Many opportunities are available for potential foster caregivers, and can be one of the most fulfilling and  rewarding experiences you will ever have.

If you have experience with medical problems, administering medications and recovery, we sometimes have cats that need your help. We have several who could benefit from your patience, if you are good at coaxing out the best in an under-socialized, shy, depressed or fearful cat. By building his or her confidence and personality, you are bettering the chances for a successful adoption. If you currently have a cat on a special diet and want to foster, give us a call. We might be able to match a foster cat with the same problem!

If you enjoy lots of feline mischief, and don’t mind a few messes, fostering orphans or a mom and her litter might be for you! Alternately, if you enjoy the quiet life, we have senior cats and many cats that simply need a break from the shelter life.

We also have a need for foster homes that can accept FIV and FeLV positive cats, and we occasionally have a cat that is in need of hospice care and a happier, comforting End-of-Life home. Open your heart and your home. With your help, we can save thousands of lives.

How To Become a Foster Caregiver for RMFR

Everyone interested in becoming a foster caregiver is required to meet the following requirements for the welfare of the cats and the foster caregiver.

• You must be over 18 years of age.
• All members of the household must agree to fostering a cat.
• You must own your own home or have permission from your landlord / rental company to have cats.
• If you already own cats,your cats must be current on their FVRCP vaccine and have been spayed or neutered. We will call your vet to verify this for the protection of your own cats!
• You must have an initial separate safe room where the foster animal(s) can stay for at least 10 days while adjusting (quarantine period) or where they can be away from your pets if they become sick or stressed.
• Understand the risk of zoonotic (transmissible to humans) disease and disease transmission to other pets. Common transmissible diseases are: ringworm, mites, fleas, mange and less frequently roundworm, tapeworm, coccidia, or giardia.
• Cats must stay indoors and will not be declawed while in your care.
• You must be comfortable giving medicine if needed.
• You must be able to handle some behavior or adjustment problems that might arise.
• You must be willing to bring the foster animal back to the shelter at the end of the foster period or when an appointment has been made for a possible adoption or for vet care.
• Potential adopters of an animal in foster care must go through the standard adoption process and orientation at the shelter.

Your responsibilities as a caregiver:

Provide a safe, loving, nurturing environment.  Follow steps to integrate the foster animal with your animals and other members of your household.  Spend an appropriate amount of time with the foster animal(s), and make sure the needs of the foster animal(s) are met, including medications and therapies if needed.  Keep in touch with RMFR on a weekly basis – more often if needed – to update us on the condition of the animal(s) in your care and discuss any questions you may have. Bring the foster animal back to the shelter at the end of the foster period or when an appointment has been made for a possible adoption or for vet care.  Not to adopt the animal(s) into a home or place the animal into another home without written consent of RMFR.

What RMFR will provide:

We are happy to provide food, bowls, litter, litter pan, and other supplies as needed if you do not wish to purchase them for the foster animal. If a prescription diet is required, RMFR will provide it for the foster cat. RMFR will cover the cost of medications, routine vet care and emergency care for foster animals. Transportation to and from vet appointments can be done by the foster family or the animal(s) may be dropped off at the shelter and picked up at a later time if needed. All vet care and emergency care details will be discussed during the foster interview, and will be on your foster care information sheet that we will send home with you. All cats at RMFR have been tested for FIV, FeLV, Heartworm, and are up to date with their vaccinations. They are also spayed or neutered when appropriate, and will have a brief Physical Exam before placement into a Foster Home. Fostering can be short term or “permanent” until an adoptive home is found. Fosters may be returned to the shelter at any time for any reason.

If you are unable to open your home to an animal at this time, consider making a difference by sponsoring or making a donation.