Foster Care

Foster Care

Meriden Humane Society Foster Application and Contract

For some animals, having the love and security of a foster family is their absolute last chance at finding a forever home to call their own. For others, it is the chance to regain their health after rescue.
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Are you willing to: (Note: training CAN be provided)
Give injectable treatments (i.e. insulin, sub-q fluids)
MHS covers costs of vet appointments when families use a MHS approved vet or have prior permission but foster parents are expected to participate in the medical care and vet appointments.
***Personal References*** (Include at least one non-relative)
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If you rent, MHS requires landlord permission before fostering
List animals in your home:
I understand that MHS will not be responsible for any expenses or damages incurred to your home or people, property or animals which come in contact with the foster animal.
I understand that MHS will provide any medical/behavioral history known but illnesses and behaviors previously unknown may present themselves at any time. Foster animals may have or contract illnesses that are contagious to other pets or members of your household. Animals, particularly pregnant/nursing mothers and kittens/puppies may be unvaccinated. As a foster parent you accept this risk and responsibility and will comply with any recommendations by MHS, veterinary or behavioral staff.
I understand that foster parents are responsible for the health and safety of the animal(s) while in the foster home. As a foster parent, the animal in your care may need medical care, medication and/or participation in a behavioral assessment or training program. Foster parents agree to fully comply with all medical and behavioral recommendations. Foster parents understand that recommendations may include taking an animal to medical appointments, following a treatment plan and working with a trainer via home or office visits.
I understand: MHS will cover medical expenses at MHS approved vets and in pre-approved emergent situations. If you choose to take the animal to your own vet or without first consulting MHS, the foster parent is responsible for the cost.
I understand: With pre-approval, MHS will reimburse foster families for expenses. Receipts need to be turned in within 30 days of the foster placement ending to be eligible for reimbursement.
I understand: MHS will not cover veterinary expenses due to foster parent negligence.
I understand: Foster parents will remain in weekly contact with MHS.
I understand: Foster parents will inform MHS immediately if any of the following occur: not eating, lethargy, upper respiratory symptoms(sneezing, eye/nose discharge, drooling, wheezing), change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation), injury or any appearance of being 'unwell' and will follow MHS and veterinary instruction.
I understand: Foster cats must be kept indoors at all times. Foster dogs will be supervised when outside at all times, on a leash or a fenced in area.
I understand: MHS encourages families to 'advertise' available animals with friends, family and social media networks. However, any adopter will need to apply and be approved by MHS and pay MHS adoption fees before an adoption can occur, even if well known to the foster family.
I understand: If a foster parent decides to adopt a foster animal, the foster parent will be required to sign an adoption contract. The foster parent assumes full responsibility for ongoing veterinary (routine, emergency and for pre-existing conditions) care starting on the date of the adoption.
I understand: If MHS feels the animal is ready for adoption and the foster parent does not wish to adopt, the foster parent will fully participate with the adoption process, including but not limited to bringing the animal to the shelter for interactions, providing any behavioral/medical information to MHS to support the adoptive placement, and/or returning the foster animal full time to the MHS facility.