Foster FAQ
What kind of cats need fostering?
ARI has many cats and kittens who need fostered. We have small kittens with a mother who need a quiet place to grow, small kittens with no mother who need to be bottle fed, older kittens who need to be socialized, adult cats who need to gain confidence, cats recovering from surgery or illness, and elderly cats who require hospice fostering. ARI does not foster “adoptable animals” as having adoptable animals in foster care can lengthen the time it takes for them to be adopted.
Can I foster to adopt?
No. If you’re interested in adopting an animal, please fill out our adoption application. Fostering-to-adopt is confusing and complicated for the pet; it’s not in his or her best interest if the home does not work out. We cannot support this type of program because of the volunteer and employee hours it would take to process the applications. We suggest meeting and interacting with the cat or dog several times before adopting. Also, the change in atmosphere is very confusing for the pet. Fostering before adopting also leaves very blurred lines and additional paperwork for both parties. Keep it simple: if you want to change a life, adopt. If you want to change many lives, foster.
What kind of dogs need fostering?
ARI does not often take in puppies but occasionally need fostering for dogs under one year old for training or socialization purposes. Most often we have dogs who require training or socialization after coming from a traumatic situation such as an abusive home or puppy mill. We are also in need of fosters for dogs who require a place to recover after surgery or illness. ARI does not foster “adoptable animals” as having adoptable animals in foster care can lengthen the time it takes for them to be adopted.
What am I responsible for?
The foster parent is responsible for love and care and transportation as necessary. This includes transportation to and from adoption events or vet appointments or minimally transportation to and from the rescue for events or appointments. Foster parents are not responsible for vet care but they must use one of our approved vets or be authorized to use another. We will provide food and necessities. Foster are welcome to provide financial or non-monetary assistance to their fosters.
How do I start fostering pets?
ARI has the same requirements for its foster homes as its adoptive homes. Potential fosters must fill out a foster application with personal references and a vet references. A home visit is required for dogs and sometimes required for cats.