Foster Caretaker Application  Logo
  • Foster Caretaker Application

    Foster Caretaker Application

  • Thank you for opening your heart and your home to a shelter pet of Humane Society of West Michigan. Foster programs allow shelter pets who are most vulnerable a safe place to recover, grow, decompress, and socialize. Most foster commitments are short term, two to four weeks. However, on occasion we may need longer term foster for specific behavior or medical needs. When joining our foster team, please know that placement may not be immediate.
  • I'm sorry, but we're only able to offer fostering opportunities to individuals who are 21 or older.

  • Please remember how important it is to join, and participate, in the HSWM Foster Facebook Group. You will receive a link to join this private group once your application is approved. Please share your experience through photos, ask questions, get to know the other foster caretakers, and utilize it as a fostering community resource. Important information will also be shared in this group regarding immediate foster needs, events, and other opportunities. This is not mandatory but is highly recommended. 

  • Adoption

    If someone is interested in adopting a foster pet, we set up zoom meetings. These occur during our normal business hours, Tues-Sat. A customer service staff will facilitate the meeting. Occasionally for dog fosters we may have them meet the pet at the facility. Once a potential adopter chooses to adopt the animal, we set up a transfer of care for the next 1-3 days where you will bring your foster pet and supplies to our facility. Please bring the animal into the front entrance with their favorite toys/blankets to give to the adopter. Please take the rest of the supplies to the back foster bins.
  • A Note on Time

    Fostering needs will vary; this will affect the time they me need to stay with you. If you have restriction on how long a foster pet can stay with you, please alert the HSWM Foster Coordinator.
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    If at any reason you cannot foster anymore with the HSWM, please let the Foster Coordinator know so we can make you inactive for the time being.
  • Please read through the Foster Agreement very carefully!

    Currently in person orientations are on hold. Once you are approved you will receive a welcome email with emergency contact plan, Covid information, and additional information about fostering. We are in the process of creating written foster manuals to give to all active fosters. We appreciate you and your willingness to open your heart and your home!
  • Foster Agreement

    Your signature is required for each of the following.
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  • RELEASE & WAIVER 

  • This Release and Waiver of liability is signed and delivered effective as of the date stated above by the person identified above (the “volunteer,” or the “guest,” as applicable) in favor of Humane Society of West Michigan and its directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “HSWM”).

    I, the volunteer or guest, acknowledge that I am a volunteer or guest at HSWM.  I am not an employee, agent, or independent contractor of HSWM. As a volunteer or guest, I acknowledge that I am not entitled to any remuneration or compensation, regardless of any services I may provide. I also acknowledge that certain hazards and dangers are inherent in activities involving interaction with animals, and that animals, by their very nature, can exhibit unexpected behavior and unpredictable behavior, especially when the animals have previously been exposed to abusive conditions. With these acknowledgements, I am freely and voluntarily delivering this Release and Waiver Agreement under the following terms:

    Waiver and Release   I hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless HSWM and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, demands and causes of action from my participation as a volunteer or guest at HSWM. I understand and acknowledge that this Release discharges HSWM from liability or claims that I may have with respect to bodily injury, including, without limitation, animal bites or scratches; illness; death; or property damage. I also understand that HSWM does not assume any responsibility or obligation to provide financial assistance, including, but not limited to, medical, health, or disability insurance, in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage.

    Insurance  As a volunteer or guest, I understand that HSWM does not provide worker’s compensation insurance on my behalf because I am not an employee.  AS A VOLUNTEER OR GUEST, I AM EXPECTED AND ENCOURAGED BY HSWM TO MAINTAIN, MEDICAL, HEALTH AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE INSURANCE FOR MY OWN BENEFIT.

    Medical Treatment  I hereby release and discharge HSWM and its successors and assigns from any and all liability claims, demands, and causes of action on account of first aid or other medical treatment rendered during my participation as a volunteer or guest at HSWM.

    Photographic Release  I grant and convey to HSWM all rights, title and interest to any and all photographs, images, video and audio recordings made by HSWM during my activities with HSWM that include my image or likeness, including, without limitation, to any royalties, donations, proceeds or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings. I permit HSWM to publish any such images, recordings and videos at will on its website, social media sites, marketing materials and in other media for advertising and other use as HSWM deems appropriate in its sole discretion.

    Other  This Release and Waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law, and that this Release and Waiver is governed by and will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. In the event that any clause or provision of this Release and Waiver is determined to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision will not affect any other provisions of this Release.

    I sign below to acknowledge that I have read and understand this Release and Waiver and agree to its provisions.

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