FOSTER CARE
 
Oftentimes people who care about the plight
of homeless animals are overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem.
It's true that no one person can save them all-but if you can make a
difference in the life of even one animal, your contribution is invaluable!
The El Dorado County Animal Control (EDAC) shelter
uses trained volunteers to provide foster care to dogs, cats, other small
animals and sometimes large animals such as horses, burros, goats and
pigs. Animals that are generally identified as needing foster care are
those that are:
- too young to be adopted
- unsocialized
- having a difficult time adjusting to a shelter
environment
- having a medical need that can be better treated
in a foster home, or
- needing to be moved out of the shelter when
it becomes overcrowded.
WHAT IS A FOSTER PARENT?
A foster parent provides a temporary home for an animal from the shelter-for
anywhere from one week to several months. Being a foster parent is like
being a grandparent-all the enjoyment of caring for an animal without
the lifetime responsibility. However, a foster parent must be the type
of person who can take home a needy animal, care for it and bond with
it, and then be able to let it go to another family.
WHO CAN BE A FOSTER PARENT?
Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and has experience with animals
can be a foster parent. Preference is given to those persons who own their
home, however renters will be considered with landlord approval. Also,
all pets that are owned by the foster parent must be in good health, up
to date on their vaccinations and any necessary heartworm preventative,
altered, not aggressive, and licensed by the county. Foster homes must
be in compliance with all zoning laws pertaining to the numbers of animals
allowed on their property at any given time. The foster parent is responsible
for the care and control of the animal at all times while the animal is
being fostered.
HOW DO I BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?
Each foster parent must complete a Foster Home Application, attend an orientation, complete a Foster Home Agreement and attend specific training for the Foster Care Program. Also, an inspection of the foster home will be done by EDAC staff prior to approval of a foster parent. Click here for a Foster Home Application.
ARE THERE ANY EXPENSES FOR A FOSTER PARENT?
Generally, the EDAC covers all costs associated with caring for the fostered
animal. Food and any needed supplies will be provided. If medical care
is needed for the animal, the EDAC will arrange for that care.
The foster parent may be asked to transport the
fostered animal to local adoption events, to the shelter and/or to a veterinarian,
at their own expense. The EDAC cannot reimburse foster parents for any
expenses they incur while caring for the animal.
CAN I ADOPT AN ANIMAL THAT I FOSTER?
Yes! Foster parents will be given first priority for adopting any animal
in their care, as long as the adoption of that animal does not put the
foster parent in violation of county zoning laws. All normal adoption
fees will apply.
CAN I ADOPT OUT A FOSTERED ANIMAL TO SOMEONE
ELSE?
No. All animals in foster homes continue to be the property of the EDAC,
and therefore EDAC procedures for adoption must be followed. Any person
wishing to adopt an animal that you are fostering, must come to the shelter
when the animal is returned for adoption, and follow all normal adoption
procedures.
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