Being a foster parent is a rewarding but difficult job. You will undoubtedly become attached to your foster pet and it may be very difficult to give them up. When an animal is rehabilitated and returned to the Animal Care Center , he or she is housed in a cage or kennel until they can be evaluated and place in adoption. I t may be hard for you to see your foster pet in a kennel environment after having all the comforts of home while living with you. In addition, you may feel anxious about the future home ‘your’ pet will have. It is important to remember that you have made this animal adoptable, and that you must trust the adoption staff at the Animal Care Center to find a good home for your friend.
An animal is fostered because it is not, at present, adoptable. For the majority of these animals, the special care you provide will be decisive and they will return to us healthy and adoptable. There are those few who, in spite of your best efforts, will not become healthy, well adjusted pets.
Our animal care staff may have to make the difficult decision to euthanize such animals. This is the unfortunate risk involved in fostering animals and can be a very painful experience for you. You must be aware of, and prepared for this possible, though unlikely, outcome.
There is no financial expense for foster parents. The San José Animal Care Center will supply all necessary food, litter, bedding and any necessary medical care.
A successful fostering can be a joyful experience for the animal. We hope that the rewards you experience will outweigh the difficulty of parting with “your” pet. Without your help, these animals would not have a chance. We appreciate your efforts and recognize that you are providing a very special service.
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