Finding the group that suits you experiance, needs and expectations is important part of making sure fostering is a great experience.
Foster care programs run by pounds and shelters (usually centred around a physical facility), and by rescue groups (a group of individuals who care for animals in their homes). Regardless of the type rescue organisation you choose to foster for, you should aim to work with one that you feel confident with and who are well organised and keen to help you succeed.
PetFoster will help connect you with groups in your area, caring for the type of animals you are interested in fostering, but to make sure the group is the right fit for you spend time getting to know them.
The group should want to meet with you to discuss your family, expectations, lifestyle and pet-owning history. They'll also likely visit your home to see where your foster pets will live.
The pets offered to you should have completed a simple, humane behaviour assessment to evaluate their temperament. Discussing this assessment with the group should help you decide whether the pet will fit into your home.
The foster group should provide you with a foster care agreement outlining your responsibilities and have a basic guide on their organisational policies and procedures available for you to read. Before committing to a pet ensure you are happy with the terms of their foster program.
The foster group should have a program to follow up with you, once you get the pet home. This might be a phone contact you can call to give updates, a training program to enroll the pet into, or a diary to log the pet's progress. You should also be given details on how to access vet care in case of emergency.
The foster care should have someone whom you can contact easily and quickly if you have any issue or need advice regarding your foster pet.