I certify that the statements made in this foster application are true and have been given voluntarily. I understand that this information may be disclosed to any party with legal and proper interest, and I release the agency from any liability whatsoever for supplying such information. I also understand that I will not be paid for my services as a foster.

Further, I understand that it is a violation of privacy and breach of confidentiality to publicly discuss or disclose any information I may learn about an animal’s previous owner or situation. I will treat all animals, people, and property I come into contact with at HSSW with the utmost respect and professionalism. I understand that difficult decisions and situations may present themselves routinely at HSSW, and I will conduct myself with courtesy and respect toward staff, volunteers, and the public at all times.

Foster Guidelines

1. The Shelter Manager or Foster Coordinator must be notified as soon as possible of any changes in the status of either the animal in your care or the foster home environment that might impact their care. Immediate contact is required should the animal be injured or lost while in foster care.

2. All foster animals must be kept current on immunizations and medical treatments and be spayed/neutered prior to placement. This may require transporting them to and from the shelter for treatments.

3. Approved HSSW staff must approve any medical, health, or behavioral treatments and any third party expenses. Any Veterinary procedures not provided/approved by HSSW will be the responsibility of the foster parent.

4. A foster animal must wear proper identification at all times. Cats are to be kept indoors only, and dogs must be on leash or in a securely fenced yard with supervision at all times. During transport, animals must ride in a pet carrier or securely fastened inside the vehicle.

5. Legal ownership of animals remains with HSSW until all proper adoption paperwork is completed. No foster animals may be adopted, transferred, or relinquished without the approval of HSSW staff and must be returned to the care of HSSW staff if/when directed.

6. Only authorized HSSW staff will conduct potential adoption interactions and process adoption paperwork.

7. Foster animals are always to remain under the direct supervision of the foster person and are not to interact with the public or be in a third party’s possession without the foster person present.

8. Foster persons must be an active agent in promoting their foster animal for adoption, including transporting them to and from events or the shelter for special viewings when appropriate.

9. Adoption of a foster animal by their foster person is subject to staff approval and all usual adoption procedures and fees apply.

10. The foster person understands that not all foster animals will survive and/or be placed for adoption due to outstanding health or behavioral issues.

11. The foster person agrees to always act respectfully and professionally with all HSSW staff, volunteers, and the public and to be a positive representative for the animal in their care as well as the shelter as a whole.

By checking the "I Agree" box below, I agree that I have read and fully understand the foster program process, guidelines, and FAQ. I understand that all foster volunteer work done on behalf of HSSW is at my own risk, and I assume this risk freely and voluntarily. I agree to abide by all conditions of the foster guidelines and release HSSW and all of its agents and employees of any and all liability, property damage, and medical costs that may result from fostering animals in my home.

Foster Home Agreement

1. I understand I must complete a foster volunteer training in order to participate in the foster program.

2. I agree to a home inspection, if requested, by HSSW after I am given 24 hours’ notice.

3. All foster animals will be assigned return times. I agree to return my foster animals at the assigned time. Refusal to return an animal will be considered theft and will be handled accordingly.

4. I understand that HSSW does not guarantee placement for every foster animal. I will respect the decisions made by HSSW staff regarding the disposition of my foster animals.

5. I understand that foster animals are the property of HSSW and are released to my direct care. I am not allowed to release the animal from my care for any reason during the foster period, except to HSSW, unless arrangements have been made directly with the Foster Coordinator.

6. If a medical emergency arises, I agree to contact HSSW for medical attention. I understand that HSSW will not reimburse me or pay for any medical expenses if I seek outside veterinary care without HSSW approval.

7. I agree to obey all laws and local ordinances that apply to the animal for which I am caring.

8. I understand HSSW does not guarantee the health or temperament of any foster animal.

9. I understand my own animals may be at risk for contracting disease or injury from foster animals. In order to reduce this risk, I agree to provide verification that my animals' vaccinations are current.

10. I understand my pets, my family and I and any visitors to my home may be at risk for contracting diseases or injury from foster animals. HSSW is not responsible for the medical treatment of fosterers' pets, family members, visitors or fosterers if they become ill or injured as a result of participation in the foster program.

11. HSSW is not responsible for any property damage as a result of participation in the foster program.

12. I will not allow foster cats outside. I will not allow foster dogs outside without a leash unless in a yard with a fence of adequate height and security. I will not take foster dogs to any dog park.

13. I will follow all guidelines given to me by the Foster Coordinator regarding the socialization needs and/or restrictions of my foster animal.

14. I understand I must report bites that break the skin to HSSW and return the animal to HSSW for appropriate quarantine or testing.

15. In order to adopt my foster animal, I must complete the standard HSSW adoption procedure.

16. I understand failure to comply with any elements of this agreement may result in the termination of my participation in the foster program.

By checking the "I Agree" box below and in consideration of HSSW accepting my application for participation in the HSSW Foster Program, I agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify HSSW from and against any and all loss damage, claims, liability, costs, and expense of any nature whatsoever including without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements, arising from or occasioned by my participation in HSSW’s Foster Program, regardless of whether caused or contributed to by HSSW, its employees, servants, agents or anyone for whose acts they may be liable. By checking the "I Agree" box below, I understand that there are certain risks inherent in handling animals, and I accept those risks.

You should receive a confirmation email notifying you that we received your application. After your application is reviewed, you will receive an email to schedule your training. Thanks!