Foster Application

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this application and for your interest to #jointhescars! The information you share with us helps us better place our rescues with families/individuals that possess the needed experience or environment they uniquely need in order to thrive and be the Superhero they anxiously wish to be. Thank you for being a hero; for your interest to open your home and heart to a little hero in need!

Together we can do much more!

Foster Criteria/Expectations:

I agree to provide the authorized SCARS representative, or his/her designate, access to all parts of my home and property for a home inspection before my application to foster is approved.

I agree that I am over 21 years of age.

I confirm that do not have more than 3 personal pets in my home (discuss with The SCARS if some pets are not dogs/cats). *Some cities/counties allow 4, if that is your case, good to go!

I confirm that my personal pets are all up to date with their vaccines and are spayed/neutered.

I will not visit any off-leash dog parks with my foster dog, even if my foster dog is leashed.

I will always keep my foster dog/puppy leashed and wearing The SCARS tag/collar when outside and use proper safety carrier or harnesses with seat belts while transporting them in a vehicle.

Fostering Logistics:

I agree to answer any phone communication or e-mail inquiring about my foster dog sent to me by a SCARS representative.

I will never allow young children unsupervised access to my foster dog.

I will contact The SCARS immediately if the foster dog is lost or stolen. I will make every reasonable effort to recover the dog.

I agree that the foster dog will not be allowed off my premises unsupervised. When taking the dog out or travelling by car, I shall remain vigilant at all times and he/she will be secured by a harness and/or collar, and will wear an ID tag. The foster dog will not be allowed off leash in public areas.

I will NOT remove my foster's collar and tag at any time. Only for bathing purposes, and will immediately put back on.

I will not take my foster out of town or to visit another residence without prior receiving authorization from The SCARS.

I will not transfer my foster dog to another foster home unless I have prior approval from a SCARS Representative.

I understand that no foster dog is to be handed over to an adopter (or be kept as my own pet if I wish to adopt my foster dog) until the official adoption paperwork is complete AND the spay/neuter surgery is done.

I understand that if I have interest in adopting my foster dog, I too must submit an Adoption Interest Application and apply to ensure I am the very best match for them; I too will undergo the application process in its entirety. I understand that I cannot apply if there is a potential adoption in process (for example, a potential adopter has contacted The SCARS about adopting my foster dog). My home is a temporary placement and the best interest for their long-term success is most important. I understand that I may not be selected to be their forever placement/adopter; adoption is NOT guaranteed and the final decision is made by The SCARS.

I understand that my home is a temporary placement. I understand The SCARS do not take their adoption placements lightly and are committed to finding the best match, however long that may take. The SCARS are not a "first-come-first-apply" organization. Approved adoptions are fully vetted and screened. Sometimes it may take several weeks/months.

I understand that The SCARS' policy restricts my foster animal to be in my home when they are the only foster in the home in addition to my own pets. I am prohibited to house my foster simultaneously with another foster dog from another rescue organization or group. Due to safety policies I agree to foster dog(s) from one organization at a time.

In addition to providing a routine update about the status of my foster dog, I also agree to contact The SCARS whenever I have a concern or need assistance.

I agree that I am fostering this animal for The SCARS, and that I do not have any right of ownership over my foster animal. I further agree that The SCARS’ rights in and to my foster animal are superior to mine. I also agree to provide the authorized SCARS representative, access to my home and property to check on my foster animal at any time that I am in possession of my foster animal.

I agree to immediately return any foster animal in my care to The SCARS, at the request of the authorized SCARS representative, at any time and for any reason.

If I am planning to move at any time during the period covered by this agreement, I agree to contact the authorized SCARS representative prior to my move, with new contact information. I understand that The SCARS has the right to request return of my foster animal based on such a change of residence, and agree that I will surrender my foster animal to The SCARS immediately upon request.

I will not transfer possession or custody of my foster animal to any other person at any time, except for temporary, short-term possession for the purpose of vet care, grooming, etc; all must be authorized by The SCARS.

I agree to contact the authorized SCARS representative with any and all questions or concerns about my foster animal or the fostering program, as well as with updated contact information.

I agree that if I refuse to comply with any provision of this agreement, The SCARS have the right to terminate this agreement and also has the right to the immediate surrender and return of my foster animal and any other animals for whom I am providing foster care for The SCARS. I further consent to provide The SCARS with access to my premises if necessary, to facilitate the return.

The fosterer shall transport the animal to and from any SCARS adoption events that he or she is reasonably able to attend, or help in facilitating the adoption of the animal. The SCARS representatives shall, in its sole discretion, make any decisions about the placement or adoption of the animal.

I will not arrange or pay for, or otherwise cause, any elective veterinary procedure to be performed on the foster animal during the period covered by this agreement, without the express written consent of the authorized SCARS representative.

The fosterer will be responsible for any non-approved expenses. The SCARS shall not become liable for any additional expenses without its prior approval.

Foster agreements are able to be terminated, but The SCARS require a 2 week notification to give us time to find an alternate home for your foster animal.

If I will be out of town, I must inform The SCARS immediately to best prepare to find a placement for my foster while I am out of town. I must notify them at least 2 weeks before my departure.

All communication with potential adopters is to be handled by a SCARS representative. I will direct any friend, family or interested parties to apply directly via the Adopton Interest Application I will agree to facilitate and share photos, videos and any information that will assist in my foster dog’s adoption prospects.

I understand that continued participation in the Program depends on my cooperation with these expectations.

This agreement is not transferable. If I am unable to care for the animal I will return it to The SCARS.

During events, I agree to wear my SCARS attire and represent the squad in a positive and respectful manner. I agree to be a team player maintaining a positive attitude and enthusiastic spirit. I agree to approach a Co-Founder in private or when the time is appropriate to address any concerns or suggestions that need further attention. I agree to be present and focused on my foster; keeping in mind the safety and comfort of my foster and the other participating animals; we are one squad.

As an affiliate of The SCARS, I agree to conduct myself in a professional and respectful manner at all times; this includes social media and community events. I will share photos and videos with The SCARS in the efforts that they will be used to assist in the adoption of my foster.

 

Pet Welfare

I agree to provide my foster animal with proper and routine veterinary care, arranged by The SCARS including scheduled exams, current, required and recommended vaccinations, and urgent and emergency care as needed. I also understand that I must keep my foster animal on regular heartworm and flea & tick preventative medication, if recommended by The SCARS, in addition to any other medications as prescribed by The SCARS vet. All medical issues related to the foster animal will be communicated immediately.

I will never leave my foster alone in a vehicle under no circumstances.

AT the time of transporting my foster in my vehicle, I will transport them using either a Dog carrier or Harness/seat belt to ensure their safety and mine.

I will not leave my foster dog unattended even if s/he is in a secured back yard.

I agree that the foster dog will be a companion animal and will live as part of my family, he/she will not be used as a guard or hunting dog. The dog will not be kept as an outside pet.

I understand that The SCARS are not responsible for illness occurring in, or veterinary care required by my own dogs, cats or other animals.

I understand that if the animal needs medical attention, a member of The SCARS must be contacted immediately and must approve all vet visits.

I will immediately contact The SCARS if my foster dog shows any signs of sickness, including extreme lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing difficulty, green nasal secretions, lack of weight gain in a puppy, mouth breathing, etc.

I agree not to alter the foster dog's appearance in any way, shape, or form. No surgical procedures are allowed.

The use of the following training aids, techniques, and actions are strictly prohibited: Use of electronic shock collars, striking the animal in any way, allowing the animal to run off leash in any place that is not entirely and adequately enclosed or fenced, tying the animal outside for ANY periods of time, and allowing any person to taunt, torment or abuse the animal.

The fosterer understands that the animal may have come from an uncertain background where it may have been exposed to stress, neglect or abuse.

The fosterer also understands that The SCARS have not thoroughly evaluated the temperament of the animal and that it may possess quirks, idiosyncrasies and problems that have not yet been discovered. The fosterer acknowledges and agrees that the care to be provided by the fosterer includes the ongoing evaluation and management of the animal’s temperament by the fosterer in cooperation with and under the supervision of The SCARS. The fosterer accepts responsibility for any and all events that occur in connection with the fostering of a SCARS animal.

The fosterer recognizes that some animals may have behavior problems and the fosterer assumes all risks associated with those potential problems. The SCARS are strictly a volunteer organization. As such The SCARS depends on its volunteers to provide all necessary labor and to assume all related liability. By signing this contract the fosterer hereby agrees not to hold The SCARS or any of its agents, volunteers, successors and heirs liable for any physical, emotional or property damages that may arise from its involvement with The SCARS. This includes any and all activities that fosterer performs as a SCARS Volunteer/Foster.

I understand that patience is crucial. I understand that my new foster dog does not know where he is, who I am, whether he will be fed, be let out to relieve himself or even be safe. I will give him plenty of time to acclimate and learn. I will not rush him into interacting with me, family members, neighbors, friends or other dogs and cats.

I understand it will take my new foster dog an average of 7 days to simply decompress and begin to relax.

I understand it will take my new foster dog an average of 2-4 weeks to start to learn my routine. I will need to teach him my routine – I cannot assume he knows it. The best way for him to learn is through repetition and consistency: feed him, let him out or take him for walks at the same time each day, praising him when he does what you ask.

I understand that even if my new dog is child-friendly, I will introduce the new dog to immediate family children. I will never force the interaction or allow the dog to be cornered to or have too much stimulation and feel overwhelmed. I understand my home and environment is all new to the dog. Just as the dog needs to be taught to be respectful with children, children need to be taught to be gentle and respectful of the dog.

I will take the time to introduce my new foster dog to family dogs. I will keep the rescued dog separate from existing dogs in the home for at least a week so he can decompress and begin to form a bond with me. I will then introduce slowly. I understand that a slow transition into his new pack will reduce chance of incident. I understand that even if my new rescued dog seems fine with other dogs right away that I will need to continue monitoring interactions just in case and not leave the dogs alone together for the first several weeks.

I understand that if my new foster dog is cat friendly, I will let him decompress for at least a week by himself then slowly...oh so slowly integrate the animals together. I will never force the introduction and always allow the cat a way to escape from the interaction with the dog.

I understand that The SCARS provides no guarantee as to the health of my foster animal, and that my foster animal may have significant medical needs, socialization problems, and not be housebroken.

Electronic Agreement:

By sending this electronically, I acknowledge that I have completely read this questionnaire and comprehend it fully.

I understand that applying does not ensure approval and that untruthful answers or failure to comply with the requirements of this application can result in the forfeiture of any SCARS animal fostered by me.

I certify that the above information is correct, and I understand that the information will be verified.

I understand that by submitting this form electronically, I agree to release and covenant to hold harmless The SCARS and it's members from any claims, damages, costs, or actions incurred because of the care or actions of the foster dog.

I accept full responsibility for the dog(s) actions at all times, and release The SCARS from any liabilities or damages that may be incurred because of fostering such dog(s).

I agree to have The SCARS complete reference call checks and conduct a home visit inspection to be able to approve my foster application.

I agree that if I'm unable to foster the dog(s) anymore that I will return the dog(s) to The SCARS and try to give The SCARS a 2 week period to try and find another suitable foster for the dog(s).

I agree that the opportunity given to me to help rehabilitate my foster animal, as well as the chance of a potential future adoption, is of significant benefit to me, and serves as proper legal consideration in exchange for my agreements stated in this contract. I have read this agreement in its entirety, and I agree that all statements and stated agreements contained in this document are made by me, and are truthful, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of California.

As a volunteer/foster, I agree to do my best to represent The SCARS to the public in an accurate and professional manner. If approved as a volunteer, will agree to accept the training provided in the program and understand that my participation is purely voluntary, without compensation; participation may be withdrawn or denied for any reason whatsoever and without cause. I understand that public relations is an important part of volunteer/fostering/adopting. On behalf of myself, my heirs, personal representatives, and executors, I hereby allow The SCARS, Inc. to use any images, photographs and video taken of me for use in public relation efforts. I agree to let The SCARS add my email to their list for communication in the future.

 

Waiver:

This Foster agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the date set forth below by SoCal Animal Rescue Squad (SCARS).   WHEREAS, the Foster has voluntarily contacted The SCARS and has expressed an interest in working with and temporarily homing dogs in the care and custody of The SCARS. In consideration of The SCARS agreement to allow the Foster to temporarily home/work with and/or interact with such dogs, the Foster hereby, for his/her heirs, his/her personal representatives, and him/herself represent and warrant as follows:  

1. The Foster is fully aware of the risks that dogs pose and have elected to temporarily home/work with and/or interact with one or more dogs in the care of The SCARS voluntarily. The Foster knowingly assumes all risks that exposure to dogs may pose, including but not limited to serious bodily injury and/or death.  

2. THE FOSTER HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES DISCHARGES, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISES TO INDEMNIFY AND NOT TO BRING SUIT AGAINT The SCARS, its directors, officers, volunteers, staff, and all other agents, and attorney for any of the referenced parties and any other parties acting for or on behalf of the referenced partied from an and all rights and claims which the Foster has or which may hereafter accrue to the Foster and from any and all damages which may be sustained by the Foster directly or indirectly in connection with, or arising out of, the Foster’s exposure to such dogs.

3. I agree not to hold The SCARS responsible for any damages which the animal may do to any person or property. I specifically release The SCARS of any responsibility pertaining to any damage to property or personal injury or any occurrence relating to the animal. I agree to notify The SCARS immediately of any damages and/or injury(ies). I recognize this is an Agreement and have signed this Agreement freely and voluntarily.

We thank you again for taking the time to complete this application. Like you, we have the best intrest of our rescued superheros and are committed to helping them transition into a new quality life filled with love, safety and endless possibilities of happiness.  We appreciate the time and effort it took to share these details with us. The more we know, the better we can serve you and our rescues. Again, thank you!

 

-The SCARS