Foster
Become a Dog or Cat Foster Parent for Prairie Paws Animal Shelter!
“Being a dog or cat Foster Parent is such a fulfilling position to be in, you get to be at the forefront of helping a cat or dog through a difficult period in their lives while getting them ready to start their new life,” says Melissa Reed, Executive Director of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter. “Our fosters are so thrilled and fulfilled to be a huge part of finding their foster pet an amazing new home. ”
PPAS depends on many volunteers to help care for the dogs and cats that come through our doors each year. One of the most honored volunteer roles is becoming a foster parent for our companion animals. These parents are our satellite heroes. Foster families provide temporary animal housing for our homeless shelter pets.
Foster homes allow us to care for many more dogs and cats than our limited structure would allow each year, giving us the chance to save more animals.
How can you become a Foster?
Complete our foster application and a brief screening with shelter staff. Dogs and cats are placed with successful foster applicants according to their individual requirements and shelter capacity. Some foster situations last only days, others may span several months. It varies for each situation and needs of the dog or cat. All aspects are discussed carefully with you before placement.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How do you decide who goes to foster? All available dogs and cats are available to be fostered.
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How long does foster care last? Foster care can last anywhere from one night to several months depending on the situation! An average would be about three weeks.
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Can I say no if it’s not the right fit? Yes!! We absolutely want you to say no if it isn’t a good fit! It does you, the foster pets, the pets in your home, or the shelter no good at all if the fit is wrong. We don’t want to cause you undue stress.
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Who pays for the care and feeding? The shelter will provide all supplies and veterinary care. You need to be willing to bring them back for periodic medical checks or weigh-ins and dispense medications if appropriate and you’re comfortable doing so. Please remember that any supplies you provide can be considered a donation to the shelter and may be tax-deductible. Always check with your accountant.
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Can I bring the fosters to my own vet? Yes, but you will be responsible for all costs associated with that visit unless prior authorization has been given. Because we are a nonprofit our resources are very limited and we have to stretch our dollars pretty far. We contract with a local vet who gives our pets quality care at a competitive price and our surgeries are handled by local vet students.
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What if I have to leave in the middle of my foster commitment? Life happens! We’ll take the pets you have in foster back into the shelter. We do appreciate as much advance notice as possible so we can be sure to have room for them.
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Can I/my friends adopt my foster? Generally, you will have first dibs on adopting your foster. There may, however, be cases in which the pets have been reserved for a special purpose and will not be available for this type of adoption. You will be notified before you take them home if this is the case. Please note that adoptions are processed at the shelter and anyone adopting a foster pet will need to meet the same requirements as for any other adoption. Please do not promise a foster to someone, in rare instances we do need to deny an adoption, which is always difficult for everyone involved. In the case of a denied adoption please remember that our confidentiality clause does not allow us to discuss the details with anyone who is not employed by the shelter.
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Why do you have a foster program? Fostering allows us to save more pets!
If interested please contact us at 785-242-2967 ex 1107 or email foster@prairiepaws.org
Here Are the Next Steps:
