1Chesapeake Humane Society

Foster Care Program

757.546.5355

www.chesapeakehumane.org

Facebook.com/chesapeakehumane

2Our Mission

Our Mission: The Chesapeake Humane Society works to promote the welfare of companion animals through

programs and initiatives that reduce pet overpopulation, increase adoptions, and encourage responsible pet

guardianship through affordable pet care.

Our Vision: To help pets and the people who love them find each other and stay together.

3Introduction

Founded in 1972

501(c)3

Funded by private donors – we do not receive local, state, or federal government subsidies

Opened low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter clinic in 2008

Since 2008, CHS has helped over 14,000 animals through spay/neuter, vaccinations, and/or microchipping

CHS supports Chesapeake Animal Services by facilitating off-site adoption events and providing medical treatment to shelter animals in immediate need

“We must not merely will our neighbors good but actually work to bring it about”

~ Thomas Aquinas

4CHS vs. CAS

Although they are separate entities with very different roles, both are working towards the same goal of reducing the number of homeless

animals in our area. Chesapeake Humane Society

(CHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on funding by private donors and grants. CHS operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, provides temporary housing to a small number of cats, and runs a foster care program for cats and dogs. The humane society also facilitates adoption events for shelter animals.

Chesapeake Animal Services (CAS) is a city municipal agency that enforces local ordinances and humane treatment of animals. CAS provides shelter to strays, abused animals and owner relinquished animals.

Both organizations are vital to animal welfare in Chesapeake. Neither one could do it all alone or without the support of the community. They also

have something else in common: both rely on dedicated volunteers like you to help with the animals during their (hopefully short) time at the shelter!

5Foster Parent & Volunteer Policies & Procedures

Role of Foster Parents & Volunteers Volunteers provide CHS with opportunities to enhance many of our

programs and services. Many of our programs and events would not be able to function without the use of volunteers.

Volunteers are an extension of the CHS staff.

The four cardinal rules of volunteering at Chesapeake Humane Society

If you do not feel comfortable doing something, please do not do it. If you have a question, ask your foster care supervisor. Always remember to be professional, courteous, and positive. Communication is the key to success.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that

ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

6About our Fosters

Limited space at the shelter

Orphaned puppies & kittens

Mistreated animals

Elderly dogs and cats

Animals that need socializing

Special needs

Heartworm positive dogs

Demodex mange

Injuries

7Fosters

Spencer

Spike

Maggie’skittens

8Fosters

Munkie

Spot

Lambert

9Fosters

Cinder Katydid Roxanne

10Fosters

Jackson

Daisy & Peanut

Goldie

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Foster Requirements & Responsibilities

Objective: To create a nurturing environment in the comfort of your own home, allowing the fostered animals to grow, heal, socialize and become/remain adoptable.

Responsibilities:

Be prepared to supply food and any supplies

Socialize, groom, begin basic obedience, and medicate animals

Ensure the animal’s safety

Bring foster in to CHS for regular check-ups and vaccinations

Communicate! Update often and report any issues to foster care supervisor

Ensure that foster animals are at adoption events

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Foster Requirements & Responsibilities

Foster Care Rules: Kittens and cats must remain

indoors, regardless of cat’s history or desires. Screened-in porches are okay under supervision.

Puppies and dogs must be supervised whenever they are outside. No doggy doors!

If fence is not adequate, puppies and dogs must be walked on a leash. Tie outs or chains are unacceptable.

Fosters need to be fed a diet approved by CHS. Table food or human food is strictly prohibited for fosters!

13

Support for Fosters

CHS will work around your schedule and match an appropriate animal with foster families

CHS will provide all medical care Care MUST be coordinated

through your foster care supervisor

Food and other supplies will be provided to fosters as we receive donations

Your foster care supervisor is available to you 24 hours a day for support or questions

14

Be Prepared!

Bottle babies mean feedings every few hours …

Isolate fosters

Animal-proof the area for the safety of the animal and to protect your belongings

Remember, fosters don’t know your house rules!

Positive reinforcement training methods

15

Be Prepared!

Expect some accidents to happen

Crate train

Know how to ‘read’ body language

Potential problems

Whining

Barking

Separation Anxiety

16

Be Prepared!

The rewards of foster of great … you are helping save so many more lives!

Even though adoption is the goal … it’s always hard to say goodbye

Commitment from Foster Families

Communicate with your foster care supervisor

There is no such thing as a stupid question

Respond to your foster care supervisor and adoption inquiries in a timely manner.

Schedule ‘Meet and Greets’ with potential adopters

Not all adoptions work out. Be prepared to take a foster back in if it doesn’t work out.

Foster failures ….

Current Foster Needs

19Community Partners: Capital Campaign

20Thank you

123 N. Battlefield Blvd., Suite DChesapeake, VA 23320

757.546.5355www.chesapeakehumane.org