This Foster Parent Agreement (hereinafter “The Contract”) is made on the date listed above by and between A HOPE, Inc. (hereinafter “A HOPE”) and the Foster Parent residing at the address listed above. This agreement is valid for any current or future animals (hereinafter “Pet”) in Foster Parent’s care on behalf of A HOPE. The parties hereby agree to the following:
CARE OF PET
Foster Parent shall accept and consider the Pet as a household companion, not as an outside pet, and will provide the pet with a safe environment, humane treatment, and provide proper food, fresh water, shelter, and exercise. Foster Parent agrees this pet will not be abused in any manner. The pet will not be chained at any time, nor will it be permitted off the property of the Foster Parent unless accompanied by the Foster Parent or other agreed upon representative of A HOPE. Pet shall not be used in any aspect of animal fighting. Pet shall not be the subject of, or subjected to, any biological, chemical, psychological, or other experiment.
Pet shall be allowed to sleep indoors and protected from the elements or adverse conditions. Pet shall not be housed or kept outside or in a yard. The pet shall not be allowed to roam free or unsupervised outside. Only dogs shall be allowed outdoors in a yard which is fenced, or while on leash. “Outdoors” is anywhere without a roof, four walls, and a foundation.
Foster Parent shall immediately notify A HOPE if the pet is lost or stolen, and shall make every reasonable effort to recover the pet.
Foster Parent shall not give up or sell the pet to another person, relative, friend, or any other individual, or any rescue group, humane association, shelter, or adoption center unless pre-approved by the A HOPE Rescue Manager.
Foster Parent shall not under any circumstance give up or sell the pet for any medical or experimental laboratory, or to any organization.
Foster Parent shall not alter the pet’s appearance in any way, shape or form (ex: cropping, docking, declawing.)
Foster Parent permits A HOPE to visit at reasonable convenient times to check on the well being of the pet.
VET APPOINTMENTS
Foster Parent is assigned a Foster Coordinator and must schedule vet appointments through him or her. Foster Parent is responsible for transporting the pet to and from appointments.
If the pet is not spayed or neutered at the time this contract is signed, Foster Parent must arrange, through the Foster Coordinator to have the pet spayed or neutered at one of A HOPE’s approved veterinary partners. Foster Parent shall not breed the pet.
Foster Parent shall immediately notify the Foster Coordinator in the event of the pet’s injury, illness, or death during the foster care period. Foster Parent will be required to provide proper documentation and reasoning for any of these circumstances.
A HOPE will provide a schedule for vaccines, tests, and other vet related services. A representative of A HOPE may provide these services if a vet is not required by law.
If, at any time, the Rescue Manager or Foster Coordinator recommends a vet visit, the pet should be taken immediately or when the appointment is confirmed. Vet appointments are not optional and any missed appointments or refusal to get the pet there immediately will be considered neglect and cruelty. This includes any appointments or recommendations to bring to our facility.
FOOD AND SUPPLIES
Foster Parent should notify their Foster Coordinator about supplies or food needed so it can be provided to Foster Parent at no cost.
If the Foster Parent voluntarily chooses to purchase something with his or her own money, the Foster Parent should save the receipt as these expenses are tax deductible. Purchases made voluntarily by the Foster Parent are not reimbursed by A HOPE.
Foster Parents must keep all pets on designated food. Brands, flavors, and ingredients must remain consistent. Foster Parent understands any change to diet can cause illness and will be considered insubordination if changed without prior approval from the Foster Coordinator. This includes treats, medicine, or any other consumables.
Supplies are provided to the Foster Parent at no cost. If, at any time while caring for an A HOPE pet, the Foster Parent needs more supplies, they will be replenished. Foster Parent understands that should any items not be returned, they are responsible for the full cost. Foster Parent understands that any items not returned or replaced within two weeks of returning the pet will be considered stolen and theft charges will be pursued.
Foster Parent understands that if any supplies are ruined, tampered with, or in disrepair outside of normal wear and tear, Foster Parent will replace them.
All supplies needing to be replaced will be taken care of within 2 weeks of the return of the pet. Cash (in the amount of the item cost at retail) or new items (the exact same as ones borrowed) will be acceptable.
Supplies are to be returned with the pet. All supplies borrowed are property of A HOPE and remain as such. Any consumables will be used for the sole purpose of caring for the pet and not for any animals not belonging to A HOPE.
INTEGRATING PET INTO HOME
Foster Parent shall allow a reasonable amount of time for the pet to adjust to new surroundings.
For the safety of Foster Parent's household and other resident pets, the Foster Parent is required to carefully plan the pet’s introduction into the home. The pet should be separated from all other animals in the household for the first two weeks. Slow introductions are required for each pet and this in turn will create a more balanced transition period for the pet. If this is not followed, A HOPE reserves the right to recover the pet from Foster Parent’s home and relieve the Foster Parent of their duties.
If the pet has any contagious illnesses and the Foster Coordinator has directed the Foster Parent to maintain the pet in an easily sanitized space yet the Foster Parent fails to do this, A HOPE reserves the right to discontinue using the services of the Foster Parent due to possible future pet issues.
FOSTER PERIOD
Foster Parent understands the commitment he or she is making by agreeing to foster the pet and that there is no definitive time period. Foster Parent understands it may take weeks or possibly longer for pet to be adopted.
If Foster Parent can no longer care for the pet, Foster Parent shall notify the Foster Coordinator and set up an appointment to check the pet back into the care of the organization. A HOPE will do everything possible to make this appointment as soon as necessary, yet the Foster Parent understands it may take up to 48 hours for arrangements to come available. If the Foster Parent has an emergency where they can no longer care for the pet, and needs them removed sooner than an appointment is available, the Foster Parent must make swift arrangements to transfer the care to another Foster Parent who has been pre approved by A HOPE. The transfer must be approved by the Foster Coordinator prior to the action being taken.
Foster Parent understands that during the foster period, A HOPE has ownership of the pet. A HOPE may recover the pet from the Foster Parent at any time, and for any reason, during the foster period.
Foster Parent understands the pet is the responsibility of the Foster Parent until proper transfer has happened. If the pet is ever found without proper care, due to any situation, the Foster Parent understands they will be pursued for abandonment and neglect.
ADOPTION
If the Foster Parent decides to permanently adopt the pet, the Foster Parent shall notify the Foster Coordinator and, upon approval, shall follow established adoption procedures including signing an Adoption Contract and paying the pet’s adoption fee.
If the Foster Parent finds a permanent/adoptive home for the pet, the Foster Parent shall notify A HOPE and, upon approval, shall follow established adoption procedures.
The Foster Parent agrees to not release any information to potential adopters, before or after the adoption, which is not a public facing response.
COMMUNICATION
Foster Parent agrees there is a standard form of communication outlined in the Foster Protocols. Foster Parent agrees to use the avenues provided in order to keep the Foster Coordinator informed of the pet’s health and well-being.
Foster Parent understands that if communication is an issue, Foster Parent will notify the Foster Coordinator, in person, at the next available opportunity.
Foster Parent understands the pet may be removed if proper communication, via the standard form provided, is not maintained.
Foster Parent agrees to never download and distribute files provided for the care of the pet. Foster Parent understands these files are meant for the sole purpose of caring for the pet which is in A HOPE’s possession. Any distribution, without approval from the Rescue Manager, will be considered a breach of contract and the Foster Parent will be removed from any and all forms of communication immediately in order to protect the organization as a whole.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
A HOPE makes no guarantees and/or promises regarding the pet’s disposition, temperament, and/or future health and personality. Foster Parent acknowledges pet may perish due to unforeseen circumstances and prior containment.
Foster Parent agrees to foster the pet at Foster Parent’s own risk, and indemnify and release A HOPE, its founder, board of directors, employees, and volunteers of any and all liability arising from damages to person(s) or property caused by the pet.
In the event the Foster Parent does not comply with the terms of this contract, at the reasonable discretion of A HOPE, A HOPE may recover the pet. Promptly upon demand by A HOPE, the Foster Parent shall relinquish the pet, and all supplies, to A HOPE.
The Foster Parent agrees to this basic contract and understands there are further protocols and practices above and beyond what is mentioned here.
Further protocols and policies will be distributed before the Foster Parent takes in their first pet. Foster Parent understands that after accepting the first pet, it is understood and assumed all terms and conditions are agreed upon.
The Foster Parent hereby acknowledges that they have read all of this contract supplied by A HOPE.
