Foster Forward Incentive Program
FOHA’s Foster Forward Incentive Program was created thanks to a generous donor! This program is designed to give our long stay dogs and cats (those who have been with us for 6 months or more) the chance to experience home life, sometimes for the very first time in years. Many of these animals are overlooked in the kennel setting because of behaviors such as shyness, jumpy or pulling on leash tendencies, general kennel stress, etc.. This program is designed to provide them with extra structure, patience, and support so they can thrive outside of the shelter environment and increase their chances of adoption.
Placement Decisions
Placements are always made in the best interest of the animal. Each long-stay pet has individual needs, their “yes’s and no’s”, and fosters will only be matched with animals whose needs fit their household. For example, a dog with significant stranger-danger concerns would not be placed in an apartment setting, and a cat who does not tolerate children would only be placed in a child-free foster home. FOHA staff will work closely with potential fosters to ensure that every placement is safe, appropriate, and sets both the foster and the animal up for success.
Foster Commitments
Fosters accepted into the Foster Forward Program commit to 30 or 60 days of fostering. Fosters must submit a foster application. During this time, they are responsible for providing daily care, enrichment, and continued work on any behavior or training plans provided by FOHA’s Behavior Team. Some animals may require multiple meet-and-greets before they are ready to transition into a foster home. Fosters may also be asked to participate in a specialty training class or meet with FOHA’s behaviorist for additional guidance, depending on the needs of their foster animal. All training and support costs are covered by FOHA.
Check-Ins and Promotions
Fosters are required to submit weekly check-ins. Fosters will share highlights, challenges, and behaviors they observed (or did not observe) during the week. In addition, fosters are expected to provide one weekly “promotion”, a short written blurb and photos and/or video,to help showcase their foster pet for adoption. Regular communication with FOHA staff is required, especially if new behaviors emerge or additional support is needed.
Stipend Support
To recognize the work involved in fostering a long stay animal, participants in the Foster Forward Program receive a stipend of $300 per animal/per month (up to 2 months). Stipends are released weekly, but only after all check-in and promotion requirements are completed. If requirements are missed, stipend release may be delayed until the foster is current with their submissions.
Adoption Option
If a foster decides to adopt their foster animal, the adoption fee is waived. This is FOHA’s way of celebrating when a foster placement becomes a forever home.
