BARC Foster Policies
The minimal requirements to participate in the BARC foster program are the following:
- The primary foster caregiver must be 18 years or older
- You must live within 45 minutes of BARC in pet-friendly housing
- You need reliable transportation to get to BARC for foster medical appointments, meet-and-greets, and adoptions
- You must safely house your foster pet(s) completely separate from other pets in the house (e.g. an extra room, a crate)
- Cats/kittens are indoor-only fosters; sick foster pets must be quarantined from owned pets for the duration of the foster; all foster pets must be kept completely separate from owned pets for a MINIMUM of 72 hours
- You must care for the foster pet as if it’s your own, keeping it in a climate-controlled area, providing fresh food and water daily
- You are to be responsive to BARC emails or phone calls, and be willing to provide photos, videos, or bios for the foster pet
- You should be enthusiastic about courteously addressing emails from adopters within 48 hours and setting up meet-and-greets
- There is no minimum length of time that you must foster. However, if you intend to return the foster pet to BARC, you must provide 72 hours notice to ensure that there is a space available.
Please note:
BARC retains guardianship and control of all animals in foster care. Foster animals are NOT to be given away or kept. Any adoption of the animal must go through BARC and be approved by the foster coordinator. The BARC adoption process will include all applicable forms and fees.
We strongly recommend keeping your foster animal away from other animals for 14 days to prevent the spread of disease and to allow for a slow, successful transition into a new space.
The health and disposition of the foster pet has been assessed to the best abilities of the BARC staff, despite the lack of past records for the pet. BARC is not responsible if the foster pet should damage or destroy property belonging to you, your household, or others, or if the pet transfers any disease, infection, and/or parasites, internal or external, to any person or animal while the fostered pet is in your care.
Foster parents are responsible for getting their foster animals to the veterinarian in a timely manner, if necessary. You are welcome to use your private vet in lieu of BARC, but BARC cannot reimburse for medical expenses incurred at another vet or facility.
Foster homes may be limited to the number of pets fostered at any given time and will be considered on a case by case basis. A home visit may be conducted prior to/during foster.
Every effort will be made to adopt out foster pets. If the pet begins to exhibit aggressive or undesirable behavior, a chronic or debilitating condition, or is terminally ill, euthanasia may be considered. The ultimate decision is reserved for the BARC veterinary staff and the foster coordinator.
