The Souris Valley Humane Society is recruiting volunteers to act as foster “parents” to pets from our local shelter. These animals are either too young, need further socialization, or have a treatable illness requiring special attention which prevents them from being adoptable candidates at the time.  They are, however, excellent pets which the shelter staff believes have an excellent chance for adoption once they are older or healthy again. Foster parents provide a safe environment for these animals to mature, become more socialized or heal from an illness.

WHY DOES THE ANIMAL SHELTER HAVE A FOSTER PROGRAM?
Our goal is to adopt out as many healthy animals from the shelter as we can. Some of the animals released to the shelter are not adoptable when they first arrive.  The Foster Program moves these animals out to foster care providers, on a temporary basis, who care for the animal until such time as it can eat solid food or heal from an injury or illness. Once the animal is suitable for adoption, the animal is returned to the shelter to await adoption into a new home.

WHAT ARE THE FOSTER FAMILIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES?
The animal shelter expects all animals held in foster homes will be welcomed as a member of the family.  Foster care givers must be able to provide a clean safe environment in which to care for the animal to prevent injury and spread of disease.  Food, cat litter, flea control, milk re-placer, and any medication not dispensed by the shelter are the financial responsibility of the foster parent, as we do not have the funding to provide these supplies outside of the shelter.

In the event that the animal in your foster care becomes ill, we do not have an in-house veterinarian readily available to assist you.  If emergency care is required, it is the foster care provider’s responsibility to coordinate and pay for these services.  Hopefully, if proper guidelines are followed regarding the care of animals, the need for such care will not be necessary.

If you would like more information on becoming a Foster Family, please contact SVHS at 852-6133.