Interested in fostering? Please fill out the application below and we will be in contact with you shortly!
FOSTER CARE |
Fostering is one of the most rewarding and important volunteer opportunities available here at Utah Valley Animal Rescue. We are ALWAYS in need of loving, committed families and individuals to provide foster care for our dogs and cats awaiting adoption. If you love animals, but can't adopt...why not join UVAR's Foster Family? Foster families not only save lives, but it is because of these selfless individuals that we are able to continue our work to save even more pets who would otherwise remain homeless and in area shelters.
We have foster opportunities to fit all types of families and lifestyles. You can foster short-term, helping a pet on its journey to a forever home, or you can offer that forever home as a more permanent arrangement to of one of our senior dogs or cats. Looking for kitten or puppy love without the long-term commitment? Fostering is the perfect fit!
Imagine taking a confused, depressed animal who’s become homeless through no fault of his or her own, and with your love, patience and encouragement, helping that animal become a happy, confident, bouncy beautiful pet.
Our fosters are our angels. By providing a loving, waiting home, you make more room for others at the adoption center while making an important difference in that animals life. Become a foster family and help deserving pets along on their journey.
Foster families generally need to live within 50 miles of our adoption center in Spanish Fork, UT outside of Salt Lake City. Please read more under our Foster Process if you feel that you could open your heart and your home to one of our animals in need, please fill out an application
We welcome you to join our UVAR Foster team!
We have foster opportunities to fit all types of families and lifestyles. You can foster short-term, helping a pet on its journey to a forever home, or you can offer that forever home as a more permanent arrangement to of one of our senior dogs or cats. Looking for kitten or puppy love without the long-term commitment? Fostering is the perfect fit!
Imagine taking a confused, depressed animal who’s become homeless through no fault of his or her own, and with your love, patience and encouragement, helping that animal become a happy, confident, bouncy beautiful pet.
Our fosters are our angels. By providing a loving, waiting home, you make more room for others at the adoption center while making an important difference in that animals life. Become a foster family and help deserving pets along on their journey.
Foster families generally need to live within 50 miles of our adoption center in Spanish Fork, UT outside of Salt Lake City. Please read more under our Foster Process if you feel that you could open your heart and your home to one of our animals in need, please fill out an application
We welcome you to join our UVAR Foster team!
Foster Process
Becoming a Foster Family
Before you become a foster family for Utah Valley Animal Rescue, you will need to complete our Foster Application. Once reviewed, you will be contacted by our Foster Coordinator. This will ensure that you are matched with animals that fit with your family.
When You Get Your Foster
It can be very scary for an animal to arrive at your home. We don't know all that they have been through up to this point and it can be just adding to their stress level. We ask that you give your foster animal at least 48 hours to decompress and just used to their new surroundings. After that 48 hour period has passes and you feel that they pet is not working well in your home, please contact your Foster Coordinator, and she will make arrangements to pick up the foster. UVAR’s goal is to ensure the foster situation is a good experience for the pet and the foster family.
Your Responsibilities as a Foster Family
Your most important role as a foster family is to feed and love your foster furry friend. Many of the animals are confused and not sure of their situation. The thing they need most is your love and patience. You can help your pet be more adoptable by helping them adjust to family and home living. You may need to teach basic obedience such as sit, down, stay, come and good house manners. If your foster pet has not been housebroken, you may help them accomplish this important step. In addition, it is important to keep your foster dog clean and brushed. After all, you never know when you will get a call from the future family of your foster!
We ask that you give the Foster Coordinator periodic updates on your foster’s progress. The more information we can give to potential adopters, the better.
What You Are Not Responsible For
You are not responsible for veterinary care for your foster. If you believe your foster requires veterinary care, we ask that you get prior authorization from the Foster Coordinator. UVAR contracts with specific veterinarians. The veterinarians are instructed to receive authorization from UVAR before treating one of our pets. Scheduling spay/neuters of our animals is handled by UVAR. Please do not reach out to them. After-hours or an emergency situation, bring your foster to the nearest emergency clinic for treatment. Please contact the Foster Coordinator or UVAR as soon as possible to apprise us of the situation.
When You Have Questions
If you have any questions about your foster (i.e. behavior, training issues, health issues, etc.), please feel free to contact your Foster Coordinator. UVAR’s team has volunteers experienced in behavior and training issues, nutrition, health issues, and just about any other pet-related question. The UVAR team is always available to help you through any situation.
Meeting An Adoptive Family
When we believe we may have an adoptive family for your foster, you will receive a phone call from the Foster Coordinator. We will set up a time for the potential adoptive family to meet your foster.
Some foster families have a hard time saying goodbye to their foster. Please remember, much time and effort has been put into finding the perfect home for your foster. When they are finally placed with their new family, be assured that it is the best home possible. Sometimes, our foster families decide to adopt their fosters. If you would like to adopt your foster, let us know as soon as you can.
Tax Benefits
Did you know that being a foster for one of pets in need may have tax advantages, too? Because we're a non-profit, you might be eligible for specific deductions come April. To learn more, please check out Petfinder's article and check with your tax professional!
Please consider becoming a member of our Foster Family team. Without these selfless individuals, we could not continue our work to rescue and care for the many Pups and Kitties that have passed through our doors. You truly are angels!
To foster please fill out the Foster Application. Thank you for your interest!
Before you become a foster family for Utah Valley Animal Rescue, you will need to complete our Foster Application. Once reviewed, you will be contacted by our Foster Coordinator. This will ensure that you are matched with animals that fit with your family.
When You Get Your Foster
It can be very scary for an animal to arrive at your home. We don't know all that they have been through up to this point and it can be just adding to their stress level. We ask that you give your foster animal at least 48 hours to decompress and just used to their new surroundings. After that 48 hour period has passes and you feel that they pet is not working well in your home, please contact your Foster Coordinator, and she will make arrangements to pick up the foster. UVAR’s goal is to ensure the foster situation is a good experience for the pet and the foster family.
Your Responsibilities as a Foster Family
Your most important role as a foster family is to feed and love your foster furry friend. Many of the animals are confused and not sure of their situation. The thing they need most is your love and patience. You can help your pet be more adoptable by helping them adjust to family and home living. You may need to teach basic obedience such as sit, down, stay, come and good house manners. If your foster pet has not been housebroken, you may help them accomplish this important step. In addition, it is important to keep your foster dog clean and brushed. After all, you never know when you will get a call from the future family of your foster!
We ask that you give the Foster Coordinator periodic updates on your foster’s progress. The more information we can give to potential adopters, the better.
What You Are Not Responsible For
You are not responsible for veterinary care for your foster. If you believe your foster requires veterinary care, we ask that you get prior authorization from the Foster Coordinator. UVAR contracts with specific veterinarians. The veterinarians are instructed to receive authorization from UVAR before treating one of our pets. Scheduling spay/neuters of our animals is handled by UVAR. Please do not reach out to them. After-hours or an emergency situation, bring your foster to the nearest emergency clinic for treatment. Please contact the Foster Coordinator or UVAR as soon as possible to apprise us of the situation.
When You Have Questions
If you have any questions about your foster (i.e. behavior, training issues, health issues, etc.), please feel free to contact your Foster Coordinator. UVAR’s team has volunteers experienced in behavior and training issues, nutrition, health issues, and just about any other pet-related question. The UVAR team is always available to help you through any situation.
Meeting An Adoptive Family
When we believe we may have an adoptive family for your foster, you will receive a phone call from the Foster Coordinator. We will set up a time for the potential adoptive family to meet your foster.
Some foster families have a hard time saying goodbye to their foster. Please remember, much time and effort has been put into finding the perfect home for your foster. When they are finally placed with their new family, be assured that it is the best home possible. Sometimes, our foster families decide to adopt their fosters. If you would like to adopt your foster, let us know as soon as you can.
Tax Benefits
Did you know that being a foster for one of pets in need may have tax advantages, too? Because we're a non-profit, you might be eligible for specific deductions come April. To learn more, please check out Petfinder's article and check with your tax professional!
Please consider becoming a member of our Foster Family team. Without these selfless individuals, we could not continue our work to rescue and care for the many Pups and Kitties that have passed through our doors. You truly are angels!
To foster please fill out the Foster Application. Thank you for your interest!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do foster families need to provide?
Foster families need to provide:
As much time as you can. The more time you spend with your foster kittens, the more socialized they will be to people. The amount of time required for feeding will vary depending on the age of the kittens you are fostering. Very young kittens need to be bottle-fed every two to three hours, while older ones may be eating on their own and needing to be fed just a couple times a day.
Can I foster kittens even if I have a full-time job?
Yes. The foster coordinator will match you with kittens appropriate for your schedule. We will need you to be available, however, to take the kittens to a vet appointment if they are sick.
How many kittens will I be fostering?
We like to have at least two kittens in a foster home so they can socialize with and learn from each other. Sometimes there are special circumstances in which a kitten goes to a foster home alone, but it’s usually for a medical or behavioral reason. The decision is made by the foster coordinator.
How long will the kittens need to be in foster care?
Once a kitten weighs two pounds, he/she can be spayed or neutered and then put up for adoption. If you are fostering a litter of kittens, we will try to keep at least two of the kittens together for the surgery, but we want to get everyone spayed or neutered and ready for adoption as early as possible.
What is my role before and after the kittens’ spay/neuter surgery?
You will give the Foster Coordinator weekly updates on the weight of your kittens. Once they reach two pounds you will set up a time to drop the kittens off for their surgery. You will be given a foster animal biography form to fill out so you can tell potential adopters about any special or fun personality traits that the kittens have or anything else that you think adopters would want to know about the kittens. As you would expect, kittens are usually adopted quickly.
Will I need to give medicine to the foster kittens?
While we do our best to ensure that we are sending out healthy kittens to foster care, most illnesses have incubation periods, meaning that if the kittens picked up something at the shelter, symptoms can arise after you take them home. So, some kittens do not require any medicine, while others do. If your foster kittens need medication, we can show you how to administer it.
Can I let my foster kittens play with my personal pets?
Kittens are very susceptible to illness and can carry or catch dangerous ailments easily. For this reason, we require that foster parents isolate foster kittens with their own supplies for at least two weeks to try and ensure that the kittens are healthy prior to exposing them to your personal pets. We also advise that you consult with your veterinarian before fostering to ensure that all of your personal pets are healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines. If, for any reason, your personal pet becomes ill while you are fostering a Utah Valley Animal Rescue pet, we cannot provide medical care for your personal pet.
For more details on how to introduce cats to each other, read “Introducing a New Cat.” If you want to allow your dog to interact with the kittens, read “How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat.” Never leave your personal pets unsupervised around the foster kittens.
Important note: If your personal cat is allowed outdoors, he or she cannot interact with your foster kittens. Kittens are very vulnerable to illness and we want to limit their risk by not exposing them to anything from the outdoors.
Will any of my foster kittens die?
Sadly, kittens are fragile, so it is always possible for them to become ill and pass away while in a foster home. This may be the hardest thing about fostering kittens. If it’s something you don’t want to encounter, then fostering kittens may not be the best fit for you. But please keep in mind that without foster homes, most of these kittens would not stand a chance of survival in a shelter. You’re helping to save lives.
Who will take care of my foster kittens if I need to go out of town?
If you have travel plans while you are fostering kittens for Best Friends–Utah, you will need to contact the foster coordinator and make arrangements to return your foster group to the kitten nursery or pet adoption center for the duration of the time that you are gone. Please provide at least one week’s notice to ensure that we have space for your kittens. If your trip is over a holiday, please provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice.
You cannot leave your foster cat with an unauthorized person or pet sitter. We have specific training for foster parents, and pet sitters have not undergone that training or signed the release waivers for the foster program.
What if I want to adopt one of my foster kittens?
If you want to adopt a foster kitten, you will need to complete an adoption application and follow the full adoption process. Adoption fees will apply.
What if I know someone who’s interested in adopting one of my foster kittens?
If someone you know is interested in adopting one of your foster kittens, tell them that they will need to fill out an adoption application. Once that is completed the Adoption Coordinator will complete the rest of the process.
Will it be difficult for me to say goodbye to my foster kittens?
Saying goodbye can be the most difficult part of fostering, but remember that we always have more kittens who need wonderful foster homes. Keep in mind that by fostering these vulnerable pets, you are playing a crucial role in helping to save lives.
What do foster families need to provide?
Foster families need to provide:
- A healthy and safe environment for their foster kittens
- Transportation to and from our main foster home and vet appointments if any.
- Socialization and cuddle time to help teach the kittens about positive family and pet relationships
As much time as you can. The more time you spend with your foster kittens, the more socialized they will be to people. The amount of time required for feeding will vary depending on the age of the kittens you are fostering. Very young kittens need to be bottle-fed every two to three hours, while older ones may be eating on their own and needing to be fed just a couple times a day.
Can I foster kittens even if I have a full-time job?
Yes. The foster coordinator will match you with kittens appropriate for your schedule. We will need you to be available, however, to take the kittens to a vet appointment if they are sick.
How many kittens will I be fostering?
We like to have at least two kittens in a foster home so they can socialize with and learn from each other. Sometimes there are special circumstances in which a kitten goes to a foster home alone, but it’s usually for a medical or behavioral reason. The decision is made by the foster coordinator.
How long will the kittens need to be in foster care?
Once a kitten weighs two pounds, he/she can be spayed or neutered and then put up for adoption. If you are fostering a litter of kittens, we will try to keep at least two of the kittens together for the surgery, but we want to get everyone spayed or neutered and ready for adoption as early as possible.
What is my role before and after the kittens’ spay/neuter surgery?
You will give the Foster Coordinator weekly updates on the weight of your kittens. Once they reach two pounds you will set up a time to drop the kittens off for their surgery. You will be given a foster animal biography form to fill out so you can tell potential adopters about any special or fun personality traits that the kittens have or anything else that you think adopters would want to know about the kittens. As you would expect, kittens are usually adopted quickly.
Will I need to give medicine to the foster kittens?
While we do our best to ensure that we are sending out healthy kittens to foster care, most illnesses have incubation periods, meaning that if the kittens picked up something at the shelter, symptoms can arise after you take them home. So, some kittens do not require any medicine, while others do. If your foster kittens need medication, we can show you how to administer it.
Can I let my foster kittens play with my personal pets?
Kittens are very susceptible to illness and can carry or catch dangerous ailments easily. For this reason, we require that foster parents isolate foster kittens with their own supplies for at least two weeks to try and ensure that the kittens are healthy prior to exposing them to your personal pets. We also advise that you consult with your veterinarian before fostering to ensure that all of your personal pets are healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines. If, for any reason, your personal pet becomes ill while you are fostering a Utah Valley Animal Rescue pet, we cannot provide medical care for your personal pet.
For more details on how to introduce cats to each other, read “Introducing a New Cat.” If you want to allow your dog to interact with the kittens, read “How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat.” Never leave your personal pets unsupervised around the foster kittens.
Important note: If your personal cat is allowed outdoors, he or she cannot interact with your foster kittens. Kittens are very vulnerable to illness and we want to limit their risk by not exposing them to anything from the outdoors.
Will any of my foster kittens die?
Sadly, kittens are fragile, so it is always possible for them to become ill and pass away while in a foster home. This may be the hardest thing about fostering kittens. If it’s something you don’t want to encounter, then fostering kittens may not be the best fit for you. But please keep in mind that without foster homes, most of these kittens would not stand a chance of survival in a shelter. You’re helping to save lives.
Who will take care of my foster kittens if I need to go out of town?
If you have travel plans while you are fostering kittens for Best Friends–Utah, you will need to contact the foster coordinator and make arrangements to return your foster group to the kitten nursery or pet adoption center for the duration of the time that you are gone. Please provide at least one week’s notice to ensure that we have space for your kittens. If your trip is over a holiday, please provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice.
You cannot leave your foster cat with an unauthorized person or pet sitter. We have specific training for foster parents, and pet sitters have not undergone that training or signed the release waivers for the foster program.
What if I want to adopt one of my foster kittens?
If you want to adopt a foster kitten, you will need to complete an adoption application and follow the full adoption process. Adoption fees will apply.
What if I know someone who’s interested in adopting one of my foster kittens?
If someone you know is interested in adopting one of your foster kittens, tell them that they will need to fill out an adoption application. Once that is completed the Adoption Coordinator will complete the rest of the process.
Will it be difficult for me to say goodbye to my foster kittens?
Saying goodbye can be the most difficult part of fostering, but remember that we always have more kittens who need wonderful foster homes. Keep in mind that by fostering these vulnerable pets, you are playing a crucial role in helping to save lives.