ot every person knows how to love a dog, but every dog knows how

2014
Unknown
Not every person knows how to love a dog, but
every dog knows how to love a person.
Hardin County Animal Control
220 Peterson Drive, Elizabethtown, Ky.
42701
270-769-3428
270-769-1858
Hardin County Animal
Shelter
Foster Program
Do I Go Home Today?
(author unknown)
My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the little girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me; they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them-all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I’ve very proud to say!
These are the things I’ll not forget – a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter – without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn’t know the difference between the old and new.
The kids and I would grab a rug, for hours we would tug,
So I thought I did the right thing, when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said I was out of control and would have to live outside.
This I didn’t understand, although I tried and tried!
The walks, stopped, one by one; they said they had no time.
I wish that I could change things; I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely in the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy, and then each kissed me goodbye.
If I’d only had some training as a little pup,
I wouldn’t have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
“You only have one day left”, I heard a worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance? Do I go home today?
HCAC FOSTER CARE OPPORTUNITIES
Thank you for considering opening your heart and home to HCAC’s homeless pets. Your generosity
will provide young and old, injured and sick, abused and under socialized animals a chance to grow
or heal before finding their forever homes. In addition, fostering animals creates space in the shelter
to accommodate other homeless animals.
Fostering animals is a wonderful experience for you and your family; you can feel good knowing you
have helped save an animal’s life. Your act of kindness is repaid in rewards that are beyond words.
The animals at HCAC need families and individuals who are willing to offer their home on a temporary
basis to shelter residents in need. Foster care can range from a few days to a few weeks and can
have an enormous impact on the health and well-being of animals prior to adoption.
The most common reasons that an animal is put into foster care include:
 Animals too young and/or immature to be adopted
 Abandoned mothers with litters under 8 weeks of age
 Animals that require more socialization than available at the shelter
 Older or senior animals that will be more comfortable in a home environment
 Animals suffering from “shelter stress” in need of a calming home environment
 Animals with special medical needs
 Any animal when the shelter becomes too crowded
HCAC will provide:
 Vet care and medicine
 Necessary supplies: Food, litter, litter pans, bowls, leash, harness, toys
 Support for questions or concerns
How do Foster Parents Help?
 Foster parents feed, groom, socialize, train and medicate (when necessary) the animals during
its stay in the foster home.
 Foster parents use HCAC’s adoption procedures to help find their fosters a forever home
 Foster parents follow shelter adoption guidelines at all times, and the shelter staff has final
approval of all adoptions.
 Fosters provide lots of love
Requirements for All Foster Parents:
 Complete, sign and return the Foster Volunteer Application
 Attend Group or Individual Orientation: At this orientation, the foster coordinator will meet with
prospective foster parents to discuss the role of the foster parent, what to expect and what
your responsibilities will be while working with the foster pets from HCAC.
 Allow a home visit prior to being approved as a Foster Volunteer
 Allow visits periodically by shelter staff or perspective adopters
 Be willing to transport foster pet to HCAC for meetings with prospective adoptees.
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Important Rules and Reminders:
Foster parents MUST abide by the following rules:
 Foster dogs must be on leash at all times when outdoors unless in your own secured, fenced
yard. When in a fenced yard the dog must be supervised.
 Foster cats and kittens must be kept indoors at all times
 Any aggressive behavior must be immediately communicated to shelter staff.
 All vet care will be handled by HCAC
 Foster parents must respond within 24 hours to communications from HCAC staff.
 Shelter staff may remove a foster animal from a foster home at any time or for any reason.
Foster Care Volunteer Orientation
 Foster Care Orientation is mandatory for initial foster homes.
 Orientation may be held for groups or individuals at the discretion of the Foster Coordinator
and HCAC staff. All training will be held at the HCAC facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are animals in foster homes?
It completely depends on the animal and the situation. The average stay in a foster home is about 4
to 6 weeks. Most animals with great photos and stories may stay only a short time because they may
be adopted quickly. Others, recovering from illness, senior animals, etc. may stay longer.
How are fosters promoted?
Photos and stories of all adoptable animals are posted on the HCAC website, on Petfinder.com.
Pictures & stories may also be posted at the shelter or in the newsletter where the public can view
them. Foster animals will be promoted at any special events throughout the year. Foster parents may
participate in various shelter programs and events to increase the visibility of their foster animal to
potential adopters. Foster parents can also help promote their foster animal to their family, friends,
colleagues and the general public through a variety of means including flyers, emails and even just
walking your foster in the local neighborhoods with “Adopt Me” vest.
Can I adopt my foster animal?
Of course, as long as foster parents meet the shelter requirements necessary for adoption, and fill out
an adoption application, foster parents will certainly be considered for adoption.
What is the process for adopting a foster animal?
The process is like adopting from the shelter. The steps are briefly outlined below:
 Potential adopters are required to submit an adoption application for review before they can
physically meet a foster animal.
 Suitable applicants may be contacted for additional screening.
 Once approved, meet and greets with the foster animal and foster parents will be scheduled by
the HCAC staff.
 make a recommendation to shelter staff regarding the adoption. The foster animals stays with
the foster parent until they hear from the HCAC staff.
 Adoption is approved or denied by the shelter staff. Final approval of all adoptions is at the
sole discretion of the HCAC staff.
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
Once approved, the adopter pays adoption fees to the shelter. Foster animals cannot go to a
potential adopter’s home until the adoption is official and approved by the HCAC’s staff. The
foster animal will then be placed in its new home.
Foster parents should stay in contact with shelter staff for assistance with the adoption process.
I live in a condo, townhome, or apartment, can I foster animals?
Yes, you can still foster an animal living in a small environment. Many of our animals need one-onone socialization, so a small space can be beneficial. However, it’s important that you select an
appropriate animal for your lifestyle and are willing to commit to providing your foster animal with the
needed physical and mental stimulation. And of course, you still need landlord approval and must
abide by any restrictions.
What if I have children?
Fostering is a wonderful family experience and can build a foundation of philanthropy in your children.
It’s important to select an animal that is “age” appropriate with your children, and as a general rule,
children under 16 years old should NOT be left alone unsupervised with any animal. You must also
be diligent about providing guidance, instructions and rules to your children about caring for an
orphaned animal.
I don’t have a yard, or it’s not fenced, can I foster dogs?
Yes! A yard is a nice-to-have for those early morning, or late night potty breaks and for a game of
fetch, but is not a requirement. Moreover, foster dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in a yard.
We have many dogs who are escape artist! They can easily scale fences. When a foster dog is
outside in a fenced yard, a foster parent should be with them. A reality is that dogs don’t exercise
themselves when left outside. Unfortunately, many of the dogs we see at the shelter were ‘yard-dogs”
and developed behavior issues like fence running, barking, or digging because they were left alone in
a backyard. Dogs need focused physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization, and the best
way to do this is by walking or running your foster dog on a leash. Bottom line, if you are fostering a
dog without a fenced in yard, it MUST be on a leash when outside.
If I have my own animals, can I foster animals for HCAC?
Yes, but keep in mind that it’s always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals whether it’s
walking in your neighborhood, vet waiting rooms or other common animal areas. The health risk is
minimal if your animals are current on their vaccinations, maintain healthy diets and lifestyle and are
not elderly or very young. It is very important that your dog is introduced to foster appropriately. This
will be covered in orientation and training. If you or someone in your household is immunecompromised, consult your doctor before fostering since working or living with animals may expose
humans to zootomic diseases.
What supplies are needed to foster?
Foster parents provide space, basic training, exercise and love for foster animals. The shelter
appreciates whenever the foster home can provide supplies for the animal. If this is not possible, the
shelter will provide all other supplies and equipment necessary for the foster experience.
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Do I have to crate-train my foster dog?
No, but it is one of the most efficient and effective ways to house train a puppy or re-train an adult
dog. Some dogs do not like crates, and most dogs need to be transitioned or “trained” to use a crate,
so it’s up to the foster parent to decide whether to crate or not. Putting the dog in a crate while you
are away from home will give you peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe place, away from
harm, and not doing any damage to your belongings or themselves. For many dogs, a crate can also
represent a safe and comfortable place to call their own and provides them with a sense of security.
Dogs actually like having a “den” in which they can cuddle. Crating should never be used as
punishment.
Do I need to have prior medical knowledge or expertise?
No, but you may be asked to dispense medicine to your foster animal so you will have to be
comfortable following veterinarian’s instructions if fostering a sick or injured animal.
How much time is required to foster?
Commitment and responsibilities depend on the individual animal and situation. It’s essential that
foster parents understand that shelter animals may be stressed and moving an animal from the
shelter to the foster home is also very stressful and emotional. Foster parents must be willing to be
patient and commit to the animal because our goal is to keep them in a stable and consistent
environment.
Animals in foster care because they are too young to thrive in a shelter environment can be available
for adoption at 8 weeks of age, if healthy.
Many of the dogs at the shelter are “adolescent” dogs between the age of 6 months and 2 years.
They typically have a lot of energy and require vigorous daily exercise. This means at least a 30-45
minute brisk walk/run in the morning and again in the afternoon, with plenty of play time in between.
Older dogs may only need a morning and evening stroll.
If additional health problems develop, daily time commitments may be changed. For example, foster
parents may have to transport their foster animals back to our facility if they require a check-up by our
staff.
If I foster cats or kittens, may they go outside?
NO, NEVER! Cats and kittens in foster care are not allowed to be outside. HCAC believes that a
healthy foster cat should remain an indoor cat. Indoor cats will be healthier, safer and less likely to get
away from their foster parent if they remain inside.
How can I help my foster animal become more adoptable?
There are two ways to make a foster animal more adoptable. First and foremost is helping that animal
become responsive to training. You can work with simple commands such as sit, stay, come, and
walking on a leash when working with a dog. Many of our dogs have never had the simplest of
training techniques. Our orphaned animals benefit greatly from the exercise, positive reinforcement,
special love and attention you can offer. Providing a foster dog with basic training and manners will
increase their adoptability. Shy dogs will benefit from your patience, routine and slowly exposing them
to new people to build their confidence. Rambunctious adolescents who learn good manners will help
show off their trainability and long term potential. And while puppies and kittens are adorable, they
need a lot of love, attention and guidance from humans to develop properly and feel secure.
Another way to help in getting your foster adopted is marketing. If no one knows about your foster
animal, or how wonderful he/she is, then it will be next to impossible to find them a forever home. In
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addition to supplying great photos and a bio and updating these regularly, giving a foster animal
additional exposure by telling friends and family about your foster will help create a “network effect”
and will speed up the process of finding a forever home. Simple steps like taking a foster dog on
walks in local parks, outdoor shopping areas and pet friendly high traffic areas will help find potential
adopters. It’s nice for your foster dog to wear a “I’m adoptable” sign or kerchief when out in public.
Social media outlets like Facebook also work well.
Am I responsible for finding my foster animal its forever home?
No, but we do need your help. Once a qualified applicant is identified, you will be consulted to
schedule a meet and greet with your foster and the potential adopter. Your quick response and input
on the potential adopter is critical to finding a great match.
Many times a foster parent will find a perfect match through their own network of friends, family and
colleagues. The shelter greatly welcomes these referrals! If you think you have found a perfect home
for your foster, remember they still must go through the application process and be approved by the
shelter staff.
Can I return my foster animal to the shelter if I am unable to foster any longer?
Yes, we will always take the animal back if there is any kind of problem. We understand that
situations change and it may become necessary to discontinue fostering an animal.
We request that a foster parent provides as much notice as possible so that we can find an
alternative foster home. Of course, in an emergency a foster parent may always bring their animal
back to the shelter.
What if I go on vacation or have a business trip?
We would prefer that you schedule fosters when you will not be on vacation.
Are foster animals ever euthanized?
Much energy, love, time and vet care is devoted to our animals and the shelter is committed to finding
homes for ALL the adoptable animals within its care. Some animals are in foster care because they
may be ill or injured. If, after medical attention, these animals are too young or too weak to heal and
are suffering, then the shelter staff will humanely euthanize these animals.
On rare occasions, an animal in foster care may start to exhibit potentially dangerous behavior that
was unknown or suppressed when the animal was at the shelter. The shelter may determine that this
animal is too dangerous to be adopted. At this point this animal will be humanely euthanized. Safety
for our fosters and adopters is our priority. Please, always inform the shelter staff if your foster
exhibits any unusual or aggressive behavior.
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Hardin County Animal Control
Foster Application
220 Peterson Drive
Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701
***Email completed forms to: adoptions.hcac@hcky.org***
Applicant Information
Date of Application:
Have you read and agree to HCAC’s Code of Ethics?
Yes ✔ No
If you have questions about anything found in these documents, please ask
HCAC Director or Foster Coordinator.
Name:
Home Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Home phone:
Cell phone:
Best time to call:
Email Address:
Alternate Email:
Number of People in Household:
Are the children good with animals?
Ages of children in the household, or visit often:
Yes
No
Will you supervise children at all times with foster pets?
Are you or any member of your family allergic to cats:
Yes
No
Yes
No
Unknown
Occupation (optional):
Unemployed
Do you plan to stay committed to your foster pet(s) until s/he is adopted?
Yes
Retired
Student
No
Are you prepared for an extended adjustment period for you and a foster pet?
Yes
No
* The adjustment period is the time it takes for a pet to adjust to a new environment (your home), new people (you and your
family) and new rules. It can last anywhere from 2 hours to 2 months.
Do you plan to go out of town while fostering a pet?
Yes
No
If so, how do you plan to care for your current foster pet(s)?
If for some reason you are no longer able to foster a pet, do you agree to contact HCAC immediately and return the pet only to us within
one week?
Yes
No
Please check yes, no or fill in the blank for each of the following statements:
• I agree to a home visit by HCAC in my home before I begin fostering:
Yes
• I agree to follow-up home visit by HCAC in my home after I begin fostering:
• I agree to attend adoption events with current foster pets:
• I am willing to foster sick or special needs pets:
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
• I am willing to work on house breaking foster pets in my care?
• I breed or sell animals or plan to in the future?
No
Yes
No
No
• I am able to say when I have taken on too much and allow HCAC time to fix the situation:
Yes
No
Experience and Knowledge
In a few words, please tell us why you wish to become a HCAC foster parent: (Please include this information on the back of this page
or attach to this form)
Please describe the species you are interested in fostering. (If canine, please describe the size you would prefer.)
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What is your experience level with fostering?
• I have Volunteered or worked for an animal rescue group, shelter, etc. but not as a foster parent.
• I have Volunteered or worked for an animal rescue group, shelter, etc. as a foster parent.
• Were you able to foster the pet(s) until adopted?
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
N/A
• If not, why not? ____________________________________________________________
If you answered yes to any of the above, please complete the following:
Organization’s name(s): _______________________________________________________
Organization’s contact info: ____________________________________________________
Duration of employment and/or volunteerism: ______________________________________
If you are no longer with this organization, why not? ____________________________________
• I have privately rescued and found homes for a pet or pets on my own:
Yes
No
• If yes, please explain briefly: ______________________________________________________
• I currently have a pet or pets in need of a home:
Yes
No
• If yes, please describe: ______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
• Do you plan to foster for another Organization and/or privately rescue pets while fostering for HCAC?
Yes
No
If your foster pet becomes sick, or an emergency occurs and you cannot reach HCAC, what would you do?
Are you willing to work with a foster pet on behavior issues (e.g. housetraining, fearfulness) if such problems arise?
Are there any behavior or medical issues that you are NOT willing to work with a foster pet on?
If yes, list the issues here:
Yes
Yes
No
No
General Information
Type of residence:
Own or
Rent?
House
Apartment
Condo
Mobile Home
Other: ____________________
If renting, are pets allowed and is pet deposit paid*?
Yes
No
* A letter of permission from your landlord is required if renting
Max. Size:
How many hours per day will your foster(s) be alone?
How many hours per night will your foster(s) be alone?
Where will the foster(s) spend days?
Explain setup:
Where will the foster(s) spend nights?
Explain setup:
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Please describe the typical feel of your home environment – think of it from a pet’s point-of-view: (check one or more)
Calm
Chaotic
Quiet
Loud
Bright
Dark
High Traffic
Low Traffic
Open
Crowded
Pet Information
Do you currently live with other pets?
Yes
No
Name, Species, Breed of all pets currently living in
your home (add attachment if necessary)
Have these pets lived with other cats or dogs before?
Age /
Sex
Spayed/Neutered
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
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Personality
Yes
No
Inside/Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Are these your pets?
Yes
No
Are you willing to provide vet records to show that pets are current on shots and
vaccines (if it applies)?
Yes
No
Are your pets on heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention?(if applicable)
Yes
No
What other pet(s) have you had in the past (including this species)? How long did you have the pet(s) and why do you no longer have
them? If they have passed on, please explain if it was from natural causes or for another reason.
Required References
Current or past name of Vet Clinic (Please notify your Vet’s office that an application has been submitted for fostering an animal for
HCAC. Give them permission to release general information about you and your pet care history to a HCAC representative. In addition,
your signature below will also serve as giving your permission to release the aforementioned information (required by some Vets). This
is only used for foster care purposes.):
Clinic Name and Veterinarian’s Name:
Phone:
Client/Guardian Name on file:
Client for how long?
Pets seen there:
Experience with this species?
Yes
No
Emergency Veterinarian I understand that a representative of HCAC should be contacted immediately of an emergency. Only HCAC
will make decisions about the emergency care of your foster pet. If you feel you must act to get your foster pet to a vet in an emergency,
the foster agent will be responsible for expenses.
Personal References (Please list one relative and one non-relative, if possible).
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Best time to contact:
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Best time to contact:
Thank you for your interest in joining HCAC Foster Care Program. The Foster Coordinator and HCAC Director will
consider your application and contact you shortly to set up a home visit. You will also be advised of training requirements
prior to fostering. Thank you!
Mail to:
HCAC
Attention: Foster
220 Peterson Drive
Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701
Email to:
adoptions.hcac@hcky.org
Enc:HCAC Code of Ethics
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HCAC CODE OF ETHICS
GOAL
The Code of Ethics was established as a standard for volunteers. The goal of this code of ethics is to protect and preserve
HCAC, animal rescue, volunteers, and individual animals. All HCAC Foster Reps have an obligation to put the welfare of
the animals above personal gain and refrain from activities that would be detrimental to the best interests of these animals
or HCAC. These guidelines are presented with the realization that ethics are difficult to regulate and that most individuals
desire and intend to do what is right. Education and communication are the preferred methods of obtaining compliance to
these practices.
GENERAL CONDUCT
HCAC Foster Reps shall provide all animals (or fosters) in their care with the highest possible standards of nutrition,
shelter, cleanliness, exercise, training, socialization and individual attention so that these animals may become welladjusted companions.
HCAC Reps shall NOT engage in false or misleading advertising or other misrepresentation of his/her rescues. HCAC
Reps shall NOT malign other HCAC Reps, veterinarians, or rescue organizations. HCAC Reps are encouraged to provide
pertinent information about their own rescues or those of others, providing such information is accurate and verifiable.
HCAC Reps should seek the best possible environment for each foster. NO HCAC Rep shall sell, consign, or donate
animals to such places as commercial/USDA breeders, pet stores, pet brokers, or catalog houses. Animals may not be
offered to events such as raffles, auctions, drawings, lotteries, contests, or laboratories. HCAC Reps should not knowingly
deal with unethical persons. All rescues must be kept for at least 10 days prior to placement for adoption.
HCAC Reps must comply with all record keeping requirements as set forth by the HCAC Director.
HEALTH ISSUES
ANY and ALL health issues, concerns, and/or obvious veterinary needs MUST be reported to HCAC immediately who will
then decide what steps to take. DO NOT take any of these issues into your own hands unless it is a life or death
emergency. Keep in mind funds are limited at ALL times. If an emergency arises, go to nearest emergency clinic or vet
and call HCAC immediately. Before calling – ALWAYS get an estimate, what that estimate includes, diagnosis and
prognosis. If you do not get an answer, leave a message stating how to contact you, which animal is having the
emergency, what that emergency is, where you have taken the animal, and what is being done by the vet to handle the
emergency.
HCAC ADOPTION PROGRAM
HCAC’s goal is to help as many needy animals as possible while limiting ourselves enough to provide and maintain a high
level of care to each animal already within our care. As HCAC Foster Reps we MUST ALWAYS keep an eye on ourselves
and guide each other to prevent us from stretching ourselves too thin and possibly burning out. Always keep in mind what
you can truly handle and strive to keep yourself within reasonable limits.
HOUSING OF ANIMALS
ALL animals turned in to HCAC become the property of HCAC. Those animals will be screened for health and behavorial
issues and be placed for adoption. Animals picked up as strays must be held at least 7 days. This allows owners to
reclaim lost dogs.
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ADOPTIONS
The first step in finding a new home for any dog in the care of HCAC is to fill out an application for adoption. Dogs that
may be placed in Foster Homes MUST go through the application process before they are adopted.
As a HCAC Foster, we encourage you to help us find homes for the animal that you foster. IF and WHEN you have found
some prospective new owners, you must have the prospective candidate fill out an application and go through the proper
process for adoption.
THE LEGAL ANGLE OF Fostering
When a private person takes possession of an animal and is intending to keep it or place it in a home, that Foster
Volunteer becomes legally responsible for the animal. The organization and Fosters are viewed as having the same
responsibility as any other animal owner in terms of liability. By keeping the animal, the HCAC Foster Rep. voluntarily
assumes the duty to ensure that the animal does not violate any laws or cause any harm.
To avoid legal problems, we MUST:
1. Avoid negligence. To defend against a claim of negligence, it must be shown that the caretaker exercised
reasonable care under the circumstances.
2. Inspect the potential Foster home. What is necessary for this animal and is it there? The requirements for animals
are very different for each depending upon many factors (i.e. disposition, breed, species, size, history,
medical/special needs, etc.).
3. Learn about an animal’s history. Find out as much as you can about the animal before you get it. Evaluate and
learn about the animal while you have it and share everything you know with the HCAC staff. This information will
assist us in getting the animal a new home.
4. IF AT ANY TIME, the animal you are fostering shows dangerous behavioral issues, you MUST contact HCAC
immediately. Please realize that HCAC will make every effort to find homes for the animals under your care and
supervision; however, if our Director and staff find that the animal may be deemed a dangerous animal and not
satisfactory for adoption that animal will be humanely euthanized. Unfortunately, sometimes the only safe thing to
do is euthanize the animal. If an animal is overly aggressive or displays violent tendencies while in your care, you
can be charged with actual knowledge of the animal’s vicious propensity and you can be held responsible should
that animal injure someone at a later date.
Fostering can be extremely gratifying, but do not forget to protect yourself and HCAC while protecting the animals. Give
yourself time when needed and be forthcoming with us when/if you need a break. We look forward to many successful
years of working together!
Working Together,
Jerry Foley, Director
Hardin County Animal Control
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