This page explains what you can expect along the road to becoming a kitten foster home for Second Chance Pet Adoptions.

Application Process

  1. Complete and submit the feline foster home application.
  2. Your application will be screened for the ability to have pets in the home. For example, do you own or rent? If you rent, do you have your landlord’s permission, and is there an applicable pet fee?
  3. If you currently have animals in your home we will check with your vet to be sure that they all are up to date on vaccines and are spayed or neutered.
  4. The Cat Program Coordinator will give you a call and talk with you about fostering.
  5. If all parties agree, you will be asked to come in for an Orientation session and to sign the Foster Home Agreement.

Congratulations, you are now ready to take on your first foster kittens!

The adoption center has permanent living facilities for adult cats and kittens over 6 months of age. Therefore most of our feline foster home needs are for kittens or a mom and her kittens.

To foster kittens

  • Second Chance requires that a minimum of 2 kittens are fostered at a time to ensure they receive the appropriate socialization as they grow. Kitten litters are usually larger in number, so if you can foster more, that’s great!
  • If you rent your home, lease check in advance with your apartment complex or landlord to be certain that you are permitted to foster, and to see what fees might apply.

Depending on the frequency of new intakes and whether or not they are a good fit for you and your level of experience, please understand that it may take some time for you to receive your first set of kittens, and we ask for your patience. We want to do our best to ensure a successful and rewarding experience for you and the cats.

Notifications of  Kittens needing a foster home

  • When we are able to take in new kittens into our program and need a foster home, the Cat Program Coordinator will contact you directly.
  • You can offer to foster or not. The decision to foster is always yours.
  • Understand that kittens are usually 8 – 10 weeks old before they are ready to be available for adoption, or 6 months old before they can move into the adoption center, so this can be an extended commitment.

Once your foster kittens are in your home

  • Your new fosters will need to be contained within a room separate from your pets, as this will allow you to monitor their eating and eliminating habits. Once they have received all of their treatments, tests and vaccinations you can start to expand their access within your home.
  • Understand that it may take a few days for kittens to adjust to a new environment. Depending on their history, it could be a longer transition.
  • Second Chance will provide all food, litter, treats, toys, medication, parasite treatment, and other supplies. When you pick up your fosters, you’ll be sent home with everything you will need for their care. You just need to provide love, attention, guidance, a separate room, and fun!
  • Cat medical clinics are on Thursday evenings at the adoptions center, starting at 6:30 pm, on a first come first served basis. Depending on their ages, kittens may need to come in every 3-4 for weeks for the first few months. Sick kittens may need to be seen more often. The Medical Coordinator will email you about a week in advance to let you know when your foster needs to come to clinic.
  • Your Foster Home Manual will include instructions for what to do in a medical emergency or if one of your foster kittens gets sick. If warranted, Second Chance will arrange for a vet visit and help you with transportation if needed.
  • Cat adoption events are every Saturday from 12 – 4 pm at the adoption center. You will be expected to bring your foster kittens who are ready for adoption at least twice per month. The more exposure your foster kitties receive, the quicker they will get adopted.
  • Adoption Counselors will let you know when an application for one of your fosters has been approved. Keep in mind that you have some input into who adopts your foster kittens. You know your foster best and our goal is to place our cats into loving, permanent homes where they will be happy and thrive.
  • Email and phone support is always available should you ever have any questions about your foster, the fostering process, or getting your foster kittens adopted.

(Please note that there is an excellent chance you will fall in love with your foster and you may even decide to make him or her a permanent part of your family. Should this happen, please know that despite the common term “foster failure” we do not consider you a failure at all! Formally adopting a Second Chance cat will make you a permanent part of our family as well!)

 

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