How long will I be expected to foster?

We ask that you be prepared to foster a pet until a suitable "forever" home is found. It's impossible to predict how long this will take - some pets are adopted very quickly and others take weeks or even months.

 

Who pays for expenses?

Animal Aid of Tulsa covers all necessary supplies (food, crate, bedding, toys, etc.) and medical care. 

 

Can I choose what kind of foster pet I get?

In the foster application, you can tell us what kind of pet would work best for you, and what kind of pet you’re willing to foster. Our foster coordinator will work with you find the right fit. If you already have pets of your own, our foster coordinator will evaluate your current situation and ability to foster animals in conjunction with your own pets. 

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Can I foster if I don’t have a fenced yard?

Yes. We prefer houses with fenced yards, but having a fenced yard is not a requirement to become a foster. Your foster pet MUST ALWAYS be leashed outside. We expect our pets to be part of a family, so they will need to be primarily inside pets. Depending on the size and exercise requirements, some dogs absolutely need a fenced yard. 

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Can I foster if I don’t own a home?

Yes. If you rent, we must confirm that your landlord/property owner allows pets. 

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I love the idea of being a foster parent, but I’m afraid I’ll get too attached…

It can be difficult to let go once you have become emotionally attached to a foster animal. Be prepared for tears and some heartache when your foster pet gets adopted, but remember foster families play a crucial part in helping unwanted animals get the permanent, loving homes they deserve. All fosters go through this. However, you can reassure yourself by knowing that your foster pet is going to a good home, and that you are now free to save another lucky dog. Yes, there are always more animals waiting to be fostered!

 

Can foster parents adopt their foster pets?

Of course!  Many of our fosters have adopted their foster pets! However, do not feel obligated to adopt your foster. Good foster homes are priceless, so keep on fostering and you’ll become addicted! It feels good to get so many ready for their forever homes.

 

Will I be required to bring my dog to adoption events?

Adoption events for dogs are held every Saturday at various locations in Tulsa. You are requested to come to adoption events as often as you can - it's a great way to get your dog adopted. You are not required to stay with your foster dog during the event, but we appreciate if you can since you are best qualified to answer questions and talk to members of the public about your foster dog.

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As a foster, how am I involved in the adoption process?

Typically, once an adoption applicant is approved, the application is forwarded to you and a meet and greet is scheduled. We generally like for meet and greets to take place where your foster animal will be most comfortable. Our rescue and adoption supervisor will work with you to get a meeting scheduled at a time and place that works.

Once your foster animal is adopted, you may stay in touch with the adopter for updates on how your foster is doing. You may exchange contact information with the adopter. Especially with email and social media, it is becoming easier to stay in touch once your foster is adopted.

 

What do I do if my foster pet needs veterinary care?

You should immediately contact our rescue & adoption supervisor for instructions. We will provide alternate contacts in the case that program director is not available.

 

How does Animal Aid help and support foster families?

Fostering can be challenging at times, but you are never alone. There are many support systems in place to help you along the way: our foster coordinator, rescue and adoption supervisor, each of the board members is always available and most of all our other foster parents and volunteers are available as well. 

Animal Aid of Tulsa maintains a volunteer Facebook page which is a forum where volunteers and fosters can learn of events and share ideas. We encourage fosters to support each other, via this Facebook group which includes both volunteers and Animal Aid officials. 

 

What happens if I can no longer care for my foster pet?

We would do our best to move your foster pet to another foster home as quickly as possible.

 

What happens if my foster pet doesn’t adjust in my home or doesn’t get along with my own pets? 

We ask fosters to be patient and give a foster pet time to adjust – this may take a few weeks. However, if it is absolutely necessary for safety of our pets and your family/pets, you can “trade” it for another that would be a happier, better fit. 

 

Does Animal Aid of Tulsa pay for treatment of my pets if they catch something from my foster pet?

We require that your personal pets are fully vaccinated and that you are prepared to quarantine your foster dog if necessary.  We do not pay for personal pet vet bills.

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Ok, I am ready! How do I become an approved foster for Animal Aid of Tulsa?

The first step is to complete our foster application that is available on our website at animalaid.org/foster. Our foster coordinator will contact you after reviewing your application. 

 

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I looked at the Foster Application. Can I talk to someone from Animal Aid before I fill it out?

Absolutely. Email animalaidoftulsa@gmail.com, and we’ll set up a time to talk.

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