Below are answers to a number of questions that people often ask when considering becoming a foster caregiver. If you don’t see your question below contact us!
(1) What is the time commitment?
Answer: Guardian Angels Cat Rescue is very flexible. Foster families donate time on their own schedule. It doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. A few weeks or a month can save a cat’s life. Some foster parents like to take only healthy cats that are ready for adoption who rarely stay for more than a month. Other people enjoy being a long-term foster home for cats with special needs. Some like taking care of mom cats with young kittens who stay with the foster caregiver from 6 to 12 weeks.
(2) Do I get to pick what animal I foster?
Answer: You always have the right to decide if a cat is a good fit for your home and time commitment. When you become a foster parent we will ask about your preferences (e.g. adult cats only, or both kittens and cats, short-term or long-term stays). We want both you and the foster animal to have a good experience. You will be asked if a particular cat that is in need of fostering is a potential “fit” for your home. You will be able to say yes or no.
(3) Do I get training and support?
Answer: Absolutely. All new foster parents are supported and get a “tutorial.” You will get practical information on everything from how much & how often to feed the cats or kittens to tricks and tips on making them comfortable in their new environment (your home). And the foster coordinators are always available to help with any issue that might arise: They can be called day or night if you are concerned about the well being of the animals in your care.
(4) What does it cost to be a foster parent?
Answer: We provide all the essentials like a cat carrier, food, kitty litter, cat toys, etc.; and cover ALL veterinary expenses (through our veterinarians).
(5) Do I need to change my home for a foster a cat to move in?
Answer: You do not need to make major changes to your home. Initially the cat or kittens will require a “small environment” to feel safe – this could be a spare room in your home or a gated section of a larger room. As the cat becomes adjusted to your home, you decide if it will be allowed to roam the whole house. The majority of our foster homes keep the cat(s) in a spare bedroom, or office/study.
(6) Can I take vacations or time off from foster care giving?
Answer: Yes. Guardian Angels Cat Rescue will coordinate with your schedule. All it takes is a little planning. Some of our foster homes are “full time”, while many are just “on call” for when we have a kitty in need. Others just foster once or twice a year. We are always looking for temporary helpers, as we often don’t have advanced “warning” when we will be getting in rescued cats in need.
(7) What happens if I am having difficulty with my foster cat or kittens?
Answer: We are here to support foster parents with any concerns or issues. Occasionally there are times when a cat or kitten is not thriving in a foster home or the caregiver feels the needs of the animal are too demanding. In these cases, the cat will move to another home that will be more appropriate for the cat.
(8) Where do the cats come from?
Answer: The cats or kittens you may foster come from a variety of situations, including, transfers from larger shelters, stray or abandoned animals, families that can no longer take care of their cat, or even hoarding situations.
(9) Do you check for fleas or other things before they come into my home?
Answer: Yes, we assess every animal during the in-take process. All cats are treated for fleas, ticks, worms, and ear mites before they are placed into a foster home.
(10) How do you decide the cat or kittens I am fostering are ready for adoption?
Answer: The adoption coordinator will make the decision, but your observations and insights are vital to the process. It is our unique approach to have foster parents “lap raise” the cats and kittens which makes us so successful with our adoptions. Also, it is important to know that we will not let any cat or kitten be placed until it is healthy, has its shots, and is neutered or spayed.