What is fostering?
Fostering is like temporary ownership — you take care of your foster pet as though it were your own ideally until the backing rescue finds the animal a loving forever home. Although fostering is only a temporary commitment, it is a commitment. Please bear that in mind before applying.
What is Carson Fosters?
Carson Fosters is a small local foster finding/rescue matching service working to help facilitate the safe release of dogs and cats incarcerated in Carson Animal Care Center in Gardena, LA County, Ca.
Who is Carson Fosters?
Carson Fosters is a small group of animal rescue advocates who volunteer their time matching animal rescues with potential foster families. We are not affiliated with Carson shelter in any way, we just chose to concentrate on helping the Carson shelter dogs. Carsom shelter does not have a foster program per se. They prefer to use their own in-house volunteers to foster dogs and cats when they need one.
I am out-of-state, can I foster a Carson dog or cat?
Carson Fosters is strictly local, we need solid fosters in LA County, Orange County, San Bernadino County, and Riverside County. Out-of-state fostering is not possible unless there is an out-of-state rescue willing to back the dog/cat. We don’t have the resources to coordinate any further out than local. Applications received from out-of-state will not be processed.
Where can I complete an application to foster?
You can complete our online foster application at Carson Fosters Foster Application Please answer all questions and be sure to include your phone number and email address. Without this information, we cannot process your application.
What happens after I have completed the application to foster?
Once your application has been received, our rescue advocates will start looking for a backing rescue for whichever animal is to be fostered. Sometimes the potential foster has already chosen a dog/cat they wish to foster, but oftentimes we may suggest a dog or cat we think would be a good match.
It is important to note here that we have no control over who gets the foster animal. The animal we are working on could just as easily be returned to its owner, adopted, or rescued before we can find a backing rescue. This happens a lot with the small dogs. If this does happen, we encourage our potential fosters to supply us with a short list of dogs.
Who decides whether a foster is successful or not?
You will be contacted by a rescue organization and they will decide. Once your application has left Carson Fosters it is up to the rescues to take it from there.
I filled out an application and I haven’t heard anything. What should I do?
You should email CARSONFOSTERS@Gmail.com so we can follow up for you. There are many reasons why you may not be contacted by a rescue. The reason may just be that a rescue has not stepped up for the dog you wished to foster. They may decide the dog would not be a good fit for your situation, or perhaps they think you have too many animals or you have other animals the dog can’t be trusted around.
Why does there have to be a backing rescue?
A backing rescue is needed for many reasons. The main reason is they are there to ensure the dog or cat is not returned to the shelter if something happens and the foster family can no longer foster the dog or cat. The backing rescue takes on ownership of the animal and is responsible for their care and finding them a new home. They usually pay for all of the animal’s needs, including medical, food, flea treatments, collar, and leash etc. Some backing rescues don’t supply everything, so it is important you check what is included before signing the foster agreement. You should also ask for a copy of the rescue’s third-party liability insurance before signing on the dotted line.
Do I have to have a home check and who does the home check?
A home check is necessary to make sure you are the right home and person/family for the animal in question. For example, you have adequate space, you have a fenced-in yard or patio, to ask questions that are not on the application, and to enable the potential foster to meet a representative of the backing rescue. The home check is carried out by a representative of the backing rescue.
Who actually owns the foster animal?
The foster animal belongs to the backing rescue. When they pulled the dog or cat from the shelter they took on full responsibility for the dog or cat, for the life of the animal.
How long will I have to foster for?
This very much depends on the size, age, and breed of animal you are fostering. Small and purebred animals tend to be adopted fairly quickly, while bully breeds can take many months to be adopted. The backing rescues usually hold adoption events on the weekends and like their foster animals to attend. You should discuss this with a representative of the rescue before signing the foster agreement. You need to know what your commitments are going to be in advance. You can help find an adopter for your foster animal by talking to people when out for walks (dogs) and on social media. The backing rescues also use social media to promote their available animals.
A backing rescue has been found. What next?
The backing rescue will contact you and arrange to do a home check. You may often be asked to complete their foster application in addition to ours. If you pass the home check, they will then arrange to pull the animal from the shelter and set up a time with you to meet them at the shelter or for them to bring the foster animal and his or her supplies to you.
What does the backing rescue provide?
The backing rescue usually supplies everything the foster animal will need. This includes food, veterinary care, collar, leash, bowls, bed, treats, and toys. However, you should read the foster agreement carefully before signing so you know exactly what is and isn’t included. You should also ask for a copy of the rescue’s third-party liability insurance before signing on the dotted line.
Do you get paid for fostering a dog or cat?
Some rescues will pay a small stipend, but they are few and far between.
Can I name my foster pet?
This would be up to the backing rescue.
What if my foster dog or cat gets sick?
First and foremost you should contact the backing rescue for guidance and they will tell you what to do with regard to which vet to take the animal to. Do not assume it is okay to take the animal to your own vet and produce receipts as you may not be reimbursed. Check your foster agreement.
Can I adopt my foster pet?
Usually, the rescue will give the foster family first choice, but it isn’t always the case. You should ask this question up front.
What if something happens and I can no longer foster?
You must contact the backing rescue immediately so they can look for a new foster family. Please give enough notice and if possible be prepared to foster until the new foster family is found.
If you have a question that is not covered on this page, please email us at CARSONFOSTERS@Gmail.com or send us a message on our Facebook page Carson Fosters.
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