The SPCA of Westchester is currently recruiting volunteers to act as foster parents to help animals transition between the shelter and a permanent home. These animals are either too young, need socialization or nursing back to health, or are having trouble adapting to the stressful surroundings of an animal shelter. Whether it's a litter of orphaned kittens who need to be bottle fed or an abused dog who needs TLC to be able to trust people again, foster parents provide a safe environment for these animals to mature, become more socialized or heal from an illness.
Why Does the SPCA Have a Foster Care Program?
The purpose of a foster home is to provide a home environment as well as the opportunity to assess the animal's behavior around other dogs, cats and children in addition to observing the animal's personality, attitude and temperament. This may include socialization, helping with house training, separation anxiety issues, frequent feedings (for very young animals) and just plain house manners.
Who Can Be a Foster Home Caretaker?
Anyone can be a foster parent provided he/she has experience caring for animals and is able to provide a clean and safe and loving environment for the animal. Potential volunteers must fill out an application and interview with the volunteer coordinator at the potential foster home. After the application and a home visit are approved, the applicant will sign a contract with the SPCA.
What are the Foster Home's Responsibilities?
The SPCA will provide all foster animals with current vaccinations, heartworm preventive (for dogs) and de-worming medication. All animals will have been spayed/neutered unless they are not yet old enough. With the exception of medical costs, the expenses incurred while fostering an animal are the volunteer's financial contribution to the shelter. We ask that foster homes provide good quality food for their dogs and cats. Receipts for the cost of food, toys, bedding and grooming expenses may be kept and the SPCA will acknowledge these contributions for tax purposes.
How Long Does an Animal Stay in Foster Care?
An animal will typically stay in a foster home from 2 weeks to up to 4 months depending on the situation and the animal's needs. We ask that our foster homes be prepared to make a 4 month commitment in case that amount of time is needed.
What is the Process for Adopting a Dog or Cat out of a Foster Home?
All dogs and cats must be adopted directly from the SPCA of Westchester. Those who have seen the animal and want to adopt him/her, must go directly to the shelter to fill out paperwork. The shelter staff has the final say on who may adopt the dog or cat.
Think you have what it takes? Call foster care coordinator Margaret at (914) 941-2896, x-13, for more information.
