Foster Q&A
S.A.F.E. House needs caring,
responsible animal lovers to join our foster team. The goal behind fostering is to provide the animals with
socialization, basic training, and in some instances rehabilitation in a safe
home environment. Foster parents
will be asked to complete an evaluation describing the habits, behavior,
temperament, etc. of their foster dog. This information is a valuable tool in
helping us make a good match between pet and prospective new pet owners. Foster parents need to make a
commitment to spend time with the foster pet and give all the exercise, love
and attention he needs.
Frequently Asked
Questions:
- What is the cost to foster? All you are asked to provide the foster pet is a
premium pet food and any toys you would like to provide. S.A.F.E. House pays for any
necessary medical expenses, including monthly heartworm and flea
preventive.
- May I choose the animal I foster? Yes. The application
allows you to set limits on the kind of dog you foster. A S.A.F.E. House volunteer will
also review your application for other pets, children, etc., and may make
suggestions based on his/her knowledge of the pet.
- What if the dog I choose doesn’t work out once
I take him home? If for any reason the foster dog is not
compatible with your other pets or family members, he can be placed
elsewhere. You are not
required to keep him until he is adopted.
- How long does the dog stay in foster
care? If the pet is healthy, two to six weeks is
typical. If you have chosen a
large breed dog or a dog that has medical conditions that need to be
treated prior to being made available for adoption the length of stay can
be months.
- Do I need a fenced yard? We require that all of our dogs be kept inside your home. Due to the leash laws in Harris
County, a fenced yard is mandatory.
A dog under 25# may be fostered in an apartment, condo, or town
home where a yard is not available as long as the dog is not allowed off
leash at any time.
- What is my responsibility as a Foster
Parent? Foster homes are responsible for the daily care
of the pet including feeding, exercising, socializing, brushing and
grooming. The foster dog must have a collar and ID tag on at all times
(these will be provided to you). Other responsibilities include:
reinforcing basic obedience commands; evaluating general behavior and
temperament; and providing love and security at this difficult time in
their lives. We also ask that
you remain alert to any changes in the dogs eating habits, stool, or temperament
and alert the foster home coordinator immediately if there are causes for
concern.
- What if I work full time; can I still be a
Foster Parent? Many responsible dog owners work full or part
time and still provide a loving home for their dog. However, our first concern is
safety: for you, your family, your own pets, and the rescue dog. Therefore, we require that any
time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog; he must be
confined in a secure area, preferably a crate. S.A.F.E. House will supply
one if you do not own one.
- What if I want to adopt the dog I am
fostering? If you decide to be a foster parent, it should be
with the understanding that you are working toward helping an animal in
need, and not with the goal to “pick and choose” the right dog you may
wish to adopt. If you think
you may wish to adopt, we require a completed Adoption Application be on
file.
- What if I know someone who wants to adopt my
foster dog? For legal reasons, it is not appropriate for you
to allow someone to take your foster dog into their home. If you have a friend or relative
who may be interested in adopting your foster pet, it will be necessary
for you to refer them to the foster home coordinator. They will be asked
to complete an application and speak with a counselor.
- I WANT TO FOSTER, WHAT DO I DO NOW? Please call us at 281-370-0133 for an application or speak with a
volunteer at one of our adoption sites. After we have received your
application and spoken with you in detail to answer any additional
questions you may have we will help you choose your foster pet.
S.A.F.E. House does not yet
have a shelter to house the many dogs that are turned into local animal
shelters daily. All rescued dogs
are fostered or boarded at our expense in a kennel. PLEASE let us know if you can help us house a rescued dog
until a permanent home can be found.
S.A.F.E. (Saving Animals
From Euthanasia) House Rescue and Adoption works with the local animal shelters
in this area. Our goal is to
remove a dog from the shelter before it is to be euthanized due to any number
of conditions, age, size, etc.
Time is of the essence in a
lot of cases as we are sometimes notified just hours before euthanasia. In those instances any foster home is
likely to be contacted for emergency shelter.
S.A.F.E. House has no paid
employees and all foster home applications are seriously considered. We
currently have our 501c3 application on file and all contributions are tax
deductible.
If you feel you are ready,
willing, and able to open your heart and home to a wonderful temporarily
homeless pet. PLEASE CALL
281-370-0133.
S.A.F.E. House Rescue and Adoption
Saving Animals From Euthanasia
6450 Louetta Rd., Ste 140, PMB 1060
Spring, TX 77379
281-370-0133
SUPPORTED
100% BY VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS