Foster Parent

Many animals who come to SPCA Tampa Bay are not yet adoption-ready and require time in loving foster homes before they will be ready to find their forever homes - that is where our foster parents come in.

 

Major Objective:             Provide a nurturing and comfortable environment in your home for animals to mature, heal, socialize, and become or remain adoptable.

 

Qualifications:                  Ability to provide a safe environment for foster animals.

Foster volunteers must be willing and able to transport foster animal(s) – in an emergency – to one of our two approved emergency clinics. Contact must be attempted with the Foster Coordinator prior to taking the animal(s).

Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.  

Basic animal handling experience.

Willingness to become familiar with SPCA policies and procedures.

Ability to recognize medical problems and communicate symptoms to Foster Care Coordinator.

 

Requirements:                 

  • Willing and able to take care of and house kittens and puppies (with or without mom), animals with medical issues, animals recovering from surgery. (You will be able to choose what you are interested in fostering)
  • Ability to provide basics for care when it is not available from the shelter: food, litter, toys, etc.
  • All pets at the foster home must be spayed/neutered and up to date on core vaccines - this is to protect the foster pet and your pets
  • Must have access to internet and email to keep communication available between the foster parent and SPCA Tampa Bay
  • Must be able to commit to the needs of the foster animal
  • Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds
  • Must LOVE animals and commit to providing ours with excellent temporary care
  • Must provide a clean, safe, and separate area for your foster animals. Foster animals need to be quarantined from other animals for 10 days.

 

Trainings:                           Complete telephone meet and greet with Volunteer Program Manager

                                             Complete online Foster Orientation

                                             Complete in-person meeting with Foster Program Manager         

                                            

 Time Commitment:        Commitment is as needed. Most foster experiences are at least two weeks                                                 long, some can be as long as 3-4 months.

  Six-month commitment (minimum).

 

Supervisor:                        Foster Program Manager