Your role as a foster is critical in helping dogs transition successfully into permanent homes.

Loving Paws of the South Rescue is committed to providing safe, compassionate, and responsible care for all animals placed in foster homes. This orientation is intended to ensure that foster caregivers understand their responsibilities and are equipped to provide appropriate daily care while maintaining compliance with state standards.

 

The foster relationship

The animal remains the property of Loving Paws of the South Rescue. LPOTS retains final authority regarding veterinary care, ownership, placement, foster-to-adopt decisions, and adoption. A foster may not transfer ownership or possession without rescue authorization.
 

Primary Leadership Contacts

Executive Director of the Rescue- Barry Hartmann | 270-202-2180
Foster Coordinator & Colorado Incident Coordinator-Brittanie Thebeau | 719-678-3764 | brittanielovingpawsofthesouth@gmail.com

2. Foster Agreement, Authority, and Core Responsibilities

The foster caregiver agrees to:

•  Provide safe housing, appropriate food, and fresh drinking water.

•  Supervise interactions with children, visitors, and other animals.

•  Administer and document medications exactly as directed.

•  Notify LPOTS of illness, injury, escape, bite incidents, aggression, behavioral concerns, or significant changes.

•  Transport and attend veterinary appointments as requested.

•  Return the animal to LPOTS upon request.

•  Refer adoption and placement decisions to LPOTS and not transfer ownership or possession.

 

The foster caregiver understands:

•  The animal remains the property of Loving Paws of the South Rescue.

•  LPOTS retains final authority regarding placement decisions.

•  Failure to follow rescue policies or directions may result in removal of foster animals and/or discontinuation from the foster program.

Required zoning and animal-control agreement (PACFA Rule 19.12.3)

The foster care provider understands and agrees to adhere to all relevant zoning and animal control codes and ordinances, whether local, county, or state.
 

Humane Care
•  Animals shall be treated humanely and respectfully at all times.

•  Physical punishment, aversive training methods, neglect, abuse, or deprivation of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care is prohibited.

•  Animals shall not be left unattended for unreasonable periods.

•  Fosters must provide appropriate exercise, socialization, and environmental enrichment, including individualized enrichment plans when needed.

 

3. Foster Home Standards and Daily Care

Foster homes must provide clean, safe, sanitary, and appropriate housing while an animal awaits adoption.

Housing Requirements
•  Fresh drinking water at all times.

•  Appropriate food and nutrition.

•  Indoor housing protected from extreme weather conditions.

•  Comfortable resting areas.

•  Secure containment and fencing maintained in good condition to prevent escapes.

No outdoor housing

LPOTS foster animals may not be housed, kenneled, tethered, or left unattended outdoors. Outdoor access is limited to supervised potty breaks, exercise, and play. Animals must return indoors after the activity and must have secure restraint or remain within a safely fenced area at all times.
 

Foster homes must comply with all local and state ordinances, animal control statutes, and homeowner or rental restrictions regarding pets.

Colorado foster-home animal limit

No more than eight dogs or cats, or combination of dogs and cats, may be housed in a foster home at any time, including the foster's personal animals. No more than five of the eight dogs and cats may be dogs.
 

Daily Supervision and Safety
•  Monitor every foster animal daily for signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral concerns.

•  Provide appropriate exercise, enrichment, socialization, and normal species-specific behavior opportunities.

•  Transport animals safely using crates, seatbelt restraints, or other approved methods.

4. Health Monitoring, Reporting, Quarantine, and Isolation
Recognizing Illness
Promptly report common signs or symptoms of illness, including:

•  Vomiting or diarrhea.

•  Loss of appetite or refusal to eat, including refusal lasting more than 24 hours.

•  Lethargy, weakness, severe lethargy, or collapse.

•  Coughing, sneezing, gagging, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing.

•  Eye redness or discharge.

•  Excessive scratching, skin irritation, skin lesions, hair loss, redness, scaling, or crusting.

•  Changes in urination, bowel habits, elimination, energy level, or behavior.

•  Fever, signs of pain, seizures, uncontrolled vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or serious injury.

Do not delay communication when a health or safety concern arises.

Required Reporting
Immediately notify LPOTS of:

•  Illness, suspected illness, injury, or a medical emergency.

•  Behavioral concerns, aggression, safety issues, or significant behavioral changes.

•  Bite incidents, scratches, or escape attempts.

•  Escapes, lost or stolen animals.

•  Suspected contagious disease.

•  Animal death.

•  Emergency veterinary treatment.

•  Natural disaster or utility failure affecting animal safety.

•  Any significant change in the animal's condition.

Quarantine
Newly admitted animals may require quarantine for 14 days or more to reduce disease transmission. LPOTS foster home standards state that dogs will be with the rescue for at least 14 days before entering a foster home.

When quarantine applies, the foster shall:

•  Follow rescue instructions regarding the length of quarantine.

•  Limit exposure to resident animals as directed.

•  Monitor appetite, elimination, energy level, respiratory symptoms, and other illness signs daily.

•  Use separate feeding equipment and bedding.

•  Practice hand hygiene between animals.

•  Maintain observation records if requested.

•  Support all veterinary recommendations and report concerns immediately.

Isolation
An animal exhibiting signs of communicable disease must be physically separated from other animals.

•  Use a separate room whenever possible.

•  Allow no direct contact with other animals.

•  Use separate bowls, bedding, and cleaning supplies.

•  Wash hands before and after handling.

•  Follow veterinary and rescue instructions and immediately report worsening symptoms.

•  Continue isolation until cleared by a veterinarian or rescue leadership.

5. Cleaning, Sanitation, and Biosecurity
The foster home shall maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment for every animal.

Daily Cleaning Requirements
•  Provide clean drinking water daily.

•  Remove feces and waste promptly.

•  Clean food and water bowls daily.

•  Inspect animal living areas daily for cleanliness and safety.

•  Spot-clean animal areas daily.

Crates and Containment Areas
•  Clean crates as needed and between animal occupants.

•  Clean soiled crates immediately.

•  Repair or replace damaged crates.

•  Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Bedding, Laundry, and Food Storage
•  Keep bedding clean and dry; wash soiled bedding promptly and at least weekly or as needed.

•  Replace bedding if it is damaged beyond cleaning.

•  Store food in sealed containers and protect it from contamination.

•  Discard expired food.

Approved Disinfectants and Safe Use
Approved products may include:

•  Rescue™ Disinfectant.

•  Accelerated hydrogen peroxide products.

•  Bleach solution when appropriate.

•  Other animal-safe disinfectants approved by the rescue.

When illness is suspected or confirmed:

•  Remove organic debris before disinfecting.

•  Clean surfaces with soap and water.

•  Apply the approved disinfectant according to manufacturer instructions and allow the required contact time.

•  Wash bedding with hot water and detergent.

•  Disinfect food and water bowls daily.

•  Dispose of contaminated waste appropriately.

•  Clean and disinfect shared equipment between animals.

Hand Hygiene and Biosecurity
•  Wash or sanitize hands before and after handling foster animals.

•  Change clothing or footwear when instructed during a disease outbreak.

•  Do not share supplies between animals without proper cleaning and disinfection.

•  Follow additional biosecurity measures established by LPOTS.

•  Report sanitation concerns immediately.

6. Veterinary Care, Medication, and Documentation
Veterinary Authorization
Authorization rule

Except in a life-threatening emergency, the foster caregiver must obtain approval from rescue leadership before seeking veterinary care. Use approved providers whenever possible. In a life-threatening emergency, seek care immediately and notify LPOTS as soon as safely possible.
 

•  Non-emergency appointments require prior rescue authorization.

•  Fosters shall attend appointments when requested and provide all veterinary records and discharge instructions to LPOTS.

•  Fosters shall maintain current contact information for approved and emergency providers.

 

Home Inspection

LPOTS shall conduct an in-person inspection of each foster home before any animal is fostered at the location and at least once annually. LPOTS maintains the completed inspection record at its physical facility address.

Approved Veterinary Providers in Colorado

 

Chewy Vet Care - Creekwalk

100 E. Cheyenne Rd., Suite 100

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 428-3348

Mon/Fri 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tue/Thu/Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun closed

Chewy Vet Care - North Academy

7395 N. Academy Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80920

(719) 867-6294

Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun closed

Falcon Family Vet

10634 Maltese Point, Suite 100

Peyton, CO 80831

(719) 828-7272

Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; weekends closed

falconfamilyvet.com

 

Uintah Pet Emergency  |  EMERGENCY

1635 W. Uintah St., Suite E

Colorado Springs, CO 80904

(719) 633-3214

Open daily noon-midnight; walk-ins accepted

uintahpetemergency.com

 

 

Snodgrass Veterinary Medical Center

6000 Scottsville Road

Bowling Green, KY 42104

(270) 781-5041

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-noon; Sun closed

snodgrassvet.com

Bowling Green Veterinary Emergency Clinic  |  EMERGENCY

760 Campbell Lane, Suite 100

Bowling Green, KY 42104

(270) 715-5600

Open nightly; 24-hour weekend coverage

Walk-ins accepted; no appointment required

bgvec.net

Emergency reminder

Call the emergency clinic before traveling when possible to confirm current hours and capacity. Notify LPOTS while traveling or as soon as safely possible.

Veterinary authorization

Except in a life-threatening emergency, obtain LPOTS approval before seeking veterinary care. Use an approved provider whenever possible.

•  Take reasonable precautions to prevent injury, illness, and escape.

•  Notify LPOTS before leaving the animal in another person's care.

 

Medication Administration

•  Administer medication exactly as prescribed, including dose and frequency.

•  Use the LPOTS medication log when directed.

•  Notify LPOTS if a dose is missed, refused, or vomited.

•  Promptly report adverse reactions or other concerns.

 

Required Records and Communication

Maintain and provide timely information regarding:

•  Medication administration.

•  Veterinary appointments and findings.

•  Medical concerns and changes in condition.

•  Behavioral observations.

•  Weight or health monitoring when requested.

•  Adoption-related information when requested.

 

7. Decompression, Safe Handling, and Training

Many rescue dogs need time to adjust. Behaviors during the first few days may not reflect the dog's true personality. This information provided is not a request rather an expectation for all fosters to truly allow each dog to successfully integrate to their new environment.

The 3-3-3 Guideline
Time period
What to expect and provide

First 3 days
Allow rest and decompression. Keep interactions calm and predictable. Limit visitors and new experiences. Maintain a quiet environment. Keep separated from other animals. Expect nervousness, hiding, pacing, or decreased appetite.

First 3 weeks
The dog begins learning routines and developing trust. House training and behavior may improve. Gradually introduce new experiences.

First 3 months
The dog becomes more comfortable and settled. Personality becomes more apparent, bonds strengthen, and training becomes more effective.

During Decompression
Do:

•  Use a calm voice.

•  Provide a safe resting area.

•  Maintain consistent routines.

•  Allow the dog to approach people at their own pace.

Do not:

•  Force interaction.

•  Take the dog to crowded events.

•  Introduce multiple new experiences at once.

•  Punish fearful behavior.

 

Safe Outside Time and Leash Handling

•  Keep dogs leashed whenever outside a securely fenced area.

•  Keep a properly fitted collar with rescue information on the dog at all times.

•  Never assume reliable recall.

•  Attach the leash before opening an exterior door.

•  Check collar and harness fit before each walk.

•  Use caution at doors, securely latch gates, supervise outdoor time, and check fencing before off-leash yard access.

Walking Guidelines

•  Allow dogs to sniff and explore while keeping walks calm and structured.

•  Avoid dog parks.

•  Watch for excessive panting, a tucked tail, refusal to walk, trembling, or hypervigilance.

If a Dog Escapes

•  Notify LPOTS immediately.

•  Do not chase the dog.

•  Use calm, encouraging language.

•  Contact shelters and animal control if instructed.

•  Follow rescue recovery procedures.

 

8. Resident Animals, Children, Potty Training, and Crates

Introducing Resident Dogs

Allow three days before introducing resident animals. Proper introductions help reduce stress and conflict.

•  Before introduction, keep all dogs leashed, choose a neutral location such as a park or neighborhood sidewalk, and remain calm.

•  Walk dogs parallel with distance between them, allow brief sniffing, continue walking together, and observe body language.

 

Positive signs include:

•  Loose body posture.

•  Relaxed tail wagging.

•  Curiosity.

•  Play bows.

•  Soft facial expressions.

Warning signs include:

•  Stiff body posture.

•  Hard staring.

•  Raised hackles.

•  Growling.

•  Lunging.

Feeding Safety

•  Feed dogs separately.

•  Pick up bowls after meals.

•  Remove high-value chews when dogs are together.

•  Supervise treats and toys.

 

Introducing Cats

Some rescue dogs have unknown histories with cats.

•  Keep the dog leashed initially.

•  Give cats escape routes and elevated spaces.

•  Use brief, controlled exposures and reward calm behavior.

•  Stop if the dog fixates, lunges, or chases, or if the cat appears distressed.

•  Never leave newly introduced dogs and cats unsupervised.

1. Give the cat a separate safe room
For the first few days, keep the cat in a room the dog cannot enter. Include:

●      Food and water

●      Litter box placed away from food

●      Bed and hiding spaces

●      Scratching surface and toys

●      Elevated places where the cat can observe safely

Let the cat become comfortable before beginning visual introductions.

2. Exchange their scents
Before they see each other:

●      Swap bedding or blankets.

●      Rub each animal gently with a separate cloth and place it near the other animal.

●      Allow them to investigate each other’s areas separately.

●      Feed them on opposite sides of the closed door, beginning at a comfortable distance.

Reward calm behavior around the other animal’s scent.

3. Introduce visual contact through a barrier
Use a tall baby gate, screen door, or slightly opened door that prevents physical contact. The cat must have an escape route and elevated area.

Keep the dog leashed and far enough away that the dog can:

●      Respond to their name

●      Take treats

●      Look away from the cat

●      Follow cues such as “leave it” or “place”

Begin with brief sessions of one or two minutes. Reward both animals for calm behavior, then separate them before either becomes overwhelmed.

4. Gradually decrease the distance
Over multiple sessions, slowly allow the dog to move closer while remaining leashed. Do not force the cat to approach or hold the cat near the dog.

Watch the dog for:

●      Hard staring or fixation

●      Stiff posture

●      Stalking or crouching

●      Lunging, barking, whining, or trembling

●      Ignoring food or familiar cues

Watch the cat for:

●      Flattened ears

●      Tail lashing or puffing

●      Hissing or growling

●      Crouching, hiding, or trying to flee

●      Refusing food or avoiding the litter box

If either animal shows these signs, increase the distance and return to an earlier step.

5. Begin supervised contact

When both animals consistently remain relaxed through the barrier:

●      Keep the dog leashed.

●      Allow the cat to move freely and leave whenever desired.

●      Prevent chasing, even if it appears playful.

●      Reward the dog for looking away from the cat and focusing on you.

●      Keep sessions short and positive.

A loose leash is preferable once the dog is settled. Constant leash tension can increase frustration.

 

6. Progress to supervised freedom

Only allow the dog off leash after repeated calm sessions with no fixation, chasing, or attempts to corner the cat. Continue supervising closely. Separate them whenever no responsible adult is present until you are confident they are consistently safe together.

Keep permanent cat-only escape areas available. The dog should never be able to block the cat from food, water, resting places, or the litter box.

If the dog has a history of harming small animals, intense prey drive, persistent fixation, or cannot disengage from the cat, do not proceed to unrestricted contact without guidance from a qualified behavior professional. Some dogs may never be safe unsupervised with cats.

 

Introducing Children

Children must always be supervised around foster dogs.

•  Teach children to allow the dog to approach.

•  Do not allow hugging, climbing on, or crowding the dog.

•  Do not disturb a dog while eating or sleeping.

•  Encourage calm interactions.

•  Watch for lip licking, yawning, turning away, growling, or attempts to leave.

 

Potty Training

Establish a consistent schedule. Take the dog outside:

•  First thing in the morning.

•  After meals, naps, and play sessions.

•  Before bedtime.

Reward success immediately with praise, treats, and positive reinforcement. Be consistent.

For accidents:

•  Clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner.

•  Increase supervision and return to a more frequent schedule.

•  Do not yell, rub the dog's nose in the accident, or punish after the fact.

Crate Training
•  Make the crate comfortable.

•  Feed meals in the crate when appropriate.

•  Provide safe enrichment items.

•  Never use the crate as punishment.

•  Do not leave a dog crated for excessive periods without exercise, bathroom, and social breaks.

Make sure crate is appropriate size for the dog in care.

 

9. Adoption Procedures and Disclosure

LPOTS is responsible for all adoption decisions and communications with prospective adopters.

•  Refer adoption inquiries to rescue leadership unless specifically authorized.

•  Provide honest, accurate information about the animal's personality, behavior, medical history, and adjustment as we love to include you in the process.

•  Promptly report changes in health or behavior that could affect adoption.

•  Maintain confidentiality regarding adopter information.

•  Follow rescue procedures for meet-and-greets, foster-to-adopt placements, and adoption finalization.

•  Ensure required records and supplies accompany the animal at adoption when requested.

Known Medical, Physical and Behavioral Disclosure at Placement
The foster caregiver must be provided information regarding any injury, illness, disease, abnormality, or behavioral concern known to LPOTS at the time of placement.

10. Emergency Contacts, Preparedness, and Response

Emergency priority-Protect people first. Call 911 for fire, immediate danger, or threats to human life. Do not delay an official evacuation or immediate life-saving veterinary care while waiting for rescue approval.
 

Emergency Chain of Command

Primary Incident Coordinator- Barry Hartmann | 270-202-2180
Secondary / Colorado Coordinator- Brittanie Thebeau | 719-678-3764

During an active incident, LPOTS will communicate first by group or individual text, then email. If a foster does not respond, leadership will call the foster and then the listed emergency contact. If both coordinators are unavailable and delay creates risk, call 911 or the nearest emergency veterinary provider as appropriate and continue attempts to reach LPOTS.

Foster Emergency Supplies

Maintain or have ready access to:

•  At least a three-day supply of food and potable water for every rescue animal.

•  Secure crates or carriers, leashes, collars or harnesses, and identification.

•  All prescribed medications, dosing instructions, and basic first-aid supplies.

•  Veterinary and rescue contacts, vaccination/medical information, and a recent photo.

•  Cleaning supplies, waste bags, bedding, and bowls.

•  A transportation plan and a safe relocation option that can accept the animal.

•  Species- and animal-specific temperature, feeding, containment, and handling supplies.

Notify leadership if you lack transportation, safe alternate housing, or necessary emergency supplies.

Emergency Status Check

When leadership requests a status update, reply with your location, animal status, destination, and one of:

SAFE, EVACUATING, NEED HELP, ANIMAL MISSING, MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Emergency Response Guide

When reporting an emergency to Loving Paws of the South, clearly identify your current status as safe, evacuating, needing help, experiencing a medical emergency, or having a missing animal.

Fire, Smoke, Gas Leak, or Structural Danger
Immediately evacuate all people and call 911. Remove animals only when it is safe to do so, and use secure leashes, carriers, or other appropriate restraints. Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel confirm it is safe. Once you have relocated, notify Loving Paws of the South and provide the status and location of each animal.

Severe Weather, Flooding, Wildfire, or Mandatory Evacuation
Monitor official weather and emergency alerts. Secure all animals, medications, food, water, carriers, leashes, and other essential supplies. Leave early when advised and comply with all official evacuation orders. Notify Loving Paws of the South of your destination and report any transportation, shelter, or supply assistance you need.

Power, Water, Heating, or Air-Conditioning Failure
Closely monitor the temperature inside the home and ensure that animals continue to have access to safe drinking water. Give immediate priority to puppies, senior animals, animals with medical conditions, and animals that are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. Contact Loving Paws of the South before conditions become unsafe so alternative arrangements can be made.

Animal Medical Emergency
Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if an animal experiences difficulty breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, a seizure, heatstroke, poisoning, major trauma, or another potentially life-threatening condition. Transport the animal to the nearest open emergency veterinary clinic. Notify Loving Paws of the South while traveling or as soon as it is safe to do so.

Escaped, Lost, or Stolen Animal
Notify Loving Paws of the South immediately. Provide the time and location the animal was last seen, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, identifying information, microchip details, and a recent photograph. Search the area safely, but do not chase the animal into traffic or another dangerous location. Coordinate notifications to animal control, shelters, the microchip company, social media, and the public with rescue leadership.

Disease Outbreak or Suspected Contagious Illness
Immediately separate the affected animal from other animals. Suspend introductions and do not share food bowls, bedding, toys, crates, cleaning equipment, or other supplies. Notify Loving Paws of the South and follow all quarantine, sanitation, veterinary-care, and animal-movement instructions.

Foster Becomes Unable to Provide Care
The foster or designated emergency contact must notify Loving Paws of the South as soon as possible. The animal must remain safely contained and cared for until rescue leadership arranges an approved foster home, transporter, boarding facility, or veterinary placement. All medications, veterinary records, feeding instructions, supplies, and relevant behavior or safety information must accompany the animal.

Communication Failure
Follow official emergency instructions and proceed to the safest available location. If you cannot contact rescue leadership, use your designated emergency contact, veterinary clinic, police or fire station, or another safe public location to relay information when possible. Continue attempting to reach Loving Paws of the South and document important updates, including your location and the status of each animal.

Emergency and Regulatory Contacts
Emergency Veterinarian:
Uintah Pet Emergency
1635 W. Uintah St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(719) 633-3214
www.uintahpetemergency.com

ASPCA Animal Poison Control:
(888) 426-4435
www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Consultation fees may apply.

Pet Poison Helpline:
(855) 764-7661
www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Consultation fees may apply.

Colorado Springs Animal Control:
3578 Hartsel Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
(719) 632-6226

Colorado PACFA:
(303) 869-9130
CDA_PACFA@state.co.us
ag.colorado.gov/animals/pacfa

PACFA License Number: LIC2026002369-1

Microchip Companies
PetLink:
(877) 738-5465
www.petlink.net

HomeAgain:
(888) 466-3242
www.homeagain.com

AKC Reunite:
(800) 252-7894
www.akcreunite.org

24PetWatch:
(866) 597-2424
www.24petwatch.com
 
 
 
 

11. Orientation Review, Personal Emergency Plan, and Signatures
I understand that all animals remain the property of Loving Paws of the South (LPOTS). LPOTS retains final authority over each animal’s veterinary care, possession, placement, and adoption.

I understand the requirements related to foster-home housing, animal limits, daily care, humane treatment, supervision, enrichment, transportation, and annual inspections.

I understand and agree to follow all applicable local, county, and state zoning requirements, animal-control codes, and ordinances.

I understand the signs of illness and which illnesses, symptoms, incidents, and emergencies must be reported to LPOTS immediately.

I understand and agree to follow all quarantine, isolation, handwashing, cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and disease-control procedures.

I understand the requirements for veterinary authorization, the use of approved veterinary providers, emergency exceptions, medication administration, and medical documentation.

I understand the requirements for decompression, leash safety, escape prevention, safe walking, introductions to resident dogs, feeding safety, introductions to cats and children, potty training, and crate training.

I understand LPOTS adoption procedures, honest disclosure expectations, confidentiality requirements, and the prohibition against transferring an animal without prior authorization from LPOTS.

I understand the emergency leadership contacts, communication procedures, emergency supplies, evacuation and relocation expectations, emergency status codes, and hazard-specific response procedures.

I understand that failure to follow LPOTS policies or rescue instructions may result in the removal of foster animals and/or discontinuation from the foster program.
 
 
 Personal Emergency Arrangements
 

 

Foster Agreement and Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I received and reviewed this Complete Foster Orientation Packet, including the Foster Agreement, Foster Home Standards, health and sanitation requirements, training guidance, emergency contacts and procedures, and adoption expectations. I understand the information provided and agree to follow LPOTS policies and directions to promote the health, safety, and well-being of every animal in my care.

I agree to provide safe housing, food, fresh water, humane supervision, enrichment, approved veterinary and medication care, timely reporting, and accurate information. I understand that the animal remains the property of LPOTS, that LPOTS retains final decision-making authority, that I may not transfer the animal, and that I must return the animal upon request.

I confirm that the information I provided about my contact information, emergency arrangements, transportation, household, and ability to provide care is accurate and will be kept current.

I understand and agree to adhere to all relevant zoning and animal control codes and ordinances, whether local, county, or state.

 

LPOTS retains the signed acknowledgment in the foster record. The foster should retain the full packet for reference.

Foster-to-Adopt Program
The foster-to-adopt program allows an approved applicant to welcome a dog into their home for a minimum three-week adjustment period before making a final adoption decision. This period gives the dog and family time to settle into a routine and determine whether the placement is an appropriate long-term match.

Foster-to-Adopt Process
Application and approval: The prospective adopter must complete the rescue’s application, reference checks, interview, and required home visit before receiving a dog.
Placement and adjustment period: Once approved, the dog will enter the home for a minimum three-week foster-to-adopt period. This period begins on the date the dog is placed in the home.
Regular communication: The family must remain in contact with the rescue and provide honest updates about the dog’s behavior, health, adjustment, and interactions with household members and other animals. Concerns should be reported promptly so the rescue can offer support.
Adoption decision: At the end of the adjustment period, the family and rescue will discuss whether adoption is in the best interest of the dog and household. Adoption is not final until the rescue approves the placement, the adoption contract is signed, and the adoption fee is paid.
If the placement is not a match: The dog must be returned directly to Loving Paws of the South. The family may not give, sell, transfer, or rehome the dog to another person or organization. Whenever possible, the family should give the rescue reasonable notice so that a safe transition can be arranged.
Expectations During the Adjustment Period
During the foster-to-adopt period, the dog remains the legal property of Loving Paws of the South. The family agrees to:

●      Provide appropriate food, water, shelter, exercise, supervision, and compassionate care.

●      Follow all veterinary, medication, feeding, training, and safety instructions provided by the rescue.

●      Keep identification tags on the dog and use a secure collar or harness and leash whenever the dog is outside a securely fenced area.

●      Obtain rescue approval before scheduling nonemergency veterinary care or making significant medical or behavioral decisions.

●      Immediately report illness, injury, escape, bite incidents, aggression, or other significant concerns.

●      Avoid dog parks, off-leash environments, crowded public events, and unnecessary high-stress outings during the initial decompression period.

●      Use positive, humane training methods. Physical punishment, intimidation, shock collars, and other aversive methods are not permitted.

●      Avoid making permanent changes  relating to the dog until the adoption has been finalized.

Introducing the Dog to the Home
The dog should be given time to decompress and should not be expected to immediately interact with every person or animal in the household. Introductions must be gradual, controlled, and supervised.

When introducing resident dogs:

●      Begin in a neutral outdoor location when possible.

●      Use separate handlers and keep both dogs leashed.

●      Allow parallel walking before closer interaction.

●      Keep food, toys, bones, and other high-value items put away initially.

●      Feed animals separately and supervise all interactions.

●      Separate the animals whenever an adult cannot actively supervise them.

When introducing resident cats:

●      Initially keep the cat and dog in separate areas.

●      Allow them to become familiar with each other’s scent before visual contact.

●      Begin visual introductions through a secure gate or other barrier.

●      Keep the dog leashed during early face-to-face introductions.

●      Ensure the cat has elevated spaces and an escape route.

●      Do not force interaction or allow chasing.

●      Continue separating them when unsupervised until both animals have demonstrated consistent, calm behavior.

The rescue should be contacted if the dog displays persistent fixation, stalking, chasing, resource guarding, aggression, or difficulty disengaging from another animal.

Adoption Is Not Guaranteed
Participating in the foster-to-adopt program does not guarantee that the adoption will be approved. Loving Paws of the South may extend or end the trial period or require the dog’s return if concerns arise regarding safety, care, compatibility, communication, or compliance with rescue policies. All placement decisions will be based on the dog’s safety, welfare, and long-term needs.