Open your home. Open your heart. Become a Foster Parent.
Why does the APL need foster homes?
Foster Homes allow us to assist animals in need of emergency or immediate placement. Some are facing euthanasia as their only alternative. Some require extra attention, socialization, or training in order to become more adoptable. Some are abandoned or dumped. Some are special needs animals. Some are rescued from threatening or unhealthy environment. Some only need temporary care until their owners are able to reclaim them. When Homeward Bound becomes operational, the APL network will continue to rely on our foster care providers for the loving support that can only be found in a healthy family environment.
How long are dogs and cats in foster homes?
It is difficult to predict how long it may take for a successful adoption to occur. We work very hard to promote our foster care animals for quick placement. However, the perfect match always involves an element of chance and a bit of destiny! Puppies and kittens must be old enough to be weaned and in good health and parental animals will be altered prior to adoption.
Who pays for care when animals are in foster homes?
The APL will generally provide for appropriate vet care, altering, and medications. When we receive donations of food supplies, they are distributed first to our foster care providers. However, foster families usually pay for food, litter, and other supplies. Those gifts are tax-deductible donations.
What is required of foster parents?
Foster parents must be responsible and caring individuals who are willing to foster a homeless cat or dog I their home. They are knowledgeable about animals and have a sincere desire to help save lives. Obviously, a safe environment is a must, along with support from any other family members in the home. Foster parents must also assist the APL in finding a forever home for those in their care. Foster parents take their responsibility very seriously and are expected to make a longing commitment to each animal in their care.
What if I fall in love with my foster animal(s)?
It happens often! If you decide you want to keep an animal you are fostering, we will most likely smile and tell you that we understand!
Can I choose which animal I want to foster?
Yes. No animal will be laced in AOL foster care without the absolute approval and acceptance fo the foster parents.
What if I have pets of my own already in my home?
Because no one can guarantee compatibility between animals and since we cannot guarantee perfect health of animals coming into foster care, it is always best to isolate the foster animal from pets already in the home. If the foster animal is healthy and introductions are done slowly and carefully, the animals usually do well together.
The Bottom Line
Foster Care is the most direct way of saving animals' lives. Foster families result in greater number of animals saved and more placed in loving homes. There will never be enough shelters for all the animals that need them. Unless safe and temporary sanctuary can be found for the many adoptable cats and dogs who, for whatever reason, find themselves in pounds or "dumped", or homeless, then most will die. Please, for the sake of the animals, if you can, please volunteer to be a foster parent. It is the most generous and loving thing you can do to truly make a difference.