1. I understand that the role of a Foster Parent is a volunteer position and I will not be paid by the Valley Animal Center for any services performed by me.
2. I understand as a foster parent my animal(s) may contract a disease from the foster animal. Valley Animal Center (VAC) will not be held responsible for care or treatment of any foster parent owned animals.
3. In the case of a foster dog, I agree that the animal will wear appropriate identification for the entire foster period, to include a name tag and microchip tag.
4. I understand I will be required to provide daily exercise, socialization, transportation and water for the foster pet at my own expense.
5. In the case of an emergency, I will contact the Foster Coordinator. I will be responsible for taking the animal to the correct care facility as directed. VAC will pay the medical bill, if the pet is taken to the correct care facility. I, as the foster parent, am responsible for getting any medical records from the veterinarian and turn them into VAC within 48 hours.
6. If I have any behavioral concerns with my foster animal I will contact VAC to seek advice. I understand that some shelter animals have unknown behavioral and medical histories and may show behaviors in one home that they will not show in another. I agree to work through these issues to the best of my ability.
7. If I need to return a foster animal before the end of the agreed upon foster period I will contact the Foster Coordinator and allow VAC at least 72 hours to find another foster home for the animal. If I have a known period of time (i.e.: vacation) that I cannot provide care the foster animal, I will arrange with the Foster Coordinator options for my foster animal at least one week prior.
8. All foster cats must be kept inside only.
9. Foster dogs should be allowed indoors and outdoors, and must be provided with a secure fenced area when outside, including shelter from the elements. California state law prohibits dogs from being tethered in any way for any amount of time. The foster animal will always be under my control either on a leash or in the confines of my property.
10. I will NOT allow others to care for my foster animal unless I have received approval from VAC to do so. I am responsible for the well-being of my foster animal at all times.
11. As the foster parent, I understand that I have the first choice to adopt my foster animal. If I choose to do so, I understand I must submit an application, as any other customer would do. My application will be reviewed and accepted or declined.
12. I understand that part of the responsibility, as a foster parent, is to return the animal when the agreed upon foster period is over. If the period needs to be extended, it will be at the discretion of the Animal Care Manager and Foster Coordinator.
13. At the end of the foster period, I agree to fill out a foster questionnaire that will help my foster animal find the right home.
14. I understand that my foster animal is legally owned by VAC and maybe removed from my care at any time by VAC, in its sole discretion, for any reason or no reason. I agree to surrender my foster animal to VAC upon receiving notification of the foster agreement.
15. I understand that any animal, including the foster animal, may pose a risk of injury, death, illness, or damage to me, my family, other persons, or to personal property. I voluntarily and knowingly assume any and all risks associated with my agreement to act as a foster parent including the risk of injury, death, illness, or damage.
16. If my foster animal does bite me or another person, puncturing the skin, causing me or another person to bleed, I will notify VAC as soon as possible.
17. I hereby waive and release Valley Animal Center, its board members, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, and volunteers, from any claims, causes of action or liability for any injury, illness, or damage to self, other persons, or property once the animal is in my foster care.
18. I have read this release agreement and fully understand that I will relinquish all claims or actions known now or in the future against Valley Animal Center, its board members, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, and volunteers. I am of legal age and legally competent to sign this agreement. I am signing this agreement of my own free will without the influence of a Valley Animal Center staff member.
19. My signature below signifies that I agree with these terms and conditions. By signing below I acknowledge that the information provided on this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. If at any time any of the information I have provided changes, I will provide the updated information to the Foster Chair.
20. I hereby certify that I have read all of the above and fully understand the meaning and effect thereof.
