Noah's Ark needs caring, responsible animal lovers to join our foster team by opening their homes and their hearts to rescued dogs and cats.  The principle behind fostering is to provide the animals entrusted to our care with a safe home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior and to offer the new owner more information on the dog/cat.   Dogs/cats being adopted to new homes usually stay a minimum of one week with a "Foster Family."  Foster parents should be able to make a commitment to spend time with the foster pets and give all the exercise, love, and attention they need.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will I need to do as a foster parent?   Foster homes are responsible for daily care of the foster dog/cat including feeding, exercising, socializing, brushing and grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course, providing love and security for these animals in their often difficult time in his or her life.

How long does the dog/cat stay in foster care?   If the pet is healthy, one to two weeks is typical.

Do I need a fenced yard?    Cats and dogs must remain inside your home.  Due to the tendency of dogs to escape and roam, a fenced yard is mandatory.  If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the dog may be exercised there off leash, but outside the yard, the dog must be on a leash at all times.

Do I have to be with the dog all day ?   No. Many of our foster family members are currently employed full or part-time and still provide a quality environment for the dog. However, our first concern is safety: for you, your family, your own dogs, and the rescue dog. Therefore we require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he must be confined to a small secure area, preferably a training crate. Noah's Ark will supply one if you do not have one.

How much time does it take to be a foster parent?   From an hour or two a day to however much time you care to spend with them.

How much does it cost to foster?  Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses:  good quality food, and any toys you provide. Necessary veterinary expenses, including heart worm preventative are paid by Noah's Ark.

May I choose which animal I foster?  The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs/cats you foster. If you are asked to foster a dog/cat that doesn't seem right for you, you can say no.  If a foster pet you've accepted proves difficult to handle, he can be placed elsewhere.

Will I become attached to my foster pet?  Yes, you undoubtedly will. They bond quickly and they give so much back in return for your attention. But when you meet the new family that's ready to provide a permanent, loving home for the dog/cat you helped rescue, you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new and better life.  Being a foster home is extremely rewarding, but you should keep in mind that some rescue animals are not housebroken, may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. In spite of these challenges, our foster homes have found that, when given a chance, these animals not only improve, they flourish.

What if I want to adopt the dog/cat I am fostering? If you decide to be a foster parent, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving rescue dog/cat to a final home, and not with the goal to "pick or choose" a dog/cat you may wish to adopt.    We treat the foster home and potential adopter equally.  If you think you may wish to adopt, we require that a completed Adoption Application be on file.

I'd like to foster, what do I do next?  Once your family has decided together to foster, call Noah's Ark at 281-807-PETS.  Arrange a time to meet our Foster Home Coordinator, fill out an application/contract and meet the pets that need a temporary home.  Its that easy!

What Foster Homes Do:

	Provide a safe environment for a homeless dog/cat. This includes a fenced yard or kennel, shelter, exercise and companionship for the animal.
	Provide clean drinking water and a high quality food in proper amounts twice daily.
	Provide rehabilitation care as needed, administering medications, baths, grooming, etc.
	Ensure that the dogs wear collar and ID tags.
	Socialize dogs within appropriate safety limits with other people (including children) and other dogs.
	Provide safe transportation to the vet and sometimes to approved meeting places to meet prospective adopters.
	Provide a wire or plastic crate large enough for the dog/cat to stand and turn around in.   If you do not have a crate, one will gladly be provided for you.

 

PLEASE let us know if you can help us house a homeless dog or cat until a permanent home can be found!

 

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Parent
please call:  281-807-PETS
or email Noah's Ark