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FOSTER PARENT HANDBOOK

Thank you for being a foster family!

You are helping save lives! We couldn’t save as many lives as we do without our wonderful foster families! Thank you for everything

you do! This packet is your guide to the Richmond Animal League foster program.

Please make sure to read through this handbook and let the Volunteer Manager know if you have

any questions!

Fill out the Foster Application on our Website at https://www.ral.org/how_to_help/foster

Richmond Animal League

11401 International Drive

Richmond, VA 23236

804-379-0046 www.ral.org

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Table of Contents

Foster Parent Responsibilities 3

Foster FAQs 4

Tips and Tricks to taking great photos 6

Spay / Neuter Surgery 7

Adoption Process 9

Emergency or Not 12

RAL Staff Contact 13

Foster Mentors 14

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Foster Parent Responsibilities

Provide basic care for pets such as feeding, socialization, play time, walks and other enrichment.

Bring foster pets to the shelter when requested for routine medical care (shots, spay/neuter, etc.).

An operations staff member will contact you when your foster pets are due for a service, and you

will coordinate a time to bring them in. In case of emergency you will be needed to transport your

foster to the shelter, or to an emergency care veterinarian that we approve.

Keep your foster pets separate from personal pets for a

minimum of two weeks. If your foster pets pass an illness to your

personal pets, RAL is not responsible for the treatment of your

pets.

If you choose to integrate your foster pet with members of your

family, guests, or your personal pets, you choose to do so at your

own risk. Integration must be directly supervised by the foster.

If you choose to integrate please consult shelter staff for advice

as each foster is unique.

If you have medical restrictions/limitations please consult with your medical provider before fostering.

While RAL does its best to inform fosters of all medical history, there are many potential diseases and

inherent risks in fostering. RAL is not responsible for any treatment for any individuals that come into

contact with the foster pet.

To assist with communication and updates on fostering and pet health, we use Maddies Pet

Assistant to send out day one, day three, week one and further follow up surveys. It’s important to fill

those surveys out completely to keep staff up to date. However, staff cannot guarantee that they

review the surveys in a timely manner at this time. If there is a pressing need, or an issue of

concern, or in case of emergency, the surveys do not replace calling a staff member directly.

Check out how to use the system at: https://youtu.be/tufPycJd8no

Email photos and a short bio to fosterpromo18@gmail.com to be put up on the website (one week

before the animal gets fixed, or if already altered, submit as soon as possible). See tips below.

Keep foster pets in your care until they are adopted or

brought back to the shelter. If you need to make other

arrangements for your foster pets, please email the Volunteer

Manager in a timely manner so other we can make that

happen. We do encourage if you have a short trip or vacation

to see if a friend or neighbor you trust can watch the pets, but

only with staff approval. We can schedule temporary foster

switches for planned vacations with advanced notice.

Never should you transfer the pets to the potential

adopter before the adoption appointment

Bring your foster(s) (if eligible for adoption) to at least 2

adoption events per month. This could be at the shelter (with

prior approval from staff) or at our Sunday PetSmart events.

- The PetSmart events are coordinated by Christine at

inertsnert@verizon.net. Please contact Christine before

Friday to confirm availability of space to bring your pet

that weekend.

ADOPTED!

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Puppies should not be taken on outings to the

dog park or to visit friends, etc. Nor should they be

introduced to strange dogs (nor potential adopters

dogs) until they have had two rounds of vaccines.

Their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet, and

possible exposure to communicable diseases could

get them sick. Please do not allow friends or family to

bring their dogs to interact with your foster puppies

until they have been fully vaccinated.

Report any changes in medical or behavioral issues using the illness/condition guideline included in

this handbook or with the contact information provided by the Foster Agreement when you pick up.

You must fill out a Foster Application online, and provide a frequently used email address as well

as a phone number to be added to our foster database. This will allow the Volunteer Manager to

communicate off-site adoption events to you as well as any other important information.

When on outings or walks, adult foster dogs should always wear an RAL adopt me bandana. We

have plenty to share with you!

Foster FAQs 1. How long will I have my foster pets? Each foster situation is unique. We can usually give foster

families a general idea of how long the commitment will be, but we ask for as much flexibility as possible.

Most of our infant pet fosters will keep their pets until around the age of 8-14 weeks. Adult pet fosters

have the option to give their foster a predetermined break from the shelter or to keep that pet until they

are adopted. The average stay of a foster pet in 2018 was 2 months.

2. What are the costs associated with fostering? We provide all food, supplies, and handle all pre-

approved medical needs. You are expected to provide a home, love, and transportation.

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3. What if I fall in love and want to keep my foster(s)? Once they are spayed/neutered, foster pets are

available for adoption at all times. All applications are on a first come, first serve basis, and therefore

foster parents do not have “first rights” to their foster pets. If you are interested in adopting one of your

fosters, please submit an adoption application as soon as possible to adopt@ral.org applications are

located on our website at https://www.ral.org/adopt_a_pet/adoption_faqs/

4. What pets need fostering? While the majority of our fosters take care of kittens and puppies that are

too young to be adopted out, we also have opportunities for folks to foster adult pets who may need a

break from the shelter or who are shy, very energetic, have behavior needs to be addressed, etc. Every

pet that is in a foster home opens up kennel space for us to save more pets.

5. What if my foster pets get sick while in my care? RAL will provide all needed medical care for fosters.

You will be given emergency contact numbers in case any concerns should arise on your Foster

Agreement form when you pick up your fosters. All medical issues must be brought to an RAL staff

member’s attention before proceeding with any sort of treatment.

6. What if I need to return my foster pets to RAL? If you need to return your foster pets to our care, you

will need to contact us with as much notice as possible. We often do not have other fosters on immediate

standby or empty space at the shelter. Therefore, we will need some time to arrange another home for

your pets to go to. If you know of vacation dates in advance, please notify the Volunteer Manager ASAP.

7. Can I foster if I have pets of my own? Absolutely! Ideally most foster animals would be kept separate

from your family pets at all times, in a separate room or bathroom of their own, but if you choose to

integrate fosters into your household, please note that foster pets are required to be kept separate from

your own pets for a minimum of two weeks to prevent the spread of any possible dormant infections your

foster pets might have. It is also required that your pets be up to date on vaccines.

8. What other things are required of me as a foster parent? We ask fosters to provide as much

information as possible about their foster pets to help us find them the best homes. This includes

providing pictures and bios for our web page. Fosters will also need to attend medical appointments with

their pets as well as drop off for spay/neuter surgery on their assigned appointment day. If your foster

pets are available for adoption, you will be contacted to meet potential adopters. Fosters who would like

to keep their pets for an extended period of time or until they are adopted are required to attend at least

two adoption events each month.

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Tips & Tricks to taking great photos! Foster parents- you’ve worked hard taking care of your fosters. The photos you submit will be posted on the RAL website and will need to show off your foster in the best possible way to potential adopters. What is required when sending photos to fosterpromo18@gmail.com ?

1. Name of foster pet. If there are multiple fosters that look very similar in the litter, feel free to email photos/bio in separate email, or label each photo… to ensure that the correct photos match the pet. Side note: occasionally there are multiple fosters with the same name. Please take a look at our website to see if there are any that have the name you want to give – or ask a staff member. As to not confuse applications- we will typically modify the name if there is already one with a photo and the same name as yours.

2. Foster ID # (from your RAL foster agreement form)… it looks like this: K11108 (kitten) or P4261 (puppy), etc. Having the ID# helps because the info can be uploaded right away so once your foster becomes available for adoption their pics will show on the website right away.

3. A Bio: What is a “Bio” for your foster? Its a few sentences that you are sharing about the foster’s personality (outgoing; shy at first? etc.), energy level (high? couch potato?), maybe share about his/her favorite toys or activities; how any training is coming along and how they are socially- with new people or animals. Be sure to phrase everything in a positive light!

It can be helpful to read a few bios currently posted on the RAL website to get an idea of what to share.

4. Submit 3 photos- in a photo file format (the most popular is .jpg). 5. Try to include one clear, upper body/face photo looking at or near the camera. This is often used for the

“primary” photo on the website. This is what potential adopters see as they scroll through many photos on the RAL website.

6. It can be VERY challenging to get a pet to look at you while taking a photo. Try holding a feather, treat or squeaky toy near your phone/camera.

7. The other two photos could be of your foster playing, sleeping alone or with other pets, in the litter or interacting with household pets, or any cute pose you want to share.

8. Some fosters have submitted photos with seasonal props (such as pumpkins, holiday decor, etc.)- To draw attention to their fosters. 9. BONUS POINTS: did you know that our system will allow for up to a 20 second video which would be “attached” to your fosters profile on the RAL website? If you’d like to share a video of your foster it needs to be in a .mp4, .mov type file -or- you can submit a link to a “You Tube” video of your foster. 10. If you need help taking photos or writing a brief bio- we are here to help! There are volunteer photographers who can meet you at the shelter to take photos or potentially come to your house.

Thank you for ALL that you do to help RAL save more lives!!

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Foster Pet Spay/Neuter Surgery Before the Surgery

● The shelter will communicate a target spay/neuter date to our clinic. Some surgeries will occur at

another approved vet office, if this is the case you will be asked to transport to that veterinarian, and their policies and procedures may differ from ours.

● The clinic will get fosters worked in as close to that date as possible. Appointments are dependent

upon the clinic surgery schedule and your availability.

● The clinic will contact you with a date to see if it works for you.

● To be spayed or neutered an animal must be two months and two pounds

○ It is good to monitor the weights of young fosters (a kitchen scale works great with kittens)

not only to ensure they make weight for their appointment but to make sure they are not

losing weight which could be a sign of a health problem.

○ If an animal does not qualify for surgery another appointment will be scheduled

● If for whatever reason you must reschedule your appointment please give as much notice to the

clinic as you can.

● If you have a nursing mother leave her with her puppies or kittens so that she does not become

engorged as this can prevent them from being spayed.

● A week before surgery please email fosterpromo18@gmail.com the names and photos of your

foster pets.

Day of Surgery

● Foster pets greater than 4 months of age cannot have access to food after midnight but can have

water up to 6 am.

● Foster pets 4 months of age and younger can have access to food and water up to 6 am the morning

of surgery.

● Drop off for surgery is at 8:00 am. Prior arrangements can be made to drop off earlier that

morning (after 7:30) or with approval from shelter staff the night before.

● Adult dogs must come in on a leash.

● Cats and kittens must come in a carrier

○ Please label the carrier with your last name

● You do not need to fill out any paperwork but you will be asked to provide the names and

distinguishing features of your fosters if you have multiple pets.

● Pick up for dogs starts at 4:00 pm and cats at 4:30 pm. Late pickups need to be arranged

with shelter staff.

After Surgery

● Your fosters will likely be more sedate than normal for the next 24 hours

○ Cats and kittens can wake up overstimulated and will need a quiet dark place to spend the

night.

○ Kittens may also fight with their siblings while the anesthesia is in their system so they may

need a day to work things out before being put back in together.

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● All animals having surgery were put under general anesthesia which can upset their stomachs-

offer a small amount of food and water the evening of surgery.

● All pets have internal stitches post-surgery that do not need to be removed. If your foster pet begins

to lick or bite at the incision site, it could open and/or become infected.

○ Contact the RAL operations staff if you notice any issues with the incision.

● Each animal gets an injection of pain medication that will last them through the night

● Do not get the incision area wet (bathing, swimming, etc) for at least 7 days.

○ If needed baby wipes, waterless shampoo, or rinsing of paws can be done.

● Monitor the incision every day for excessive swelling, blood or pus leakage, or excessive bruising

(some swelling/bruising is normal). Do not apply anything to the incision.

● What is not normal (contact shelter staff for assistance):

○ Lethargy or depression lasting for more than 24 hours after surgery

○ Excessive swelling at the incision site

○ Any blood, pus, or fluid leaking from the incision

○ Pain at the incision

○ Vomiting and having diarrhea

○ Blood leaking from the penis (male) or vagina (female)

○ Difficulty urinating

○ Pale gums

○ Labored breathing

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Adoption Process for Foster Pets

Promoting your own fosters for adoption can be one of the most exciting, rewarding aspects of being a

foster parent. Some folks like to get really hands-on in supporting their fosters, and that’s definitely

encouraged! Here’s a handy run-down of how the process works for pets that are not living at the shelter.

All of our adoptions are done on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in keeping a

foster pet, please read the following, fill out an adoption application immediately and send to

adopt@ral.org, and notify a staff member as soon as possible. Fosters do not have right of refusal,

i.e. if you fail to notify RAL staff that you want to adopt, we will honor the application received first.

Adoptions Staff can be reached at adopt@ral.org, or extensions 1000 and 1116. They also sit at the front

desks 11AM to 6PM Monday, 11AM – 8PM Tuesday – Friday, and 11AM – 4PM Saturday and Sunday.

Pets that are Spayed/Neutered and Over 8 Weeks of Age These pets are visible on the www.ral.org website, and available to receive an application from anyone at any time!

1. The potential adopter submits an application to the Adoptions Staff. Apps can be found on the

website, or they can come to the shelter and fill out a paper copy.

2. Meet and Greets: The Adoptions Staff reaches out to the foster parent with the potential adopter’s

contact information. The foster is responsible for coordinating a time and place for the potential

adopter to meet your foster pet. It does not have to be at your house, or at the shelter – it can be

anywhere safe, comfortable, and convenient to the two of you. If you are looking to schedule the M&G

at the shelter, it must be pre-approved to make sure we have the staff and space available.

*Cats and kittens should only be introduced to potential adopters inside. *Puppies should never do a meet and greet in an area highly populated by other dogs ie dog parks, pet stores, or outside of RAL, nor meet with another dog. Many diseases linger in soil for over a year.

*If the potential adopter is very keen to adopt, try to schedule your appointment to meet them during

open hours at the shelter. We can never guarantee a same-day adoption (please remind the

adopted of that before the meet and greet), but we will do our best to work them in.

*Dogs should never be taken to a potential adopter’s house to meet their cat(s) – We want to keep

everyone safe and we do not want to be have any accidents. At the adoption appointment staff will

review with the potential adopter different ways to introduce the dog to cats safely. If the dog is

unknown with cats staff can test the dog here at RAL to assess potential ability to live with cats.

3. If your meeting was not at the shelter, it is the responsibility of the potential adopter to reach out to

the Adoptions Staff at (804) 379-0046 x1000 about finalizing the adoption. They will need to leave a

message, but we will return their call. The potential adopter must attempt to contact us within 24-

hours of meeting the pet.

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4. The Adoptions Staff will notify you when the time and date of the adoption appointment are

selected. If you have any restrictions on your time, please let our staff known after your initial

meeting with the adopter. We do have options for you to drop-off the pet ahead of the appointment,

but this must be pre-arranged with kennel staff.

*You must bring the pet to the shelter for adoption. Checking the pet’s microchip prior to completion

of the adoption is a crucial step of the process. You MAY NOT give the pet to the potential adopter

before the official adoption appointment, even if the potential adopter is your friend or family.

Pets That Are Under Age, Not Spayed/Neutered or on Medical Hold

Fosters are expected to keep foster pets until they’ve been adopted. There are avenues to seek alternative

placement for pets after they’ve been spayed/neutered, but in general, they do not remain at the shelter after

sterilization. These pets are still extremely vulnerable and under vaccinated and need the safety of your

warm and loving home!

1. Applications will not be accepted for these pets UNLESS the applicant is the foster, or a personal

friend/family member of the foster.

a. Applications cannot be submitted by these individuals on any pet younger than 5 weeks of age. This includes fosters.

b. Yes, fosters still have to submit applications! Yes, you have to go through the adoptions process! No, it isn’t scary!

c. If the applicant is a personal acquaintance of the foster, the foster must submit a written referral for that person, or the application will not be accepted. Referrals can be informal e-mails identifying the adopter, acknowledging your relationship to that person, and confirming your support of the adoption.

d. Fosters whose pets are visible to the public on any of our NBC12 Pet Cams may not offer referrals on more than half of the promoted pets. The purpose of these cameras is to promote our shelter and engage with the public – it is critical that the public therefore be allowed to participate in the adoptions process for the pets they have supported.

2. Adoptions must be processed within 3 days of the pet’s release (e.g. sterilization surgery or medical

restriction lifted). This includes meeting the pet and finalizing the adoption contract.

We strongly encourage input from fosters when visiting with potential adopters. You are welcome to

complete a Counselor Notes page for your visit (see an adoptions staff member for more information.)

If you have any concerns about a potential adopter, even a person seeking a referral, please let a staff

member know immediately. Your comments are confidential.

Promoting Your Foster Pets for Adoption

1. Send photos and a short biography about your pet to volunteer Sue Walsh via email

fosterpromo18@gmail.com to be placed on the website.

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2. Tell literally everyone you know. Facebook and Instagram are an awesome resource for foster

promotion – share photos of your foster experience. New fosters are found this way too!

3. You are welcome to take your pets on adventures with you, but please be mindful of their

vaccination status. Underage pets should not leave the safety of your home unless you plan on

carrying them everywhere. Dogs and puppies with only one Distemper (DHPP) shot on record

should not be around other dogs for the safety of both animals.

4. Make signs if you’re leaving your pets here for an adoption event. No one knows them better than

you! Bright colors and positive comments go a long way with adopters.

PET-SITTING POST-ADOPTION… is strongly discouraged.

Once an adopter signs an adoption contract, the pet they’ve adopted is legally and financially their

responsibility. Some folks have asked fosters to continue ‘pet-sitting’ post-adoption because they’re going

on vacation, but we strongly discourage this practice. You as an individual, not Richmond Animal League,

would be responsible for any accidents or maladies after adoption. If you choose to pursue this

arrangement anyway, please note that it is a private agreement between you and the other person. There

have been cases were the new adopter abandoned their animal with the foster without following proper

return protocol, don’t get yourself into that position.

F.A.Q. …what if the adopter wants more than one animal?

Great! We encourage the adoption of two pets at once with proper introductions if they’re not from the

same litter, excluding puppies. We never adopt two puppies to the same house at the same time. Adoption

Staff will be happy to provide more information on why this is proven to be an unsafe idea. Kittens, however,

tend to do better in pairs.

F.A.Q. …this potential adopter is asking a lot of questions and I don’t know the answer!

That’s okay! Have them call the Adoptions desk. We got you!

F.A.Q. …why is this foster pet still at my house?

Getting pets adopted can be surprisingly complicated. That said, there is a home for every pet.

We sincerely appreciate fosters’ time and patience with pets who have an unexpected, extended stay.

You are always welcome to reach out to staff for assistance in boosting your pet’s adoptability. For kittens

going into their teenage phase: contact the Volunteer Manager about placement at one of our PetValu

stores.

F.A.Q. …an adopter has my phone number and is calling me about problems they’re having

post-adoption! Help!

Refer them to the Adoptions Staff immediately. You are not obligated to assist with this. Please do

not offer to take the pet back. All returns must be requested and scheduled through a staff member. Never

take returns personally. It was not your fault, and a lot of the time, there’s nothing to blame the adopter for

either. Stuff happens! We will find a home that sticks.

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Emergency or Not? Please use this guide to determine when to contact staff with any behavioral or medical issues. Only use

email and texting for non-emergency issues. Please remember, if you are unsure about anything, it is okay

to call!

Examples of urgent emergencies

Contact any staff member immediately (any time!)-see call list below.

● Signs of Parvo (in puppies)

○ No interest in food/refusal to eat

○ Resting more (leading into lethargy)

○ Continued Diarrhea (especially if it is bloody)

○ Vomiting

● Seizures

● Acts in pain

● Bleeding

● Injuries

● Eye injuries (Other than URI discharge--see below)

● Trouble walking

● Trouble urinating/blood in urine

● Any severe or very sudden onset of illness or injury

● Lost foster pet

Important but not Urgent:

Contact appropriate RAL staff during their work hours--see call list below.

● Diarrhea/loose or bloody stool

● Signs of URI (Upper Respiratory Infection). (Often coupled with conjunctivitis)

○ Sneezing

○ Ocular/Nasal Discharge

(clear, yellow or green)

○ Coughing

● Signs of Mange (Sarcoptic and Demodex)

○ Thinning hair

○ Patches of hair loss

○ Extreme itching

● Signs of Ringworm

○ Circular patches of hair loss

○ Some scaliness

Examples of non-emergencies:

Contact appropriate RAL staff during their work

hours and at your earliest convenience--see call list

below.

● Worms in feces

● Sneezing without discharge

● Occasional cough

● Changes in eating/drinking habits

● General Questions

● Fleas

● Foster home change requests

● Food/supply needs

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RAL Staff Contact Information Pam Bridgmon, Director of Kennel Operations

Phone: 804.980.0727 (cell)

Email: Pam@ral.org

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Contact For: medical issues, general questions Ciera Jenkins, Assistant Director of Kennel Operations

Phone: 804.921.8187 (cell)

Email: Ciera@ral.org

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am to 8 pm

Contact For: medical issues, general questions Andi Clinton, Volunteer Manager

Phone: 804.980.0726 (cell)

Email: foster@ral.org

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm

Contact For: placement questions (vacation, etc.), general questions Pri Arora, Weekend Shelter Assistant

Phone: 804.971.5183 (cell)

Email: Pri@ral.org

Work Hours: Saturday-Sunday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

Contact For: medical issues, general questions Isabelle Bennett, Karuna Kochar, and Ashley Marano, Adoptions Team

Phone: 804.379.0046 ext. 1000

Email: Adopt@ral.org

Contact For: Issues regarding the adoption of your foster pet(s)

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Foster Mentors You can contact these experienced foster parents at any time for advice on a foster situation. Do not contact them in the case of an emergency, please call staff.

Kristy Bishop

Phone: 804.385.8454

Email: KristyB.Avon4u@gmail.com

Location: North Chesterfield

Foster Specialties: orphaned kittens, moms with litters, general kitten knowledge Elizabeth Whitby

Phone: 540.848.1068 (call or text, just leave a message if no answer!)

Email: Elizabeth.A.Whitby@gmail.com

Location: Northside Richmond, usually available most of the time.

Foster Specialties: general kitten knowledge, sick and ill kittens, feral kittens Julie Van Willigen

Phone: 859.771.3943

Email: juliana.vanwilligen@gmail.com

Location: Midlothian

Foster Specialties: general kitten knowledge, moms with litters Sharon Hooper

Phone: 804.305.9415

Email: hoopersw@gmail.com

Location: Midlothian

Foster specialties: general puppy knowledge, moms with puppies, adult dogs Jan Surface

Phone: 804.852.3271

Email: jesamelia1487@yahoo.com

Location: Chesterfield (Woodlake/Winterpock area)

Foster specialties: general puppy knowledge, moms with puppies, orphaned puppies Chris Sheehy

Phone: 804.248.2462

Email: Chris@bluedogcs.com

Location: Chesterfield

Foster specialties: general puppy knowledge, moms with puppies, sick and injured puppies