FOSTER CARE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you ever thought that you would like to foster an animal and wondered what was involved, here are a few questions and answers that may help you make a decision. By looking at a number of factors including your home environment, time availability and skills and experience, our Animal Health Department can select an appropriate foster home for a pregnant or nursing animal or a motherless litter of puppies or kittens.

When will I be called?

The waiting period varies based on need. There are busy times of the year that we need more foster parents, and they are usually in the spring and fall. We have quite a few pregnant animals that come into the shelter and we are always looking for a foster home for them.

What is the adoption protocol for foster animals?

We do not advertise the animals while they are in foster homes and foster parents are not involved in the adoption process. Once the animal is at an adoptable state, it is returned to the London Humane Society where it will be made available for adoption following normal protocol and adoption procedures.

Am I responsible for food and other supplies?

No. The London Humane Society will supply the foster homes with all food and kitty litter, upon availability.

What happens if a foster animal needs medical attention?

Medical attention is provided by the London Humane Society’s Animal Health Department during the hours that the veterinarian is at the shelter. If medical attention is required, you must contact the shelter at 519-451-0630 ext. 233. There will be someone to take your call Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, and weekends and holidays 9am – 5pm. If you have the animal examined by another veterinarian you will be responsible for the cost.

How long do I foster a particular animal?

Each animal has special needs. The animal may need to be fostered for a long period of time or only for a couple of weeks. For example: a pregnant animal, depending when she is due, will have a minimum fostering time of 8 weeks. The kittens/puppies are weaned from their mother at about 6 weeks of age but they need to reach a healthy weight in order to be spayed or neutered and then go up for adoption. Once they are weaned from their mother she may come back to the shelter for adoption. Can I foster more than one animal?

It all depends on what you are fostering. Each case is judged individually. If all of the animal’s needs can be met and the conditions are right, then you would be able to foster more than one animal at a time. This will be decided on by the London Humane Society.

What happens if my own pet gets sick and I feel they caught it from the animal I’m fostering?

First of all, in order to participate in this program, all of your own animals must be fully vaccinated. Before you take any foster animal home you will be informed what precautions (if any) are needed. If your animal becomes sick it is your responsibility to take your own animal to your veterinarian. Any cost that is incurred is your responsibility.

Do you drop off and pick up the animals that I am fostering?

No. Transportation of the animals to and from the shelter is your responsibility. If an emergency arises and you are unable to bring the animals in, please contact the Animal Health Department and we can work this out together.

Is there a risk of my family or I picking up the disease the animal has that I am fostering?

It is highly unlikely. However, there are certain conditions apparent in animals that may affect human health. Proper hygiene is essential when handling the animals. Please speak with the Animal Health Department if you have any concerns.

What is the next step to becoming a foster parent?

The next step in the process is to fill out the foster program application form. Your answers to these questions will help determine whether the program is a good fit for you at this time and, subsequently, whether we can then proceed to the next stage.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

For further information please contact:

Foster Care Coordinator
London Humane Society
519-451-0630 ext. 233
email: fostercarelhs@hotmail.com