What does a foster home do?
There's a forever home out there for each and every Companion animal. Sometimes it just takes a little while to find it. That's where our foster parents come in. These compassionate animal lovers open their hearts and their homes to provide temporary shelter for our homeless cats and dogs. Through their kindness and generosity, we gain valuable time and the insight we need to place each dog and cat in the perfect, permanent home.
Companions In Waiting is in URGENT need of foster homes. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please email us or call us at (650) 328-0474, or fill out our foster home application and return it today!
Foster parents provide security, love, companionship and the nurturing home environment that all cats and dogs need to fully blossom.
They play a key role in helping us evaluate a rescued animal's behavior, temperament and energy level. Through their daily interaction in the home, we gather important information like whether a dog is house trained, patient with children, aggressive or shy with cats and other dogs, their food bowls and toys. The more we learn about a dog through foster care, the more successful we will be in creating the ideal match.
The same key role applies with a cat. A foster family's observations can tell us if the cats are shy or outgoing, friendly or aggressive with children, adults, other cats or dogs. Do they use the scratching post? Are they fussy eaters or do they eat anything and everything in their bowls? Are they wanting to be with people or are they aloof? All these areas of information can help make an adoption a success or a failure.
What's Involved In Foster Parenting?
Most Companion Animals are healthy, well-adjusted and transition quickly and easily into a new, permanent family. However, some animals require a little extra care, ranging from post-op rehab to specific food and exercise regimens, to rebuild their self esteem. Others may need time to develop better social skills with people or other animals.
Time commitment
The average length of time a dog or cat is fostered is measured in weeks, but fostering can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Fostering involves spending time with the animal every day, so it will be happy, well-adjusted, and have the best chance for success in its new home. Although we prefer that a dog or cat remain in one foster home until a permanent home is found, any amount of time that you give to fostering an animal is very helpful and greatly appreciated.
Expenses
Companions in Waiting will pay for spaying/neutering and any other required medical care. Foster parents are financially responsible for providing food and (in the case of cats) litter for the foster animal.
Assistance in new home placement
In addition to attending to the animal's basic needs, foster parents must ensure that their foster dogs and cats are available to attend our Adoption Fairs. We occasionally show dogs and cats by private appointment in the foster home or at a local pet store, and ask for the foster parent's cooperation in this regard.
Training and exercise
Dogs in particular need daily exercise to remain healthy. You should discuss a potential foster animal's energy level with CIW to ensure you can meet their exercise needs. In addition, some dogs may need house training (either beginning, or a remedial course). Even house-trained animals may have accidents when moved into a new environment. Dogs with any type of behavior issue (such as puppy teething) may need training/reinforcement from the foster family. Behavior and training needs will be discussed before any foster placement.
Emotional commitment
Other than food, water, and shelter, what a dog or cat needs most is your time and love. Potential foster parents should be aware that they will be temporarily sharing their lives with an animal to whom you may grow quite attached. A loving foster home that provides security gives these animals the best chance of a successful adoption and a happy life. Of course, foster families can and do become adoptive families too!
Apply to foster
If you'd like to become a foster family, please fill out our Foster Home Application. Please return completed applications to: Companions in WaitingP.O. Box 213
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Or, give us a call at 650-328-0747 if you have any questions about fostering.
Foster criteria checklist
This checklist can help you determine if fostering is right for you.- Do you enjoy working with animals, and are you willing to spend time training dogs, or socializing cats?
- Can you arrange to have your foster animals available for adoption fairs?
- Are you okay with a cat or dog you may have grown very fond being available for adoption? (Fosters can be adopters too, of course!)
- Do you have a secure environment for the type of animal you'd foster? Small kittens can get under some doors, and some dogs can jump or dig under fences.
- Are you willing to have potential adopters meet the foster animal in your home, so they can see how the animal behaves in a home setting?
- Do you have lots of love and patience for an animal adjusting to a new environment?