FOSTER CARE MANUAL www.g-r-r-r.com 1
Contact Names and Numbers Please call between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday with any questions or concerns. Mali Dennis Assistant Director James Dennis Adoption Coordinator Kathryn Shelton Executive Director (252) 327-8062 (252) 327-7047 (912) 656-5900 Emergency Protocol and Contact Information In the case of an emergency, please contact Kathryn. She will assist you in getting the animal the attention he or she needs. If you are unable to reach Kathryn, please contact the other GRRR representatives on this list. If GRRR determines that there is a true medical emergency, you will be directed to take the animal to Savannah Animal Care at 510 W Bryan St., Savannah, (912) 335-1200. Please note that if you decide to take the foster animal directly to a veterinary facility without prior approval from GRRR, GRRR may not be responsible for the costs incurred. 2
Getting Ready to Foster Thank you for deciding to become a foster parent for GRRR. Our animals benefit greatly from foster care. They are able to enter into a stable, loving environment before being placed in their adoptive homes. We are dedicated to rescuing small dogs from owners who are no longer able to able to care for them, from public shelters without a no-kill policy, and from situations where they have suffered abuse or neglect. You are an essential part of this process. Fostering is a family commitment. Here are some tips to ensure that the experience is a positive one. Discuss your plans with your family and household members and get their input. Include in the discussion what kind of dog is appropriate for your household. Should it be male or female? Young or old? Active or sedate? Are you looking for a dog that could be active enough to be a playmate for your own dog? Or do you have a dog that would prefer to be left alone? How long are you going to be gone during the day? We will match you with a dog that works with your family, schedule, and lifestyle. GRRR will work with you to determine which foster animal is right for you. Applying to be a Foster You may apply at our website, www.g-r-r-r.com. Once we have received your application, it will be reviewed by GRRR. You will be contacted for a short phone interview. Once approved, you will be invited to meet the animal(s) that are in need of foster care. A home visit with you and your family will be required before foster placement. GRRR reserves the right to reject a foster application for any reason. 3
Supplies GRRR will provide the supplies needed for your foster dog as long as funds are available. Provided supplies include: - Collar, GRRR ID, leash, and harness - Dog crate* - Medication - Food - Belly bands - Puppy pads GRRR will provide additional supplies as needed on a case-by-case basis. If you need items that are not listed here, please contact us. *We encourage crate training. It is a helpful way to introduce a dog into a new home. It helps with potty training, and it keeps the naughtier dogs from getting into things when you are away from home. If you have any questions about crate training, please contact us. 4
Introductions It is recommended that Foster Parents who already have a dog introduce the animals in neutral territory, such as in a park or down the street from your house. It is helpful to have another adult to assist with the introduction. While on leashes, allow the dogs to sniff "hello." Give them positive reinforcement so that they don't feel nervous. If one of the dogs becomes aggressive, separate them and slow down the introduction process. Don't be discouraged - it can sometimes take a few days for dogs to become friends, particularly when one has been under stress from being in a shelter. It is very common for dogs to determine their own pecking order. They may growl or raise the fur on their neck as a sign of dominance. If the second dog shows submissive behavior, the dogs have established their pecking order and will likely get along. Problems arise when dogs battle for dominance and neither backs down. If this happens, the dogs are not suitable for each other. In that event, contact us so we can find an alternative placement. Never leave dogs unsupervised together initally. Please crate or separate the dogs when you leave the home. It is also recommended that you feed the dogs separately since this is when many acts of aggression can occur. DOG PROOFING YOUR HOME - All cleaning supplies and medications should be kept out of reach. - Put all socks, shoes, etc. away - they are tempting to chew. - Place all small chewable items out of reach. - Many house and garden plants are poisonous. Keep houshold plants out of reach and supervise your dog outside. - Trash cans should be kept covered. - Make sure you foster dog cannot jump the fence before leaving him or her unsupverised in the yard. - Avoid toys that contain squeakers, can be easily pulled apart, or that have small parts attached. 5
NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE GRRR will make all non-emergency veterinary appointments on behalf of your foster pet. If you are able to provide transportation, that is helpful. If not, GRRR will provide transportation for the pet. Please let us know if you see any signs of illness or injury. Your foster pet may require topical or oral medication while in your care. If you have any question about how to administer the medication, please contact us. Please make sure that your pets are protected. We expect that your resident pets will be be spayed/neutered and have had all of their vaccinations. GRRR cannot be held responsible for your pet's veterinary bills. FEEDING - Your foster pet should be fed twice daily at the same time each day. - The amount of food depends on the size of the pet. As a general rule, adult dogs up to 20 lbs get one cup per day, divided into two servings. Puppies may need more. - You may want to feed your foster dog separately from other animals in the home to reduce the chances of food agression. - If your foster dog is reluctant to eat his dry food, you can mix in a little warm water or a very small amount of canned wet food. - Always keep fresh water available. Caveat: for dogs that are still being potty trained, you may want to pull their water an hour before bedtime. 6
ADVERTISING Your foster pet will be advertised on the GRRR website and various pet websites. Please periodically update us with any information that might be helpful in describing the pet's personality. Be sure to include the negative about the dog as well, as we want to make sure that potential adopters are well-informed. Facebook is also a helpful tool for advertising the pets. GRRR will ensure that your foster pet is posted on our page. However, it is often helpful when foster parents reach out to their own networks to advertise. If you are comfortable with Facebook and want to assist GRRR in getting your foster adopted, please take the following steps: - Take pictures of your foster pet. Try to get 3-4 good pictures of them doing various things (i.e. playing with a toy, smiling at the camera, cuddling with a family member). - Come up with a consise description. Try to stay away from too many dry facts. If people are interested, they can always ask later about the specific breed or how much they weigh. Try instead to discribe the dog's personality. Also be sure to include whether the dog gets along with children, cats, and other dogs, if known. Those are the most asked questions, and people tend to want to know those answers immediately. - Post your pictures and descriptions on Facebook, to your page and any groups that you feel are appropriate. Be sure to tag GRRR when you post! We have to keep track of our adverstising, and we want to direct traffic to our page so that we can increase our other pets' chances of adoption. Do not worry if you are unable or unwilling to take on this task. You are providing a wonderful service simply by fostering. Let us know if you prefer to leave it to us, and we will ensure that your foster pet is properly advertised. Another way to advertise is to simply walk around town, in your neighborhood or at festivals. Many of our foster animals enjoy new experiences and meeting new people. If this interests you, please let us know that you would like "Adopt Me" apparel for your foster dog. Be sure to carry a GRRR card and/or an adoption application so that interested persons can contact us. 7
ADOPTION EVENTS GRRR will periodically attend adoption events at PetSmart, Wilmington Island Farmer's Market, and other venues. Your assistance at these events is highly desirable! However, if you are unable to attend and/or provide transportation for your foster pet to these events, you must at a minimum make your foster pet available during these times. ADOPTION PROCESS Prior to meeeting any animal, potential adopters MUST fill out an adoption application. The application is available on our website. We also recommend having a few printed copies on hand in case a potential adopter asks for one. If you cannot print copies, GRRR will provide them for you. Provide any applications you collect to GRRR. GRRR will screen the application to be sure the potential adopter will be a good fit for the dog that he or she expresses interest in. The adopter and all members of the household, including children and other dogs, must meet the animal. Vet references will also be checked. A home visit will be conducted to ensure that the living arrangements are suitable. Finally, the adopter will sign the Adoption Contract and pay the adoption fee. The fee covers GRRR's expenses, including the spay/ neuter of the foster animal and all of their vaccinations. If you are interested in learning how to handle adoptions, please tell us! Having a foster parent conduct or assist in the entire adoption process makes for a smooth transition. Plus, we value your opinion! You know your foster dog best, so we want you to be a part of the process. 8
GRRR Foster Agreement Thank you for participating in the GRRR foster program. Once you have read the Foster Care Manual, please read, initial, and sign the Release below. This is to ensure that you understand what is expected of you as a foster caregiver and what you can expect from GRRR. Please return this signed form to GRRR. You may e-mail, fax, or deliver in person. Kathryn Shelton info@g-r-r-r.com (912) 226-7650 - fax Initial below: 1. I agree to abide by all GRRR policies and procedures, including the procedures outlined in this manual. 2. Since my companion animals are susceptible to any illnesses brought into my home by foster animals, my own animals are current on their vaccinations, including bordatella, which is not a routine vaccination. 3. I understand that any treatment needed for my own animals is my responsibility, and I will not be reimbursed. 4. A crate, food, and necessary medications will be provided to me at no charge by GRRR as long as they are available. 5. If my foster animal is injured or becomes ill, I understand that I need to call Lynn immediately. If I take my foster animal to any veterinary hospital or clinic without prior authorization, GRRR may not be responsible for the costs incurred. 6. If I can no longer keep the foster animal, I must contact GRRR to make arrangements to return the animal. 7. I agree that at a minimum, I will provide my telephone number and an adoption application to interested adopters. I understand that I may advertise my foster on Facebook, and that I may become more involved in the adoption process if desired. 8. If I leave town, I must notify GRRR in advance to either seek approval to take the foster animal with me or return the foster animal to GRRR in the interim. 9. I agree to keep the foster animal's GRRR ID tag on the pet at all times. I agree to keep the animal on a leash or secure in a crate when outside of its foster home or fenced in yard. 9
Release and Waiver of Liability: In consideration for being permitted to foster an animal from GRRR in Savannah, Georgia, the undersigned, for himself/herself, his personal representative, heirs, next of kin, invitees, and/or guests: 1. Acknowledges, agrees, and represents that he/she is aware of and assumes the many risks associated with being around animals, including but not limited to the risks of being bitten, scratched, jumped upon, knocked over, chased, tripped, infected with a disease, otherwise injured or frightened, as well as the risks of damage to personal property, including other pets, and that GRRR cannot guarantee me or anyone else what type of temperament the animal I am fostering may have, that I am not an agent of GRRR, and that I hereby accept responsibility for the animal in my care. 2. Releases, waives, discharges, and covenants not to sue GRRR, its employees, agents, members, directors, officers, or any affiliated entities thereof, from all liability to the undersigned, their personal representatives, assigns, heirs, next of kin, guests, and/or invitees for any and all loss or damage, and any claim or demands therefore on account of injury to the person or property of the undersigned or anyone else arising out of or related to the fostering of an animal from GRRR. 3. Agrees to inmnify and save and hold harmless GRRR, its employees, agents, members, directors, officers, or any affiliated entities thereof, from any loss, liability, damage, or cost including bodily injury or property damage arising out of or related to the fostering of an animal from GRRR. 4. Assumes full responsibilty for any risk of bodily injury, death, or property damage arising out of or related to the fostering of an animal from GRRR. 5. Hereby agrees that this Release and Waiver of Liability, Asssumption of Risk and Idemnity Agreement extends to all acts of negligence by GRRR, its employees, agents, members, directors, officers, or any affiliated entities thereof, and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of Georgia and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, not withstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. I have read this Foster Care Manual and Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and have signed it freely and without any inducement, assurance, or guarantee being made to me, and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law. Printed Name Date Signature 10