short-term foster care - maddie's fund€¦ · short-term foster care options make it easy for...

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Short-TermFosterCare

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TableofContents

Short-TermFosterCare.....................................................................................................................................3

Weekend/OvernightFosterCare.......................................................................................................................4WeekendFosterProcessCaseStudy:AustinAnimalCenter.......................................................................................................................5WeekendFosterProcessCaseStudy:FairfaxCountyAnimalShelter.....................................................................................................5FieldTripFostering...........................................................................................................................................6SuggestedItemstobringonFieldTrips:..............................................................................................................................................................6SuggestedRulesforFieldTrips.................................................................................................................................................................................7FieldTripFosterCaseStudy:AustinAnimalCenter........................................................................................................................................7FieldTripFosterCaseStudy:FairfaxCountyAnimalShelter......................................................................................................................8FieldTripFosterLocationExamples......................................................................................................................................................................8

OffsiteWalksandDogWalkingGroups............................................................................................................10GroupWalkCaseStudy:AnimalArkRescue.....................................................................................................................................................10Rules.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11Thedayofthewalk........................................................................................................................................................................................................11Marketing..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................11

GroupWalkCaseStudy:VanderburghHumaneSociety..............................................................................................................................13OnArrival:.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................13AftertheWalk:.................................................................................................................................................................................................................14

GroupWalkCaseStudy:ResQCrewbyNOVAPetsAlive............................................................................................................................14WelcomePost:..................................................................................................................................................................................................................14GroupRules.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................15

AppendixA:Resources.....................................................................................................................................16Fieldtripfostering........................................................................................................................................................................................................16Weekend/sleepoverfostering.................................................................................................................................................................................16GroupWalks....................................................................................................................................................................................................................17

AppendixB.CardioforCanines’AnimalBehaviorReport.................................................................................18

AppendixC.FredericksburgSPCA’sAdventureTailsProtocol...........................................................................19

C:AustinAnimalCenter’sShort-TermFosteringInformation...........................................................................24

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Short-TermFosterCareTherearelotsofgreatreasonswhyshort-termfostercareisgreatforshelters.Ithelpsgetdogsoutoftheshelterandreduceskennelstress.Itenablesmoreofthecommunitytogetinvolvedwiththeshelterinafunway.Itenablesshelterstolearnmoreaboutthebehaviorofthedogsintheircareandtomarkettheminnewways.Short-termfostercareoptionsmakeiteasyforpeopletomakeacommitment.Withbusylives,manypeopleliketheflexibilityofhavingshort-termfosteroptions,soyou’llfindthattheseprogramswillincreaseyourfosterbase.Better,whatwefoundisthatwhenshort-termfosteristried,familiesoftenrealizethatthey’realsosuitedforlong-termfostercareaswell.Thereisaperceptionheldbysomeofthepublicthatshelterdogsare“unknown.”Short-termfostercaredoesmuchtocombatthisstigma.Thebetteroursheltersgettoknowtheanimalsintheircare,thebetterthingswillbeforallshelterdogs.

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Weekend/OvernightFosterCareWeekendandovernightfostercareisagreatwaytogettoknowshelterdogsbetter,reducekennelstressandfindnewwaystomarketthemforadoption.Programscanbecreatedbasedontheneedsofyourshelter.Someprogramsfocusondaysandtimesthattheshelterisclosed,andsomeallowdogstobetakenhomeanytime.Dependingontheshelter,alldogsmaybeavailableforweekendfoster,orjustaselectfew(forexample,dogswithlongshelterstays).Considerthesesampleguidelinesforweekendfostercare:

• Fostercaregiversmusthaveadequatetrainingtotakehomethedogstheyarematchedwith.• Onlydogsontheadoptionfloorareeligibletogo,unlessamanagergivesapproval.• Dogsmusthavehadarabiesvaccination.• Listtheday(s)andtime(s)thatthedogshouldbebroughtbacktotheshelter.• FostermustreadandsignFosterContract.• Advisethatfosterdogsbekeptseparatefromotherpetsinthehome,especiallysmallanimals,cats,and

smallerdogs.Thefosterfamilyshouldhaveaplaninplaceiftheydowishtointroducethefosterdogto

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theirdog(orotheranimal)anditdoesn’tworkout–i.e.,aplacetokeeptheiranimalsseparatedfromthefosterdog.

• Dogsmust:o Atalltimeswearamartingalecollarwithfosterdogtagsattached.o BefittedwithanEasyWalkorotherapprovedharness,wornonwalks.o Bewalkedusingaleash.o Notgotoanyoff-leashareas,includingdogparks.o Youmightconsiderprovidingthefollowingsuppliestoweekendfosterer:

§ Bowls§ Crate§ Toys§ Treats§ Bed/towels§ Dogfood,dryandwet.(Note:remembertocheckforspecialdiets!)

o Ensurethatcaregiversaregivenanymedicationsneededbytheirfosterdog.(Note:alwayscheckformeds!)

o “WeekendFoster”signplacedinthedog’scagecardholder.

WeekendFosterProcessCaseStudy:AustinAnimalCenterThesheltermakesitjustaseasytofosterasitistoadopt.Nosign-upisneeded;volunteersandfosterscancometotheshelterandtakeadogonanovernightanydayoftheweek.Customerservicestaffistrainedtoprocessfosters,andthey’remanagedjustlikeadoptions.Thisway,theonlyworkthattheprogramaddstothefostercoordinators’platesisinpromotingtheprogramandthedogstakenonoutingsonsocialmediaandtroubleshootinganyissues.

WeekendFosterProcessCaseStudy:FairfaxCountyAnimalShelterVolunteersandfostersareabletoparticipateinweekendfosterattheshelter.Thereare-4trainedweekendfostervolunteers,whosejobitistohelpimplementweekendfoster.OnSaturday,atleastoneofthesevolunteersisatthesheltertoassistinmakingmatches,gettingpaperworkinorderandhelpingfamiliesgetthesuppliestheyneed.Duringthemiddletotheendoftheweek,anemailissenttofosterswiththedogswhomaybeavailableforweekendfoster.Fostersareencouragedtoreplywithquestionsandofferstotakeadoghome.Fosterfamiliesarriveattheshelteraround4pm,whentheshelterisabouttoclosefortheweekend.Fostervolunteershelpthemlocateneededsupplies,assistwithputtingharnessesandleashesonthedogsandmakesuretherelevantpaperworkisreadandsigned.Familiesareencouragedtopostphotos,videosandstoriesabouttheirweekend.Therearetwotimeslotswhenfamiliescanbringthedogsbackfromweekendfoster.

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FieldTripFosteringFieldtripfosterstakeadogoffthesheltergroundsforanouting,whichcanlastfromanhourtoallday.Theshorttimeframemakesiteasyforbusyvolunteersandfosters(whomaynothavetheabilitytotakeadogovernight)togetthemoutoftheshelterandgettoknowthembetter.Fostersshouldbeawarethatthepurposeoftheoutingistolearnmoreaboutthedog’sbehavioroutsidetheshelterandtogetthedogadoptedbydocumentingwhatislearnedthroughphotos,videoandtext.Fostersshouldtakethedogtofunplacesthatwillmakeforgreatpictures.Itmaybehelpfuliftheybringabuddysothatonepersoncantakepictureswhiletheotherishandlingthedog.

SuggestedItemstobringonFieldTrips:• Water• Bowl• “Adoptme”vestorbandana• Treats• Dogwastebags• Leash• Properlyfittedharness• Fosterdogtags• Properlyfittedmartingalecollar(snug-fittingwithroomfornomorethantwofingersbetweenthecollar

andthedog’sbody)

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SuggestedRulesforFieldTripso Fostermustreaddog’sbiographybeforecheckingdogouto Onlydogsontheadoptionfloorareeligibletogo,exceptwithmanagerapproval.o Dogsmusthavehadarabiesvaccination.o Fostermustreadandsignshelter’sFosterContract.o Dogsneedto:

§ Bewearingamartingalecollarwithfosterdogtagsattachedatalltimes.§ Bewalkedusingaleash.§ Notgotoanyoff-leashareas,includingdogparks.§ Befittedwithanapprovedharness.§ Bewearingan‘AdoptMe’vest.

o Puta‘FosterFieldTrip’signonthedog’skennel.o Nointeractionwithotherdogsexceptwithmanager’sapproval.o Fostersmusthaveshelter’semergencycontactnumbersprogrammedintotheirphone.o Fostercaregiversmusthaveadequatetrainingtotakehomethedogstheyarematchedwith(if

theshelterusesacoloreddotsystemforbehavior)

FieldTripFosterCaseStudy:AustinAnimalCenterThepeoplewhotakedogsonshortoutingsarealreadyvolunteers,fostersorstaffmembers.Thevolunteersmanagetheshort-termfosteroutingsthemselves,withoversightfromtheshelter’sfostercoordinators.Theygetthedogsready,gettheirownsuppliesandcheckoutwithcustomerservice.

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FieldTripFosterCaseStudy:FairfaxCountyAnimalShelterTheshelter’svolunteercoordinatorcreatesslotsintheshelter’svolunteermanagementsoftwaresothatvolunteersandfosterscansignuptotakedogsfor“PowerHour”fosteratspecifiedtimes.Theslotscoincidewithtimestheshelterisclosed,suchasmorningsandSundays.Thisenablesthedogstogetmoreexercisebeforetheshelteropenstovisitorsandenablesthedogstobevisibleattheshelterwhileit’sopen.TheshelterhasseveraltrainedvolunteerswhoassistwiththePowerHourprogram.Thesevolunteersarriveattheshelterbeforethepowerhoursbegin,assistinmatchingfosterswithdogs,helpfostersgatherneededsupplies,andcheckPowerHourfostersinandoutviatheshelter’ssoftware,savingthefostercoordinator’stime.

FieldTripFosterLocationExamplesItmayhelptogiveyourfostersalistofsuggestedlocationsforpowerhourfostering(orbetteryet,askoneofthemtocreatealist!).ThefollowingisanexampleoflocationsneartheFairfaxCountyAnimalShelterinFairfax,VA.Thelocationsarelistedfromclosesttothesheltertofarthest,andincludeparks,outdoorshoppingareasandstoresthatallowdogs.

FairfaxGovernmentCenter-12000GovernmentCenterPkwy,Fairfax,VA

• Lessthan5minutesaway• Expansivelawninback,withpathsleadingtoshort,woodedtrails.

FairfaxCorner-4100MonumentCornerDr.Fairfax,VA• Approx.5minawayfromshelter• REI,Lucy,andPlowandHeartharedogfriendly.CupcakesActuallysellsPupcakes.

OldTownClifton-7150MainSt,Clifton,VA• Approx.10-15minaway• Petersons–sellsminidogsundaes

Figure1:Volunteersknewthatgettinga‘puppachino’wasFrenchFry’sfavoritewaytoendanouting

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FryingPanPark-2709WestOxRoad,Herndon,VA• Approx.15min• Interactwithkidsandfarmanimals

ECLawrencePark-5040WalneyRoad,Chantilly,VA• Approx.15min

RestonTownCenter-11900MarketStreet,Reston,VA• Approx.15min• Shelterdogscangetexposure

BurkeLake-7315OxRoad,FairfaxStation,VA• Approx.20min• Greatforenergeticdogs-hiking/trails.Looparoundlakeis5miles.

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OffsiteWalksandDogWalkingGroupsAdogwalking,hikingorrunninggroupisagreatwayforshelterdogstoexpendenergyandpracticewalkingonleashwithotherdogs.Thebestpartis,evenreactivedogstendtowalkcalmlyafterthefirsthalf-mileorsoofwalkingwithothers.Packwalksareeasytosetupandrun.Theycanbedesignedwithformalrulesoramoreinformalstyle.Shelterscanscheduleoffsitewalksforvolunteersand/orthepublic,andvolunteerscanbetrainedtoleadthem.Informalgroupsoutsidethesheltercancreatedog-walkinggroupsaswell.

GroupWalkCaseStudy:AnimalArkRescueAnimalArkRescuerunsasuccessfulgrouphikeprogramthatisopentothepublic.TheyholdhikesonceamonthanduseFacebooktoinvitesupporterstojointhem.Theygenerallyhavebetween10-20volunteerswhohikeforafewhourswithashelterdogandthenhaveapicniclunch.Theyfocusonbringingtheirlongest-staydogsandhavehadseveraldogsadoptedbyhikersandsupporterswhohaveseenadoginphotosofthehikeonline.

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Rules• Participantsmustbe18yearsorolderwithavalidphotoID,or16yearsoldwithaparentorguardian

present.• Participantsareaskedtogototheshelterpriortothehiketopickadog.

o Playgroupcoordinatorhelpstomakegoodmatches.• Dogsare1toavehicle.

o Exception:ifdogshavealreadybeenpairedandoneorbotharekenneled§ Theylendairlinecratesfortransport.

Thedayofthewalk• Uponarrival,groupisgivenasafetybriefingonhandlingtips,medicalandenvironmentalemergencies,

howtohandledogbitesorfights,etc.• Volunteersareaskedtocheckthedog’sharnessandcollartoensurethattheycannotslipout.• Groupisaskedtofocusonthedogsandnotallowthedogstosocialize.• Ifadogbecomesreactive,theyaskthatthehandlerstepoffthetrailandcreateasafedistancebetween

theirdogandthegroup.• Volunteerscomingupbehindothersareaskedtonotifyotherhikersiftheyareabouttopassthem.• Staffbringswater,anextrabowl,amap,bugspray,sunscreenandafirstaidkit;volunteersarealsoasked

tobringwaterfortheirdog.

Marketing• CreateFBeventforthehike1monthinadvance.

o Shareonceaweektoencouragepeopletoparticipate.

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GroupWalkCaseStudy:VanderburghHumaneSocietyTheshelter’sCardioforCaninesprogramallowsthepublictotakedogsforawalkataspecificparkeverySaturdaymorningfrom8amto9:30am.Participantsdon’tactuallyhavetowalkinagroup,buttheywalkalongthesameroute.ThisprogramismanagedentirelybyvolunteersandhasitsownFacebookpage.Theprogram’scoordinatorisasheltervolunteer,andshehasotherdedicatedCFCvolunteerswhoassistwithtrainingandpreparation(theyareallconsideredactiveVHSvolunteers).Preparation:

• TheprogramcoordinatorandCFCvolunteerspersonallyspendtimewitheachdogandplacethemintothefollowingcategories:

o Walkingcompaniono RunningORwalkingcompaniono Runningcompanion

• CFCvolunteersfiteachdogwithaharnessandtiewastebagstoeachleash.Theyputtogethercoolersofbottledwaterforthepeopleandbowlsofwaterforthepupsat2stationsthroughoutthepark.

OnArrival:• Newparticipantsfilloutashortregistrationformandawaiver.Thisiskeptonfile,sotheydonotneedto

re-registereachtime.• Participantsareaskediftheywouldliketowalkleisurelyoriftheywouldliketotakeanenergeticdogon

arun.Theyarethenmatchedwithadogbasedontheirpreference.

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AftertheWalk:• ParticipantsareabletofilloutaBehaviorReportonthedogtheywalked.Onceaweek,avolunteer

entersthisinformationintotheshelter’ssoftwaresystemandputspapercopiesinthedogs’folders.Thisway,potentialadoptersandtheshelter’sadoptionsstaffcanseehowthedogsinteractedwithpeopleandotheranimalsatCFC.

GroupWalkCaseStudy:ResQCrewbyNOVAPetsAliveResQCrewisacommunitybasedgroupdogwalkgearedtowardssocialization,fellowship,toleranceandeducationofallbreeds.ResQCrewisopentoALLdogsandtheirguardians!

WelcomePost:

ResQCrewisacommunitybasedgroupdogwalkgearedtowardssocialization,fellowship,andeducationofallbreeds.ResQCrewisopentoalldogsandtheirguardians.

We'dliketoremindeveryonethateventsshouldbeinclusivetodogs,asthatisthenatureofthisgroup(Althoughwedoloveourwinery/brewery/yappyhourtrips,andeventsthatbenefitanimalrescues).

Welovethatthisboardhasbecomeaforumforquestionsandadvice,butpleasekeeppoststothetopicofthegroup.Soifyouhavequestionsorconcerns,feelfreetoask,sharepictures,andcomment!Thisisnotaplacetopostadoptablepetsoreventsthatdonotrelatetodogsinsomeway.Thisisalsonotaplacetorehomepets.

Ifyouareinterestedincrosspostingeventsfromothergroups,pleasecreatea(groupname)eventforthatevent.Thatwaywecantrackhowmanypeoplefromthegrouparegoingandweknowwhotolookforwhenwegetthere.Ifyouarecrosspostingtogaugeinterest,thatisfine,butmakesuretocreateaneventafterwards.

Thankyoueveryoneandwelcometothegroup!Ifyouhaveanyquestionspleaseletusknow!

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GroupRulesItisimperativethatthefollowingrulesbefollowedinordertoensureasafeandfunexperience!Anymemberswhodonotfollowtherulesmayberemovedfromthegroup.

1. Everydogmustbeonaleash,6feetorless,andhandledbyanadult(18+)atalltimes.NORETRACTABLELEASHES.

2. Minorsarewelcometoparticipateinthewalksbutmustdemonstrateappropriatebehaviorandmustbeaccompaniedbyanadultatalltimes.

3. Itisexpectedthatallpartiesparticipatingfollowallstate/locallawsaswellasanypark-specificrules.4. Alwaysaskbeforeintroducingdogstoeachother,pettinganotherdog,orofferinganotherdogatreat.

Somedogsmaybereactive,fearful,nervous,orotherwiseworkingonspecificskills/training.Assumptionscanleadtorisk;communicationiskeytothesuccessofeverywalk!

5. Asthedog’sguardian,itisyoursoleresponsibilitytowalkyourdog,engageinsafeprocedures,addressanywarningsignsyourdoggives,andheedfellowwalkers’warnings.

6. Payattentiontoyourdog’sneedsandmakesuretomaintainasafedistancebetweendogsandothers.Beawareofyoursurroundingsandpleaseberespectfuloftheneedsofotherdogsandindividualsinthegroup.

7. HAVEFUN!

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AppendixA:Resources

FieldtripfosteringThisNewYear,resolvetostarta‘DogsDayOut’programatyouranimalshelterhttp://chewonthis.maddiesfund.org/2017/12/dogs-day-out/Give‘emabreak:Programaimstogivedogsamuch-neededrespitefromdailylifehttp://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/give-em-a-break-program-aims-to-give-dogs-a/article_69ac22c2-b4f4-11e6-b64b-0ba8b51d9539.htmlWeborrowedashelterdogtogohiking.Youcan-andtotallyshould-toohttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/arin-greenwood/shelter-dog-hiking_b_6041240.htmlDogshelteroffersicecreamandadventures,sadlyisn’tacceptinghumanapplicationshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/20/dog-eating-ice-cream_n_5514558.htmlDoggiedaytripshttp://www.northernvirginiamag.com/family/pampered-pets/2015/03/23/doggie-day-trips/HawaiiananimalshelteronKauailetsvisitorstakedogsonadaytimeadventurehttp://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-d-1018-kauai-canines-20151018-story.html

Weekend/sleepoverfosteringStudy:doshelterdogsbenefitfromshort-termfostersleepovers?http://chewonthis.maddiesfund.org/2017/09/study-do-shelter-dogs-benefit-from-short-term-foster-sleepovers/Sleepoversleadtoforeverhomeshttps://signalscv.com/2017/02/sleepovers-lead-forever/Thisnonprofit’sshelterpupsleepoversaimtohelpspuradoptionhttps://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/people-can-host-shelter-pup-slumber-parties-thanks-to-nonprofits-genius-program_us_57c83956e4b0e60d31dd6749ASUresearcherfindswaytoreducestressinshelterdogshttps://asunow.asu.edu/20170328-solutions-asu-researcher-finds-ways-reduce-stress-shelter-dogsFostersleepoverprogramgivesdogsabreakhttps://compassionatecircle.bwar.org/foster-sleepover-program-give-dogs-a-break/

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Lookingtoadopt?Ashelterdogslumberpartymightsealthedealhttp://people.com/pets/looking-to-adopt-a-shelter-dog-slumber-party-might-seal-the-deal/

GroupWalksAsimplewalkcanteachreactivedogshowtomakefriendsandhelpownersfindthesupporttheyneedhttps://animalfarmfoundation.blog/2017/03/22/a-simple-walk-can-teach-reactive-dogs-how-to-make-friends-and-help-owners-find-the-support-they-need/Georgiasheltertriesanything-andeverything!-togetpetsadoptedhttp://chewonthis.maddiesfund.org/2018/01/innovative-thinking/Takeashelterdoghikinghttps://www.petsmartcharities.org/blog/take-a-shelter-dog-hiking?utm_source=social&utm_campaign=content&utm_medium=facebook

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AppendixB.CardioforCanines’AnimalBehaviorReport

AnimalBehaviorReportPleasePrint

Today’sDate___________________________YourName________________________________________________Animal’sName_______________________ID#___________________Dog_____ Breed________________________Color______________Pleasedescribethedog’sbehavior:(circletheanswerthatbestdescribes)Energylevel–Low/Medium/High; Followscommands-Yes/No/Sometimes;Knowstricks–Yes/No;Ifyes,what?____________________________________Easytowalk–Yes/No/Sometimes;Chasesotheranimals-Yes/No/Sometimes;Ifyes,playfulorpredatory?___________________________________________________________________Fearful-Yes/No/Sometimes;Ifyes,ofwhat?___________________________________________________________________Thisdogmayhavebeenfoundasastray.Anyadditionalinformationishelpfulinplacingthisdogintherighthome.Wouldyouliketoaddanythingelse?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ThankYou!

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AppendixC.FredericksburgSPCA’sAdventureTailsProtocol

Herearetherulesofthegame:1.Personmustbe18yearsoldtotakeoneofourdogsoffSPCApremises2.SPCAFrontDeskPersonnelmustconfirmthatpersonknowshowtoproperlywalkadog: A.DonotbringourSPCAdogtoadogparkandavoidnose-to-noseinteractions B.Dogmustremainonaleashatalltimes C.Person"checkingout"animalmusthavecontrolofleashatalltimes3.FrontDeskPersonnelwillrecommendananimalbasedonalistofapproveddogs A.ApproveddogsMUSThaveallvaccines,befixed,andbemicrochipped B.Approveddogscannotbeonourbehaviorwatchlist4.FrontDeskPersonnelwillputanimalinatightfittingharnessandattachleashfordogwalker5.FrontDeskPersonnelwillgetacopyofdogwalker'sDriver'sLicense,aswellasTWOmeansofcontact(phone,email,etc.)6.FrontDeskPersonnelwillhavedogwalkersignaliabilitywaiver7.DogwalkerwillbeinformedthatSPCAanimalshouldbekepthydrated,especiallyon70degreesplusdays.Dogwalkerwillbefurnishedwithapetbowlandabottleofwater8.Asignwillbeplacedonkennelofanimalonawalk-"Iamonanadventure!"9.SPCAanimalsmustbebacktothebuildingnolaterthan5:45pm10.FrontDeskPersonnelwillplaceliabilitywaiverandDriver'sLicensecopyintoanAdventurefolder,whichwillbekeptatthefrontdesk.Thefrontofthefolderwillhavethedogcheckoutsheetonit,andmustalsobefilledoutcompletely.11.At5:30pm,FrontDeskPersonnelwillcallanydogwalker'swhohavenotreturnedwithSPCAanimaltoremindthemofthe5:45pmdropoff12.WhenSPCAanimalisreturned,FrontDeskPersonnelwilltakeamomenttoaskhowthedogbehaved.Leashmanners?Interactionswithpeople?NotestakenwillbeputintoPetPoint.13.WhenSPCAanimalisreturned,theywillbeplacedintheirkennelwithafullbucketofwater.Iftheirdinnerisnotintheirkennel,FrontDeskPersonnelwillfindorpreparetheirdinner.14.Anyunusualbehaviorofanimalmustbereportedtoasupervisorimmediately.

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Name of dog walker Contact Number Name of Dog checked out

License Copied and in Folder?

Waiver signed and in folder?

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AdventureTailsDogWalkerAgreement

Please Print Clearly

Name: _____________________________________ Dog's Name: _________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ Primary Phone:_______________________________ Email:_______________________________________ Thank you for your interest in walking and socializing our dogs. Please read and abide by the following

dog walking rules and initial each line AFTER reading. ____DogscanONLYbewalkedbyvolunteersovertheageof18.____Dogleashesmustbeheldsecurelyandwrappedaroundyourhandafewtimes.____Dogsmustbekeptonashortleashatalltimes.____Neverallowanyofthedogstobeoff-leash.____Donotallowanydogstointeractwitheachother(becauseofaggressionorillness).____Dogmustremaininharnessandcollaratalltimes.____Checkhereifyouwouldliketobeaddedtoourmonthlyemailnewsletter.Signature:________________________________Date:_____________

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AdventureTailsWaiver

This Waiver and Release of Liability, Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement (“Agreement”) is between the Volunteer and the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA, 10819 Courthouse Rd in Fredericksburg, VA 22408 and its directors, officers, members, employees, agents, assigns, legal representatives and successors. As a volunteer that is 18 years old or older, I hereby understand and agree to the following: I agree to WAIVE and RELEASE the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA from all liability, manner of actions, causes of action, debts, contracts, claims and demands for or by reason of any illness, death, damage, loss or injury to person and property, which has been or may be sustained as a direct or indirect consequence of the Volunteer’s volunteering at or for the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA and notwithstanding that such damage, death, illness, loss or injury may have been caused partly by the negligence of the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA. I agree to INDEMNIFY and HOLD HARMLESS the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA for any costs or liabilities which they may incur as a result of my volunteering at or for the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA. I acknowledge and agree that I have carefully read this Agreement, that I fully understand the Agreement, and that I freely and voluntarily execute the same. I understand that I may seek independent advice prior to signing this Agreement. I understand that this Agreement is binding on me, my spouse, my executors, administrators, personal representatives and assigns and that this Agreement has important legal consequences. The terms of this Agreement are contractual and not mere recitals. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Virginia. Signature of Volunteer ____________________________ Date _____________

IAMONANADVENTURE!

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Checkmeoutlater!

IAMONANADVENTURE!

Checkmeoutlater!

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C:AustinAnimalCenter’sShort-TermFosteringInformation

Short-TermFosteringOvernightsandOutings

Wanttogiveashelterdogabreakfromthestressoftheshelterandanopportunityfornewexperiences?Wanttogetvaluableinformationaboutthedog’spersonality,behaviorandneeds,therebyhelpingadoptersorrescuersmakemoreinformeddecisions?Theshelterhastwodifferentoptionsforshort-termfostering.

1.Overnights:Checkoutafosterintheeveningandreturnthenextmorning2.Outing:Checkoutafosterdogforonehouroranafternoon

Pleasenote:• FostersinterestedinshorttermfosteringopportunitiesarerequiredtocompletetheFosterProgram• OrientationandOutingsandOvernightsTraining.• Thesetypesofoutingsaremostimportantforlongerstaydogs(dogsthathavebeenatthe

shelterformorethan30days),thosewhohavebehavioralchallenges,orthosethatareoverwhelmedinthesheltersetting.

Requirements:

• YoumustbeanapprovedfosterandhaveacompletedandsignedFosterAgreementonfile.• Youmusthavecompletedtheadditionaltrainingthatisrequiredforshorttermfosteringopportunities.• Youmustbeavailabletopickupandreturnthedogduringregularbusinesshours.• Youmustreviewthe“PublicOutingsandWalks-SafetyTipsforYouandYourFosterDog”section

onpage12.Steps:

1.Ifyouareinterestedintakingaspecificdogforanovernightorouting,pleasecontactthefostercoordinatortoverifythatthedogisavailable,reviewthedog’sbehaviorrecords,andtoconfirmapickupdateandtime.Ifyouwerenotabletoconfirmwiththefostercoordinatorinadvance,pleasecheckinwithcustomerservicestaffintheCashier’sOfficeformoreinformationaboutthedogthatyouareinterestedin.

2.Onceyouhaveconfirmedwithstaffthatyouwillbepickingupaspecificdog.Staffwillmakea

noteinthedog’srecordconcerningwhereitisgoingandwhenitwillbereturning.

3.Whenyouarereadytopickthedogup,youwillneedtovisittheCashier’sOfficeandspeaktocustomerservicestaff.

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4.CustomerservicewillneedtoseeavalidID,getyourDL#,confirmyourcurrentaddress/contactinformation,andhaveyousignaFosterAgreementifyouhaven’talready.

Timingfor takingadog out:Foranovernight:

• Makearrangementsaheadoftimefortakingadogout.• Pickupthedogpriorto7p.m.inordertocompletearrangements.• Returnthedogtoitskennelat11a.m.thefollowingday,soitwillbeavailableforcustomerviewing.• Besuretonotifytheanimalcarestafferintherunthatthedoghasbeenreturnedsostaffcan

assurethatthedogisfed.Foranouting:

• Pickupanytimebetween11a.m.and6p.m.• Returnthedogtoitskennelby7p.m.• Remember,beingavailableforcustomerviewingduringopenhoursincreasesthedog’schanceof

beingadoptedfromtheshelter.Heaviestcustomertimesaregenerallyonweekends,rightaftershelteropening,midtolateafternoons,andduringspecialadoptionevents.Thebesttimeofdayforanoutingwillalsodependonthetimesofgreatestactivityorcalmforaparticulardog,andtheirspecificneeds.

KennelSign &Supplies:SuppliesandsignagearelocatedintheCashier’sOffice.

• Hangtheappropriatesignontheinteriordoorofthedog’skennel,withitskennelcard,sothatstaffandvisitorswillknowthatthedogisanovernightorouting.

• Graban“AdoptMe”vestorbandanatohelpdrawattentiontoyourluckyshelterpupduringyourouting.• Whenreturningthedogtoitskennel,removethesignthatyouplacedwhentakingthedogout,

andreturnittotheCashier’sOffice.Keep the followinginmind:

• Ifthedogwillbevisitingaplaceotherthanyourhomeduringyourtimetogether,considerwhethertheywilltrulybenefitfrom,andenjoytheparticularenvironmenttowhichyouwillbetakingthem.Thinkaboutthesurroundings,thetraffic(bothpeopleandotheranimals),andwhetherornottheenvironmentmaycausefurtherstresstoyourchosendog.

• Crowdedpublicareasshouldbeavoided,includingschoolgrounds.• Youareprohibitedfromtakingfosterdogstooffleashdogparksorotheroffleashareas.Dogsmust

beon-leash,underyourcontrol,atalltimes.• Youareprohibitedfromhavingyourfosterdogsocializewithotheranimals,exceptthoseinyourhome.

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• Haveablast!Rideinthecar,walkintheneighborhood,play,watchTV,whateveryouwanttodowithinthelimitsoutlinedabove.Usestructure,kindness,attention,training,andsnugglingasneeded.Somedogswillwanttospendtheirtimerestingandsomewillwanttodolotsoffunthings.Keepinmindthedog’ssafetyandneedsandyours,andhavefun!

Share theexperience:

• Completeabehaviorprofileforthedogdocumentingyourexperience.Thiscanbedoneinpersonatthetimeofdropoff,orpreferably,viaemailbeforehand.TheFosterDogProfilecanbefoundinthedocumentssectionofGivePulse.

• Postfunpicturesanddetailstothe“AustinAnimalCenterStaff,VolunteersandFosters”Facebookpage.

PublicOutingsandWalks:Safety Tips for YouandYour Foster DogBefore theOuting/Walk• Makesurethatyouhavetheappropriatesupplies.Theseinclude:acellphone,poopbags,abottleof

water,acollapsiblebowl,andalistofemergencynumbers.• Makesurethatthedogisproperlyfittedwithacollar.Ifneeded,aharnesscanbeusedinadditiontothe

collar.Ifyouaren’tsurewhetherornotthedogisproperlyoutfitted,askstafftocheck.• Thedogshouldhavealeashproperlyattachedtotheircollar,orharness.Checktobesurethatall

equipmentisfastened,andthatnoequipmentisfrayed,wornorhasstitchingcomingout.Flexi/retractableleashesshouldnotbeused.

• Taketimetointroduceyourselftothedogthatyou’llbewalking.Thedogmaybeexcitable.Becalmandassertiveandtrynottogetthedoganymoreexcitedorplayfulthanitalreadyis.Ifyoufeelthatyoucannotcontrolthedog,pleasereturnitandselectadogthatyoucansafelyhandle.

• Donotwraptheleasharoundyourhand.Itwouldbeterribleforadogtogetloose,butmuchworseifthedogdrugyou,thehandler,intoadangeroustrafficsituation.Ifyoufeelthatadogispullingyouofyourfeetorthatyouareatriskoflosingcontrolofthedog,pleasereturnitandselectadogthatyoucansafelyhandle.

• Walkyourdogonashortleash–alongleashgivesthedogmorestrengthandleverage.DuringtheOuting/Walk

• Beawareofotherdogs,bicyclists,runnersandwalkersthatmightcrossyourpathandgivethemtherightofway.Keepyourdistancefromotheranimalsanddonotintroduceshelterdogstoprivatelyowneddogs.

• Bevisible!Wearbrightcolorssothatyoucanbeeasilyseenbyoncomingtraffic.• Crosssafely.Lookbothwayswhenyoucrosstrafficandrememberthatthepreydriveofanydog

cankickinatanytime.Beawareofyoursurroundingsanddonotletthedogwalkfarinfrontofyouorfarbehindyou.

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• Donotuseheadphonesortalkonacellphonewhilewalkingthedog.Useallofyoursensestoensurethatyou,thosearoundyou,andthedogremainsafe.

• Payattentiontothedog’srespirationrateandoverallappearanceandattitude.Sincemanyofthedogshavebeenrelativelynon-mobileforweeksormonths,theymaybecomefatiguedquitequickly.Makesuretoofferwaterregularlyandtakebreaksperiodicallysothedogcancatchhisbreath.

• Ifyounoticethedogactingstrangelyoryoufindyourselfinadangeroussituation,donothesitatetocontact311foranimalprotection’sassistance.Youcanalsocontactthefosterhotlineat512-978-0541.

• Ifthereisanemergency,suchasapersonbeingbitten,call911forassistance.AdditionalTips

• Usedistanceordistractiontoreducearousedbehavior• Keeptwohandsonleashforbestcontrol• Letfastertrafficpassonleft,keepslowertrafficonyourright.• Reward&praisethedogforcalmbehavior,easywalkingorjogging,andsittingforgreetings.• Havefun!