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Foster Policy

At Snuggle Stop Rescue, our foster parents are integral to the well-being and successful adoption of our animals. This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities for foster parents to ensure a positive, safe, and effective fostering experience for both the animal and the foster family.

 

1. General Guidelines

  • Temporary Care: All animals fostered through Snuggle Stop Rescue are considered temporary placements. Fostering is not an adoption agreement and does not grant permanent ownership of the animal.

  • Foster Period: The duration of fostering varies based on the animal’s needs, the species, and the timing of adoption. Foster periods may range from a few weeks to several months. Foster parents will be informed of the expected timeframe for each placement.

  • Home Visit: A home visit may be conducted before approval to foster an animal. The purpose is to ensure the home environment is safe and appropriate for the animal in question.

 

2. Foster Parent Responsibilities

  • Animal Care:

    • Provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for the foster animal.

    • Ensure the animal receives appropriate food, shelter, exercise, and medical care.

    • Monitor and report any health or behavioral concerns to the Snuggle Stop Rescue staff promptly.

    • Foster parents are responsible for ensuring that the animal’s needs are met, including administering any medications or treatments as prescribed by Snuggle Stop Rescue’s veterinary team.

  • Transportation:

    • Foster parents may be asked to transport animals to veterinary appointments, adoption events, or other required locations. Foster families should have reliable transportation and be within a reasonable commuting distance to Snuggle Stop Rescue.

    • In cases of emergency, foster parents should be prepared to transport the animal to a designated emergency veterinarian if instructed.

  • Communication:

    • Provide regular updates to Snuggle Stop Rescue about the animal’s behavior, health, and progress. These updates may include photos, reports on the animal’s temperament, and any changes in health.

    • Respond promptly to communication from Snuggle Stop Rescue regarding the foster animal’s status or any changes in plans.

  • Adoption Process:

    • Foster parents must understand that the foster animal may eventually be adopted by another family. While fostering, foster parents should avoid making permanent attachments and should prepare to say goodbye when the animal is placed in its forever home.

    • Foster families will be asked to bring the animal to meetings with potential adopters, as well as adoption events.

 

3. Foster Parent Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: Foster parents must be at least 18 years old.

  • Living Situation:

    • If renting, foster parents must obtain written consent from their landlord or check their rental agreement for pet policies.

    • Foster homes must be able to provide a safe and secure environment, with appropriate space for the animal.

  • Other Pets: Foster families must ensure that their existing pets are compatible with foster animals and that the foster animal is introduced safely to other household animals.

  • Family Considerations: All household members must be in agreement with fostering and prepared for the responsibilities and emotional aspects involved.

 

4. Expectations for Foster Parent Behavior

  • Respect for Rescue Protocols: Foster parents must follow all Snuggle Stop Rescue policies, including those related to veterinary care, medical treatment, and animal behavior management.

  • No Unauthorized Veterinary Care: Foster animals should not be taken to a personal veterinarian or another facility without prior approval from Snuggle Stop Rescue’s staff. Any medical expenses must be approved in advance.

  • No Rehoming or Adopting the Animal: Foster parents are not permitted to rehome or adopt the animal they are fostering unless explicitly approved by Snuggle Stop Rescue. Adoption must go through the official adoption process.

 

5. Foster Parent Support

  • Supplies Provided: Snuggle Stop Rescue will provide necessary supplies, including food, bowls, collar, leash, toys, medication, and bedding for the foster animal.

  • Training and Resources: Foster parents will have access to training materials and support from Snuggle Stop Rescue’s staff for any questions or concerns regarding animal behavior or care.

  • Emergency Support: In case of an emergency or urgent situation outside of normal business hours, foster parents can contact Monson Animal Clinic via text or voicemail, 413-267-5141.    Monson Animal Clinic can also be reached through email at monsonanimalclinic.com.   In the event that the foster animal is experiencing a life threatening emergency and Monson Animal Clinic or staff from Snuggle Stop Rescue can not be reached then the foster parent may take the animal to their nearest veterinary emergency or urgent care clinic.   Until a representative from Snuggle Stop Rescue can be contacted,  only life stabilizing care and pain management should be authorized.

6. Foster Parent Agreement and Liability

By agreeing to foster an animal from Snuggle Stop Rescue, the foster parent acknowledges the following:

  • Release of Liability: The foster parent agrees to release Snuggle Stop Rescue from any liability related to the fostering process, including any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur as a result of the animal’s behavior.

  • Indemnification: The foster parent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Snuggle Stop Rescue from any claims, losses, or damages that may arise from the fostering of an animal.

  • Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with any of the policies and guidelines outlined in this agreement may result in the immediate removal of the foster animal from the home and the termination of the foster arrangement.

 

7. Termination of Fostering Agreement

Snuggle Stop Rescue reserves the right to terminate any fostering agreement if:

  • The foster parent is unable or unwilling to meet the animal’s needs.

  • The foster animal’s welfare is compromised in any way.

  • The foster parent violates the terms of this policy.

In such cases, Snuggle Stop Rescue will make arrangements to relocate the animal to another foster home or facility.

 

8. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or further information about fostering, please contact:

Snuggle Stop Rescue
Email: snugglestoprescue@gmail.com
Phone: (413) 267 - 5141, call & text
Facebook: Snuggle Stop Rescue

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