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1. May I foster if I live in an apartment?

We have foster animals that can be successful in a variety of living situations. The most important thing is that you select an appropriate pet for your lifestyle and are willing to commit to providing your foster with the needed physical and mental stimulation. Please note that regardless of your living situation, if you do not own your dwelling you will need landlord approval and must abide by any weight or breed restrictions.

2. I live on base, may I become a foster?

Unfortunately, those who are living on a base installation are not permitted to foster, per base regulations.

3. I have my own animals, may I still become a foster?

Yes! Many of our foster animals can live with other dogs, cats, or critters. We do our best to provide guidance on a given animal's level of compatibility with other animals, and conduct a meet and greet between dogs if you have a resident dog at home. We also have tips on how to best introduce a new animal to the home and ensure all animals remain safe during your fostering experience.

We do require resident animals to be up-to-date on vaccinations as well as spayed/neutered. We will complete a reference check with your veterinarian prior to your approval as a new foster. When applying to foster, please ensure that you speak with your vet clinic and give permission to release information to speed the application process.

Finally, if you or someone in your household is immune-compromised, consult your doctor before fostering, since working or living with animals exposes humans to zoonotic diseases.

4. May I foster if I have children?

Fostering is a wonderful family experience! It is important to select an animal that is age appropriate with your children. Shelter staff will assist you in order to best match your family's needs with the needs of the potential foster. As a general rule, children under 16 years old should NOT be left alone and unsupervised with any animal. You must also be diligent about providing guidance, instructions and rules to your children about safe interactions with all animals, as well as how to care for your particular foster pet.

5. May I foster a dog if I do not have a fenced yard?

While some dogs do require a fenced yard, it is not a requirement to become a foster for OCAS. Animals need focused physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization. For dogs, this can be achieved by walking or running your foster dog on leash, playing games, or working on training together.

6. What supplies do I need to foster?

Foster parents provide space, food, basic training, exercise and love. The shelter will provide you with all the other supplies and equipment needed throughout your foster experience.

7. Do I need to have prior medical knowledge or expertise?

No, but you may be asked to dispense medicine to your foster animal, so you will have to be comfortable following veterinarian's instructions if fostering a sick animal.

8. Am I responsible for finding my foster his/her forever home?

You are not responsible for finding an adopter, but we do need your help. We do ask that fosters are readily available for meet and greets at the shelter with potential adopters. We will work with your schedule, but our goal is to get an animal placed in their forever home ASAP. Your quick response and feedback is very much appreciated.

Many times a foster parent will find a perfect match through their own network of friends, family and colleagues. The shelter greatly welcomes these referrals!

9. How are foster animals promoted?

Photos and information about our adoptable animals in foster homes are posted at the shelter where the public can view them. Foster parents are also encouraged to bring their foster dog to special off-site adoption events, to help increase their visibility to potential adopters.

In addition to the promotion that the shelter provides, we've found that some of the best promotion is done by the foster parent. Sharing information about your foster pet with family, friends, colleagues as well as to the public through flyers and social media can be a great way to get the word out. Even walking your foster dog with an "Adopt Me" bandana or vest is a great way to gain exposure for your foster!

10. How can I help my foster become more adoptable?

If no one knows about your foster, or how wonderful it is, then it will be very hard to find them a forever home! Is your foster great with children, dogs and cats? Do they love to play ball and run, or do they prefer a good nap? Let us know! Being able to share this information helps us to better place our fosters in a successful home. In addition to supplying photos and bio to the shelter, giving a foster animal 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.

Secondly, our animals benefit greatly from the special love and attention you can give them. Providing a foster dog with basic training and manners will increase their adoptability. Exercise and enrichment will assist in reducing stress and encourage good behavior for our more energetic friends. Shy animals will rely on your patience, routine in the home, and careful exposure to new people and situations to help build their confidence.

11. May I adopt my foster animal?

Foster parents who decide to adopt their foster animal must follow standard adoption procedures, including completion of an application and paying any applicable adoption fees. While it's easy to fall in love with your foster, we highly encourage serial foster parenting. Helping a shelter animal on it's journey to finding a forever home is an amazing experience. It can become addicting!

12. May I return my foster animal to the shelter if I an unable to foster any longer?

We prefer that foster parents continue care until we find a permanent home for their foster. It can be extremely stressful for an animal to be returned to the shelter environment. However, we do understand that situations change and it may become necessary to discontinue fostering. If this happens, we request that a foster parent provides as much notice as possible so that we can find an alternative foster home. Of course, in an emergency, a foster parent may always bring the animal back to the shelter.

13. What if my foster animal becomes sick?

In cases where a foster animal becomes ill, you must contact our foster coordinator as soon as possible. Upon becoming an approved foster, you will be provided a contact number for use during business hours as well as for an emergency after hours. The shelter must be made aware of any medical concerns and will be responsible for decisions concerning medical care should it be required.