Our Foster Program

How To Foster

Foster parents open their homes and hearts to animals who need them now more than ever. These compassionate people play a vital role in the life of that animal and are a critical component to the success of Surfcat Cafe & Adoptions mission as a whole. Foster parents provide a home environment for healing and growth that a shelter cannot duplicate. Simply put: foster parents save lives.

What are foster responsibilities?

Fosters provide care, exercise and socialization to the animals in their care. They are asked to transport the fosters to/from offsite adoption events. They are responsible to monitor any medical and/or behavioral problems and quickly bring a sick animal to a Surfcat authorized vet hospital in case of an emergency. As a foster you may host animals with special medical or behavioral needs, mother animals with nursing litters, or kittens under eight weeks of age who need special feeding and socialization. By fostering an animal you are providing rehabilitation in a nurturing home environment, directly preparing them for adoption into a forever home.

How long are the animals in foster homes?

It varies and completely depends on the situation.

Can I adopt my foster animal?

YES! Foster parents have first choice to adopt their foster.

 

Are there any expenses for a foster parent?

Surfcat provides all the necessary supplies, and support you will need to care for your foster animals, including food, carriers, litter, medication, and all veterinary services.

 

If I have my own animals, can I foster?

Absolutely! A lot of fosters are also pet owners. This will be a factor in determining which pets are placed into your home, but will not prevent you from fostering. We ask that you initially have supervised interactions with the animals to allow your foster animal to settle in.

What if the animal I am fostering doesn’t work out for me?

We will work with you to find the best match possible for your home and lifestyle. Although we ask all of our fosters to take their responsibility seriously and make a commitment to their foster animal, if at any point the foster situation isn’t working out, we will take your foster back into our care and find another that will work for you.

How are foster animals promoted?

 Photos and stories of all adoptable animals in foster homes are posted on our website, Facebook, Petfinder.com..etc. Fosters are also promoted at special events throughout the year.

How can I help my foster become more adoptable?

If no one knows about your foster kitty, or how wonderful she/he is, then it will be harder to find them a forever home. In addition to supplying great photos and a bio and updating these regularly, giving a foster kitty additional exposure by telling friends and family about them will help create a “network effect” and will speed up the process of finding a forever home.

I don’t think I could be a foster parent, I’d become too attached.

This is one of the most common phrases we hear each week at our adoption sites. We share the sentiment wholeheartedly. Because we take these needy kitties from dire situations, nurse them back to health if they are sick, rehabilitate and discover and love each of their individual personalities, we know how hard it is to separate from them when they go to new, permanent homes. Foster parenting is an integral part of the process, and we can only tell you that it is one of the most rewarding things around, and the reason we all work tirelessly to make it happen.

How do I get started?

You can check out the current kitties in need of fostering, or just fill in your application and we’ll let you know who is in the most urgent need. If you have any questions regarding fostering for Surfcat you can call Leslie Weiss at 805-500-7125.

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