Foster Care Application

Our foster program helps animals who aren’t quite ready for adoption, like kittens and puppies too young for homes, moms with litters, pets recovering from illness or surgery, or those who just need a break from the shelter.

By opening your home to a foster pet, you give them the time, space, and love they need to grow, heal, and get ready for their forever families.

Almost Home provides all the supplies you’ll need while you foster. We’re currently accepting foster applications from Tippecanoe County residents.

If you’re ready to make a difference, please fill out the application below!

Daily Care

• Feeding: Follow the specific feeding schedule and dietary guidelines provided by AHHS. If you need food, reach out to our team for assistance.

• Exercise & Socialization: Depending on the animal's breed, age, and energy level, daily exercise is essential. Provide ample opportunities for play, walks, or other exercise as needed.

• Grooming: Regular grooming, such as brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, is recommended. Our team will guide you on any special grooming needs specific to your foster animal.

• Litter or Potty Training: Ensure your foster animal has a designated area for bathroom needs. Accidents may happen, and positive reinforcement is key in training.

Veterinary Care

• Scheduling Appointments: All veterinary care is provided by AHHS. Contact our team if you suspect your foster animal requires medical attention.

• Emergency Care: In case of an emergency, please contact our emergency number immediately: (765) 231-5685. You will be directed to an approved veterinary clinic if necessary.

• Routine Care: Animals will require routine vaccinations and/or medications while in foster care. We will notify you of any upcoming health appointments at AHHS.

• Administering Medications: If your foster animal requires medication, you will receive detailed instructions. Contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding the medication process.

Training & Enrichment

• Behavioral Expectations: Basic obedience (sit, stay, come) can help make your foster animal more adoptable. If training assistance is needed, please contact our team to discuss approved trainers or methods.

• Socialization: Positive interactions with people and, when possible, other animals can help prepare your foster animal for its future home. Introduce new experiences gradually and respect your foster animal’s comfort levels.

• Enrichment: To prevent boredom and reduce stress, provide toys, interactive feeders, and other stimulating activities. We may provide some enrichment supplies, but feel free to use any safe materials from home.

Communication

• Regular Updates: Respond to our check-ins and submit updates to our team every 7 days. These updates help us track the animal's progress and address any concerns.

• Behavior and Health Reports: Report any significant behavior changes (e.g., aggression, anxiety) or health issues (e.g., loss of appetite, vomiting) immediately to our team.

• Adoption Events and Photos: Fosters may be invited to bring their animals to adoption events, or we may ask for photos to showcase the animal online. High-quality photos and a few personality notes can increase adoption chances.

Safety Policies

• Home Environment: Create a safe, secure space for your foster animal, free from hazards such as toxic plants, loose wires, or small objects that may pose a choking risk. Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are securely closed to prevent escapes.
  
  
• Public Safety: When taking your foster animal outside, use an appropriate leash, collar, or harness. Please avoid dog parks or large gatherings until the animal is assessed for social compatibility.
  
  
• Supervision with Children and Other Pets: Always supervise interactions with children and other pets. Gradual, controlled introductions can help ease your foster animal into their new environment safely.

Health and Wellness Policies

• Sanitation: Regularly clean areas where the foster animal eats, sleeps, and plays to prevent illness and create a comfortable environment. This includes washing food and water bowls daily and keeping bedding fresh.

• Illness or Injury: If your foster animal shows signs of illness (e.g., lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite) or has a medical emergency, contact the AHHS emergency foster line at (765) 231-5685 immediately for guidance. They will assist in arranging veterinary care as needed.
  
  
• Medication and Treatments: Only administer medications provided or approved by AHHS. Follow dosage instructions carefully, and consult us with any questions about the process.
  
  
• Foster Review: Occasionally, fosters may undergo reviews to ensure compliance with policies and address any ongoing needs or concerns. If a review is scheduled, please prepare any required documents or updates on the animal’s care.

Travel and Relocation

• Travel with a Foster Animal: Foster animals should not be taken out of Tippecanoe county unless cleared with AHHS.
  
  
• Temporary Care Arrangements: If you need temporary assistance caring for the foster animal (e.g., if you’re going on vacation), notify us at least two weeks in advance. We will help arrange alternative care or provide further instructions.
  
  
• Relocation: If you plan to move to a new home or city while fostering, please contact us as early as possible to discuss options. We will work with you to determine the best course of action for you and the animal.

Respect and Compassion

• Animal Welfare First: Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of your foster animal at all times. Use positive reinforcement and patience to help them adjust, as many foster animals may be experiencing a home environment for the first time.

• Professionalism with Staff and Volunteers: Treat all members of AHHS with respect. Clear, positive communication helps maintain a productive relationship between fosters, volunteers, and staff.

• Compassionate Handling: Use gentle, respectful handling techniques with all animals. Avoid yelling, harsh discipline, or punitive measures, as these are against our organizational values and policies.

Confidentiality

• Respecting Privacy: Some information shared by AHHS is confidential. This includes details about the animal's medical history, behavioral background, and any personal information of adopters or staff.

• Internal Processes: Avoid sharing internal organizational details or practices with individuals outside of the organization without prior approval. This maintains the integrity of our mission and operations.

• Social Media Guidelines: Please refrain from posting photos/videos of foster animals that are not yet ready for adoption on social media.

Foster Community Engagement

• Collaboration: Be open to collaborating with other fosters and volunteers. Fostering is a team effort, and your experience and insights can be invaluable to others in our community.

• Communication Channels: Use designated communication channels (e.g., email, foster group chats) for discussing animal care or reaching out for support. Avoid discussing organizational matters in public forums.

• Continuing Education: Take advantage of any workshops, training, or resources provided by AHHS. Continuous learning strengthens our community and improves the quality of care we provide.