Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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The PAWS Atlanta Foster Program

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The PAWS Atlanta Foster Care Program is a lifeline for underage, sick or injured animals who cannot immediately be adopted. With the love and care of devoted foster parents, these helpless animals are given a second chance for life.

Short-Term Fostering

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Short-term fostering allows dog lovers to welcome healthy dogs into his/her home for 7 to 14 days to provide socialization in a warm and friendly environment. A socialized dog naturally has a much greater chance of being adopted than one who fears human contact. Socialization activities may include: walking on a leash, mastering stairs, adjusting to schedules, and (perhaps most importantly) mingling politely with family, friends and neighbors.

All animal shelters in Georgia are regulated by the Department of Agriculture, which requires all incoming dogs be separated from current shelter dogs for 10 to 14 days before being available for adoption. A dog that can spend these days in a nurturing private home will free up a space for an additional animal to be brought into the shelter, ultimately saving another life. All necessities are provided, including transportation of the dog or puppy to and from the foster home.

Animals that are up for adoption are not in need of fostering.

Foster Care Services and Functions

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Qualifications to be a Foster Parent
  • Show genuine concern for the welfare of animals, consistent with the philosophy of PAWS Atlanta
  • Be extremely conscientious about monitoring the medical condition, energy level and behavior of the animals in your care
  • Be willing to ask questions or call with any possible concerns
  • Be willing to separate foster animals from your own animals
  • Have the ability to work independently and follow instructions/policies
  • Be physically able to transport animals and their supplies in a carrier
Responsibilities of a Foster Parent
  • Provide care and socialization to the animals in your care
  • Contact the PAWS Atlanta staff when any possible concerns develop
  • Bring animals back when scheduled, including for vaccinations
  • Surrender animals back to PAWS Atlanta when they are ready for adoption
  • Get a sick animal to PAWS Atlanta (or authorized alternative) quickly in case of an emergency
PAWS Atlanta maintains legal guardianship of all animals in foster care, and their medical costs are covered by the organization.

If you are an animal lover interested in providing love, nourishment and heaps of TLC to cats and dogs in need of care in a warm home, contact Laura McKelvey at lmckelvey@pawsatlanta.org.

Click here to access the Foster Care application.

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