Fostering
Saving one pet won’t change the world, but for that one pet, the world will change forever.
What is fostering all about?
It’s about changing lives.
When you sign up to foster, you agree to commit your time and open your heart and home to impacting the lives of those who need it most. After applying to foster with us, upon approval, you will receive a comprehensive overview of information and resources that will equip you to be successful in your fostering journey including a thorough fostering manual, a community to network and learn on for support, and a leadership team that is there for every question. Whether you want to foster to adopt, or become a permanent foster home for us to rely on, we are deeply thankful for all you’re willing to contribute.
If you’re ready to make an impact, or even just want more information, please fill out the form below or email us here with your questions.
Fostering FAQs
What is the time commitment?
This can widely range based on the age your foster is when they come into your care! For milk dependent kittens (either orphan or with mom) you can expect to invest about 6-10 weeks into their stay with you. For independently eating cats (weaned kittens through adulthood), and the amount of medical care required, on average the time they stay with you is about 2-6 weeks!
In terms of day to day time commitment, we ask that you spend at least 30 minutes minimum a day with your fosters playing and socializing with them. If you have dependent fosters such as bottle babies, you need to be available every 2-4 hours for then. Older cats are far less of a time commitment than kittens are!
Do I need to pay for medical and veterinary care?
Absolutely not! Full vetting including general and specialized health appointments, vaccines, microchips, and spay/neuter, medical supplies and requirements, and medication are paid for by Against All Odds Cat Rescue. If you would like to purchase useful medical supplies to have on hand, we have a detailed list in our foster manual which you will receive upon approval however this is not required. Because medical care can be so expensive, this is why AAO is unable to guarantee the ability to provide food and litter at this time.
How much space do I need?
This depends on your home environment! We require all of our fosters to be quarantined for 2 weeks before they can be slowly introduced into your home. If you do not have a spare bedroom or bathroom where you can keep them, many of our fosters set up a L-XL dog crate or other type of cage in their living room or bedroom and this is an excellent solution that requires minimum space!
I’m interested in a foster-to-adopt arrangement, can we do this?
Yes! All we ask is you remain transparent with us about this upon inquiring to foster. You will still be required to pay an adoption fee at the time of adoption and we ask that you consider continuing to foster if you find it enjoyable because we cannot continue saving cats in need without foster home availability!
Can I (re)name my foster?
YES! This is one of the best parts! We encourage fun, silly, or attention grabbing names but all names are welcome :-)
Some of our favorite themes include foods, inanimate objects, and hilarious adjectives!
What am I expected to provide in terms of supplies?
While we would love to provide everything a foster home could dream of needing, unfortunately being so new and donation based this is not feasible for us at this time. In the future, and with community support, we hope to be able to provide our foster homes with all food, litter, and other supplies required. However, at this time we ask our foster homes provide food and litter at minimum, though we frequently receive donations and distribute them to foster families to help offset the investment.
How do you remain emotionally unattached to a pet you have to give up for adoption?
The truth is, we don’t. The good foster homes love their fosters just like they would any other pet. For a brief period, your foster is your pet. Adoption can be the best and worst time for foster families because you invest so much time and love into these animals. The reward is always worth it though, and we promise to do our best to match them with the perfect family that will love them just as much, if not more than you do.
Plus, saying goodbye to one means you get to say hello to another in need!