As a foster for Dream Team Angels Rescue, you will be providing a loving and safe home for a dog whom needs to feel safe. Most of our dogs will crave companionship, socialization, and patience. DTAR will provide all medical funds necessary during the dogs stay, however the foster is asked to provide the basics for the dog, as in food, bowls, toys, dog bed, and collar.
Before one can be a foster, we require a home check, references, and an application. DTAR will be with you every step off the way, and we try our best to mach an animal to the foster.
Remember, these dogs come from some pretty bad situations, and you are there bridge from shelter life to home life.
Can I adopt my foster dog? Yes! The foster parent still has to meet the requirements the same as an adopter. Though, we would love to keep a foster a foster, we know how sometimes a dog will just call to you.
Are foster dogs contagious/sick? Even though we do are best to vet the dogs, sometimes a virus or other health issue may present itself after the fact. We require that all fosters have their dogs vaccinated, and highly recommend getting the the Bordetella vaccine. If your animals are vaccinated, eat healthy, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the effect to your pets should be minimal.
What do I do if my foster animal needs veterinary care? It’s always best to speak with the specific shelter or rescue about how to handle medical emergencies, as each group may have a preferred way of managing crisis, require notification prior to treatment or have a preferred veterinarian. We’ve included some rough guidelines below, but it’s always best to sketch out a plan ahead of time with your foster contact. If you have an emergency during business hours, please call the shelter or rescue directly. If something happens after hours:
Restrain the animal to prevent it from hurting itself or anyone in the area.
Evaluate the situation and need for assistance.
Is the shelter or rescue’s veterinary office open for business with vet staff available?
Call the shelter.
Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
Is the animal’s life in imminent danger? Is the animal’s airway obstructed or is the animal having trouble breathing? Does the animal have any broken bones or open wounds?
Call for emergency clearance.
Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
Is the animal running a fever of 104oF. or greater?
Call for emergency clearance.
Get the animal in to see the vet immediately.
Look at the animal’s gums. Are they white or healthy pink? Is the animal eating or drinking?
Is the animal able to urinate and defecate? Look at the animal’s stool. Is there blood in the feces or urine? Are there obvious parasites present?
If the situation is not an emergency, call the shelter vet staff first thing on the next business day.
If emergency medical attention is needed, or if you are uncertain, call for emergency clearance. Have the animal’s name, impound number and any information about the situation available so the staff can advise you of the appropriate steps.
Once you are cleared to go to the emergency veterinary clinic, a shelter representative will contact office and let them know that you are coming. In many cases, the medical treatment of the animal will be billed to the shelter. However, some rescue groups do ask you to pay and be reimbursed.
ALWAYS check with the shelter staff before making an appointment with a veterinary clinic. Without proper clearance, the shelter cannot reimburse you for any medical costs. (above text borrowed from Petfinder.com