Fostering Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a foster animal need to be brought in for check-ups?
Foster volunteers need to transport animals in their care to their local veterinarian on a regular basis for vaccinations, vet checks, weight checks and spay and neuter surgeries.
What if I'm unavailable to foster an animal when you call?
We will simply call another foster volunteer. We want to make sure you feel like you'll be able to give the time needed, so we don't pressure you into taking an animal. If you can't foster this time around, we'll just call you the next time.
Will a foster animal have accidents or cause damage?
Foster animals, like any other companion animal in your home, may destroy carpeting, drapes, clothing and other valuable items. Preparing your home and the area the animals will stay in can prevent most accidents, but not all of them.
Do I get paid to keep foster animals in my home?
We try to get you a $25 fostering fee from the one turning the Chihuahua in, but this is not always possible. It is also reasonable for you to collect an adoption fee to cover direct medical expenses and vaccinations you paid for. You can negotiate this fee with the new owner. However the fee can not exceed $125 if you received an up front fostering fee or $150 if you did not receive the fostering fee.
Do I need to keep foster animals separate from my pets?
Foster animals may need to be isolated from your own companion animals. If so a separate room or enclosed area with no carpet will often work best (like a bathroom or laundry room).
Will Happy Trail Chihuahuas treat my pet if he is injured or becomes sick because of a foster animal?
Happy Trail Chihuahuas and most animal shelters are prohibited by law from giving veterinary care to privately owned animals. If your animal becomes sick or injured due to interactions with a foster animal, you will be responsible for all medical care required.
I love the idea of being a foster volunteer, but I'm worried about how I'll feel when it's time for the animal to be adopted.
It can be difficult to let go once you have become emotionally attached to a foster animal. Be prepared for tears and some heartache when your foster animals are adopted. But remember foster care volunteers play a crucial part in helping unwanted animals get to permanent, loving homes they deserve.
Are foster animals ever euthanized?
Sometimes adoption is not an option for animals with some illnesses or behavior problems even after the animal has been fostered. Happy Trail Chihuahuas will help you determine if other options, including transfer to an animal rescue group, are appropriate and available. Knowing that an animal you have fostered may need to be humanely euthanized can be very hard to handle. Please remember that Happy Trail Chihuahuas is always here for support.
What if a friend or family member wants to adopt my foster animal?
Thank you for helping find homes for your foster animals. If together we feel the home is a good fit for the dog. Then that is one less Chihuahua that need special care.
What if I want to adopt the animal I'm fostering?
This can happen when foster volunteers fall in love with an animal in their care. If you wish to adopt a foster animal, please call Happy Trail Chihuahuas (540-207-5131) to start the adoption conversation. Your foster animal may already have an "adoption hold" for another person. Having available foster homes is crucial for saving lives, so we ask foster parents to consider how adopting a foster animal may affect their ability to continue fostering other animals in the future.