The Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society (NOAWS) fully supports their foster homes. In order to assure the well being of the animals in it’s care, as well as the satisfaction of the "fostering family" NOAWS requires that the "primary caregiver" in each foster home ensure that the following policies are in place in the foster home.

Foster Home Agreement

All volunteers wishing to become foster homes will complete a foster home questionnaire (See Appendix 2). It is the responsibility of the Foster home coordinator to conduct the interview and complete foster home questionnaires

The Foster home coordinator will also conduct a home visit as part of the pre-acceptance into the foster home volunteer program. The observations from the visit will be noted on the foster home questionnaire.

All completed foster home questionnaires will be reviewed with the Chief Adoptions Officer. In the event of a dispute (between the foster home coordinator and the Chief Adoptions Officer) regarding the acceptance or rejection of a new foster home, the Board of Directors will be consulted.

Upon acceptance as a new foster home volunteer, the Chief Adoptions Officer will notify the new foster home, and will ensure that all terms and conditions of being a foster home (as outlined herein) will be communicated and understood by the new foster home. The Chief Adoptions Officer will ensure that the foster home signs a foster home agreement stating that they will adhere to the terms and conditions of foster care (See Appendix 3).

The completed foster home questionnaires, information related to foster homes and foster home agreements will be kept as records by the Foster Home Coordinator.

a) The Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society will provide every Foster Home with:

Basic training tips

Literature on behavior, etc...

Medical Care for NOAWS foster animals (include. spaying and neutering, vaccinations)

b) NOAWS will make all efforts, when funds are available, to provide the following:

Food

Supplies such as collars, leashes, tie out chains, litter pans, cat litter

 

Dog houses

Dog/cat carriers or "crates"

Toys

c) Since funds are not always available, foster homes should be prepared to support foster animals financially with items stated in part b. In cases where the foster home has purchased supplies and have not been reimbursed for these purchases, these supplies remain the property of the foster home

 

Care of Foster animals – Dogs:

No more than 3 adult foster dogs will be placed in a single foster home. NOAWS reserves the right to further limit the placement of foster dogs in homes that contain other animals. In order to ensure the health and well being of all animals in foster homes, the total animal population will be considered, as well as the size of the home and yard, in determining the number of animals placed in a home. (Note: local municipal bylaws not-withstanding – local regulations must always take precedence over NOAWS policies)

Dogs must not be allowed to roam -- while outside, dogs will be either kept on a "tie-out" chain of sufficient length or in a kennel of sufficient area, with adequate shelter.

Sufficient shelter from the elements must be provided to dogs at all times. (From the heat of the sun in summer months and from the cold in winter months)

Fresh, clean water must be supplied to dogs when outdoors

Dogs are to be fed proper dog food, as required (if necessary, in consultation with NOAWS and/or the consulting veterinarian.) (eg. Puppy food for dogs under 8 months of age, adult formula for adult dogs).

Foster homes will provide socialization (grooming, handling, love and affection)

Foster homes will provide sufficient exercise, daily

Foster homes will provide notification to NOAWS when medical care is needed as soon as possible after a medical problem is detected.

Care of Foster Animals – Cats

No more than 5 adult foster cats will be placed in a single foster home. NOAWS reserves the right to limit the placement of foster cats in homes that contain other animals. In order to ensure the health and well being of all animals in foster homes, the total animal population will be considered in determining the number of animals placed in a home. (Note: local municipal bylaws not-withstanding – local regulations must always take precedence over NOAWS policies)

Cats must not be allowed to roam, and must be kept indoors at all times (for their own safety and well being), except in the case where a suitable outdoor cat enclosure has been provided.

Cats must be fed proper cat food as required, if necessary in consultation with NOAWS and/or the consulting veterinarian.

Fresh water must be supplied at all times.

The cat litter pan must be kept clean and accessible at all times. An adequate number of cat litter boxes must be provided.

Foster homes will provide socialization (grooming, handling, love and affection)

General Conditions for Foster Homes

The primary care-giver must be 18 yrs. of age or have written consent of parent or guardian - the parent/guardian having been provided a copy of these policies/procedures.

The primary care-giver must ensure the safety of the animal at all times (provide supervision in the presence of children, other pets; restrain from roaming, etc…)

NOAWS does not assume responsibility for damage to personal property caused by animals in foster care.