Page last updated on January 20, 2023 at 9:47 am
Thank you for your interest in our foster program!
Our foster families greatly enhance the lives of the animals housed at Bloomington Animal Care and Control. This program, combined with off-site adoption events and transports to other shelters, has dramatically reduced euthanasia.
What is your role/commitment as a foster guardian?
We ask that you provide:
- A humane environment founded on quality food, fresh water, reasonable shelter, affection, and attention;
- Basic training using positive methods;
- Transportation of your foster companion to off-site adoption events;
- Transportation to the Shelter for clients interested in adopting your foster companion; and
- Regular and timely updates on the status of your foster companion.
What is involved in becoming a foster guardian?
- Complete an application. Apply using our online form.
- Provide landlord approval if you rent; and
- Provide evidence of quality care of your own companion animals (vaccinations up-to-date, and proof of sterilization).
What issues should be considered before agreeing to participate in the foster program?
- Companions currently in your home may be exposed to contagious diseases, and they should be inoculated against the more common ones, e.g., distemper, parvo, kennel cough, etc.
- Should you choose special needs companions, you should have a space in your home to isolate them from your other companions, at least until the status of their health is known.
- The background of your foster companion may not be known, especially in the case of those who come to the Shelter as strays. Guardians of relinquished companions do not always complete a personality profile on those companions. Moreover, even if they do complete the profile, they may, in some instances, put a better "face" on their companion's behavior/health than is warranted, probably in the hopes of improving the companion's chances of adoption.
- It is difficult to predict how long a foster companion will be in your charge. The length of stay will depend on space at the Shelter, on how well socialization/training is progressing, on how long it takes for a sick or injured critter to get well, or on the age and development of puppies and kittens. Your commitment to a particular companion may range from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
- There are basic expenses that accompany fostering: quality food, food and water dishes, litter and litter boxes, toys and treats, leads and collars, and a crate. Whenever possible, the Shelter may be able to provide some supplies.
- The Shelter will determine appropriate medical treatment and can provide medications/treatment for treating upper respiratory infections, heartworm, kennel cough, and for minor injuries.
- The Shelter can offer assistance in providing formula for kittens and puppies.
What policies and procedures must be followed?
- All decisions regarding medical treatment will be made by City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control. Should the companion animal in your charge become ill, injured, or lost, contact the Shelter immediately. After-hours emergency numbers will be provided to you.
- All decisions regarding adoption of fostered companions will be made by the staff of City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control.
- If you can no longer care for your fostered companion, the companion must be returned to the Shelter. Foster guardians cannot re-home their fostered companions.
- All local and state ordinances pertaining to companion animals must be observed.
Robyn Peffinger, Foster Program Coordinator
Phone: 812-349-3871 Fax: 812-349-3440 E-mail: peffingr@bloomington.in.gov
Again, thank you for your interest in fostering a companion animal. With your help, we can give a second (or third) chance for a life-long home to a deserving companion. Foster a critter and save a life!