FAQs

Q. Where do NAC animals come from?

A. They come from a variety of places; some are surrendered by their owners; others have been lost and picked up as strays; and, some animals come from shelters where they had run out of time and faced euthanasia.

Q. Can I pick the type of animal I will foster?

A. Certainly! Matching the right animal with the right foster parent is a key to a positive experience for both the animal and the foster parent.

Q. What expense is involved?

A. Many foster homes provide the animal’s food and toys for a tax-deductible contribution to NAC. However, NAC will provide the foster home with food and other necessary care items if requested by the foster home.

Q. What about veterinary care?

A. NAC has arrangements with certain local vets to provide vet care at a discounted rate and pays for all necessary and pre-approved vet care with these vets. Exceptions may be made to the general policy in an emergency, depending on the availability of funds. NAC also administers all of the necessary vaccinations to its foster pets at NAC’s vaccine clinic which is held weekly. You may be asked to transport your foster pet to the clinic for vaccines.

Q. What if I have pets of my own?

A. That’s great! Having other foster siblings can be extremely beneficial for a foster pet. Some NAC animals, however, may not be current on vaccinations when they first get to their foster home. Therefore, for the protection of your pets, NAC requires that all of your pets be current on vaccinations and otherwise healthy. A NAC volunteer will work with you on how to properly introduce your new foster pet to your current pet family.

Q. What kind of set up do I need to have at my home for the animals?

A. It depends on the animal(s) you decide to foster. All homes must be “pet friendly” and free from any dangerous condition(s). Most dogs will require a secure, fenced yard and must be allowed inside to be part of the family. Kittens, mothers and kittens, and special needs animals may require a place to be separate from other animals (like a bathroom or extra bedroom) where they can feel relaxed and secure. The Foster Care Coordinator will discuss any specific requirements for the foster pet.

Q. What do I need to do besides give the animal a place to live?

A. One of our goals for foster care is to help socialize the animal to ease his or her transition to a permanent home. The more time you can spend with the animal, playing or doing basic obedience training, the better. Allowing the animal to be a part of your family will go a long way toward ensuring a successful permanent placement.

Q. How long will I have my foster pet?

A. It depends upon the animal. Certain types of animals, like puppies or kittens, tend to be adopted more quickly than others. A foster parent may set time parameters on his or her commitment at the beginning of the foster relationship, which NAC can consider when placing an animal in a foster home. Some foster parents take in animals only under emergency situations for a day or two. Others foster multiple animals for weeks or, in rare occasions, months at a time. Then, of course, there are those that fall in love and decide to adopt their foster animals themselves!

Q. How will my foster pet find its forever home?

A. NAC promotes its animals in a number of ways. Photos of the animals are posted on our website, Craig’s list and Pefinder.com. Channel 2 features our pets weekly on “Pet of the Week”. We hold mobile adoptions at Petco, Petsmart, and other locations so that prospective owners can meet the dogs and cats waiting for their new family. You may be asked to help transport your animal to these events. We also maintain a hotline where people often request a pet from NAC.

Q. What happens if it doesn’t work out with my foster pet in my home?

A. Although we try to match foster pets with the foster parent’s needs and preferences, occasionally a relationship just does not work out. If we cannot help you to resolve the problem through animal (or human!) behavior modification, advice, or possibly free obedience training from one of our volunteer trainers, we will place the animal in another foster home. Whenever possible, we request 24 hour notice so that we can find a new foster home.

Thank you for helping us Make a Difference for Animals Today!