Welcome Fosters Thank you for opening your heart and home to help us! To put it simply, fostering saves lives. Whether it’s taking an otherwise overlooked pet and personally finding them an adopter, getting a sick pet healthy enough to be adopted, or caring for underage or underweight animals during their early stages of life until they are old enough for adoption, your efforts save lives. When you take a foster pet into your home, it is a very rewarding and challenging experience. As a Foster Parent, you are preparing a homeless pet for adoption and the best and worst part of fostering is saying good- bye. Remember that you are saving lives; take time to celebrate the successful adoptions. We have several different foster opportunities available including Long-Term, Medical, and Behavior fosters. This Handbook will provide you with the information you need to get started.
Foster Handbook
General Guidelines and Best Practices
Definition of a Foster Parent
At MCAS, a Foster Parent is an individual who, without compensation or expectation of compensation, willingly assumes the care of MCAS’s pets for a specified period with the intention of ultimately getting the animal adopted. Being a Foster Parent can also include fostering animals that may need more time away from the shelter environment before becoming adoptable, such as helping an injured and/or medical animal to recover in a home, animals that need additional socialization, and pregnant animals that will need care for their litters. Animals in the care of their Foster Parent remain the property of MCAS until the completed MCAS adoption packet has been returned.
Below is a collection of important policies and processes that apply to all MCAS fosters.
Activities and Events
MCAS schedules and plans activities and events (both on-site and off-site) for adoptions, awareness, and other outreach initiatives. All activities and events, either on the MCAS premises or as represented as MCAS in the public, must be coordinated and approved by MCAS management. Unscheduled or impromptu activities or events will not be supported or endorsed by MCAS.
Adopting a Shelter Pet
Fosters may (and are encouraged to) adopt from the Shelter just as the public (with no expectation of reduced fees or privileges). Adoption is contingent upon the foster meeting the adoption guidelines and payment of all applicable fees.
Age Restrictions
The primary individual responsible for the foster pet in the home must be at least 18 years old. Many of our animals may have restrictions on placement in homes with small children. As a Foster, you must be honest and forthcoming regarding any minors living in or visiting the home to ensure the safety of your family and your foster pet.
Alcohol & Drug Free Facility
MCAS strictly forbids any alcohol or drug use, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, on MCAS property while conducting foster-related business, including but not limited to picking up a foster pet and turning in paperwork. MCAS also does not allow any abuse of prescription or over-the-counter medication on MCAS property as a Foster.
County Property
The equipment and facilities of MCAS are to be used only for the benefit of MCAS. Personal use of MCAS equipment is not allowed. Employees, volunteers, and fosters are expected to exercise appropriate care for furniture, supplies, and equipment at MCAS.
In the event of damage, theft, or sabotage to property of MCAS, its animals, or any employee, volunteer, or foster, MCAS reserves the right to ask you to assist and cooperate in necessary investigations. In addition, MCAS reserves the right to conduct routine inspections of all areas on MCAS’s premises, including lockers. Personal belongings located on the property of MCAS may be subject to search.
You may not use County or MCAS insignias, logos, photographs, or any other County intellectual property (“County Intellectual Property”) without the express, written consent of the County. In no event shall you use County Intellectual Property in a way that misrepresents or causes confusion as to the source of the use or in a manner that passes yourself off as part of the County or MCAS organization. Upon discovery of such use, MCAS will ask that you cease such use immediately. Failure to do so may result in ending your foster agreement and any further action necessary to stop the infringing use of County Intellectual Property.
This policy extends to all items received through in-kind donations from volunteers, fosters, and members of the public, which are considered MCAS property upon donation.
Donations
MCAS is extremely grateful for the generous support of our community members to provide much-needed items for our organization. Sometimes special circumstances, like limited storage space and safety considerations, may hinder our ability to accept certain items. Before soliciting or accepting donations on behalf of MCAS, confirm those items are needed and receive approval from a shelter supervisor or manager.
Euthanasia
As a municipality, MCAS is tasked with protecting the health and safety of the people, pets, and animals in our community. MCAS considers euthanasia to be the last resort and attempts, when safe, to find an appropriate home for each of the over 4,000 cats and dogs that come through our doors each year. Thanks to many life-saving programs, our organization is proud to have a save rate of over 90% since 2019 for the animals that find their way to our shelter.
As a Foster, you may be exposed to animals facing euthanasia, even though you will never have to witness it. Whether or not you personally agree with the practice, this is a day-to-day reality at the Shelter. Despite your personal feelings on this issue, please be considerate – our staff deals with the administration of euthanasia and its after-effects daily.
Good Housekeeping
MCAS is proud of the cleanliness of our facility. Please help preserve our standard of good housekeeping by maintaining all work areas in a clean and orderly manner. If there is an area of concern, please direct the concern to the Shelter Manager or a member of management for appropriate follow-up.
Open Door Policy
MCAS believes in an open-door communication policy. You are encouraged to bring your foster-, policy-, or procedure-related issues or concerns to the attention of the Shelter Manager at any time.
Parking
MCAS is not liable for theft or damage to your personal vehicle while you are visiting the Shelter. We advise you to keep your doors locked and bring all valuable items with you or leave them at home.
Personal Pets at MCAS
Due to the high-stress environment of a Shelter, MCAS does not allow Fosters to bring their personally owned animals onto MCAS property unless specifically for the purpose of introducing your owned dog to one of our shelter dogs. We do not introduce dogs to cats or cats to cats and personal pets are not allowed in the kennel buildings. We recommend you bring a second adult to the shelter for any dog-dog introductions.
Social Media
MCAS fosters are encouraged to use social media to share their foster experience, especially your adoptable fosters! Before posting about MCAS online, be sure that you are not revealing any Confidential Information (see above). Any personal comments made on private or public pages should be clearly identified as personal comments, using a phrase such as “This is my personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of MCAS.”
When sharing adoptable animals on social media sites, please include the animal’s ID number to increase the likelihood of an adoption. By turning the animal ID number into a searchable hashtag, individuals will be able to locate other public posts related to that animal. To create a searchable hashtag, simply put “#” before the “A” number, for example: #A1234567.
Tobacco on County Facilities
All Mohave County facilities are tobacco-free properties. Use of tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, tobacco vapors, etc.) is not permitted in any County building. Smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of entrances/exits to buildings.
Our Fosters, like our volunteers, are part of the MCAS team and therefore we uphold you to similar standards as our shelter employees.
Code of Conduct
As a Foster, you are representing Mohave County any time you interact with people and animals, even outside of your foster duties. We ask that you are polite and courteous when interacting with visitors to the shelter and potential adopters. We also ask that you treat all employees, volunteers, and other fosters with respect, dignity, and compassion. Further, treat all animals in a humane and safe manner and report any instances of inhumane conduct to a manager. Do not wear county T-shirts, emblems, or name badges while drinking or engaging in any questionable or illegal activities, both on-site and off-site.
Disrespectful or unprofessional behavior, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, threats, disparaging remarks, and discriminatory or vulgar language will not be tolerated. This code of conduct applies to online and/or written material as well as personal interactions with staff, volunteers, other fosters, and members of the public.
Communication with the News Media
The County’s Public Information Officer is responsible for all media relations for MCAS. This includes disseminating all press releases and handling all press inquiries. Only the Public Information Officer is authorized to give verbal or written public statements on behalf of MCAS.
Confidential Information
Fosters are not allowed to share any confidential information they may encounter while fostering for MCAS, unless required by law or approved by the Shelter Manager and Administrative Services Director. Confidential Information includes personal identifying details (names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, etc.) of staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, previous animal owners, DO NOT ADOPT lists, and animal rescue organizations. Confidential Information may also include an individual’s credit card numbers, social security numbers, medical history, family member’s information, or other personal characteristics.
Fosters are expected to exercise care not to disclose Confidential Information unintentionally, by indiscreet conversation, or by careless handling of Confidential Information. Fosters may not use County property to access Confidential Information for anything other than business needs as identified by MCAS. This prohibits accessing and/or using Confidential Information with the intent to contact or meet individuals, including adopters, rescue partners, staff, volunteers, fosters, or members of the public. Any Foster who purposely, or through failure to exercise reasonable care, causes Confidential Information to be improperly disclosed or used, may be released from the foster program.
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest refers to a situation where an individual has competing personal or professional obligations and/or interests that would negatively impact their ability to fulfill their MCAS foster duties fairly and ethically. Any suspected conflict of interest, real or perceived, must be reported to the Shelter Manager within 24-48 hours of the conflict being realized or identified. In some instances, this may result in alternate foster assignments to avoid the appearance of, or actual, impropriety.
Conflict Resolution
MCAS welcomes and values fosters and has an open-door policy for fosters to raise their concerns without fear of reprisal or discrimination. All fosters are encouraged to contact their Shelter Manager to raise any concerns or questions. When disputes or misunderstandings occur, the circumstances will be reviewed and considered by the Shelter Manager. The Shelter Manager will often meet with Fosters to work together to find an acceptable solution or an appropriate compromise to the issue. The goal is to have a positive and collaborative environment for staff, volunteers, and fosters to do their best work.
If a Foster has a direct conflict with the Shelter Manager concerning issues of reprisal, harassment, or discrimination, they may contact the Administrative Services Director at 928-753-0729.
Corrective Action
MCAS reserves the right to end any relationships between a Foster and MCAS at any time, with or without notice or explanation. Failure to comply with this Handbook, County guidelines, policies, and procedures may result in removal from the foster program. Released Fosters are not permitted entry to MCAS beyond areas of public access.
Dress Code
Fosters are asked to dress appropriately when coming to the Shelter to pick up a foster pet to protect your safety and the safety of our animals. This includes wearing closed-toe, closed-back shoes, and long pants, especially if meeting larger dogs or walking the kennels. When out in the community showcasing your foster pet, remember that you are acting as a representative of the County. We ask you to please dress modestly and safely, wearing secure comfortable footwear and nonrestrictive clothing, and help us model safe animal handling behaviors. Please see the Shelter Manager with any dress code questions.
Responding to Questions
As a Foster, you will receive many questions from the public. To keep from giving out misinformation or completing a task improperly, please direct the public to a staff member (if you are at the Shelter) or our website (if you are in the community). An example of a response to a question or task you are unfamiliar with: “I’m not sure, but let me find someone who can help you,” and then introduce them to a Shelter staff member who can assist. As a Foster, you are not allowed to give medical or legal advice to the public.
Separation from the Foster Program
MCAS reserves the right to end any relationships between a foster and MCAS with or without notice or explanation. Released Fosters are not permitted entry to MCAS beyond areas of public access.
Failure to comply with MCAS guidelines, policies, and procedures may result in removal from the Foster Program.
MCAS has an obligation to the animals in our care, to the staff, the public, and our community to uphold the highest standards and integrity regarding our operations and animal care. Any behavior that is detrimental to that integrity, such as, but not limited to: the mistreatment of the animals, alcohol or drug abuse, insubordination, misrepresentation of MCAS and other animal welfare organizations to customers, misconduct, property theft, failure to adhere to policies and procedures, ill-treatment of staff, volunteers, fosters, or customers, and improper usage of equipment, may conclude in separation of a foster position held at MCAS.
Safety is of the utmost importance at MCAS. Please read the following guidelines to know how and where to report and/or respond to safety issues or concerns. The animals in our care depend on all of us – please report to Shelter staff immediately any observations of concern, such as signs of illness or untreated wounds, or behavioral issues, so they may be addressed.
Animal Control Receiving Area
You must not enter the Animal Control Receiving Area unless accompanied by MCAS staff. This is where Animal Control unloads stray animals. This is for your safety and the safety of our animals. If you are unsure where these areas are, please contact the Shelter Manager or Shelter staff.
Animal Bites
Per state law, whenever an animal tooth breaks skin, it is considered a bite. You are required to report all bites, regardless of how minor the injury. Failure to report a bite, whether the bite happened to you, or you witnessed the bite, could result in the ending of your foster agreement.
If you witness or sustain a bite, first address any first aid needs, including cleaning the bite wound thoroughly, or if necessary, seeking emergency medical assistance. Then immediately report the bite to Shelter staff and fill out an incident report (see appendix) with your contact information and all details surrounding the bite, including what activity you (or the person you witnessed) were doing with the animal and the animal’s body language immediately before the bite occurred. Please note, treatment for injuries to animals and humans should be sought and paid for by the Foster; no medical/veterinarian bills will be paid up front by the County.
Animal bites can occur for many reasons and do not necessarily reflect poorly on that animal’s behavior. If we have all the relevant information, we will be better prepared to handle the situation in the best interest of the animal and our community.
Family & Friends at MCAS
Family, including minor children, and friends of Fosters are not allowed beyond MCAS areas of public access. We understand the importance of ensuring that your new foster pet will be the right fit for your family, and we recommend your household members come to the Shelter to meet the foster pet prior to completing the paperwork.
Fire & Emergencies
Familiarize yourself with the location of fire evacuation routes that you could use to leave the Shelter in the event of fire or emergency. Please make every effort to guard against fire hazards. In the event of an emergency, you will receive directions on what to do (evacuate, lock-down, etc.).
General Safety
An effective safety program requires the full cooperation of all employees, volunteers, and fosters. For that reason, everyone is expected to exercise care for their own safety and that of fellow workers by observing all safety rules. Fosters may be required to use safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) during animal interactions.
If you see an unsafe condition, it is imperative that you immediately report it to the Shelter Manager as soon as possible. If you are ever directed to take an action that you believe to be unsafe, you should immediately report the incident to the Shelter Manager. Questions or comments regarding safety issues should be discussed with the Shelter.
Inclement Weather
Great value is placed on punctuality and reliability, but in the event of inclement weather, MCAS does not expect Fosters to come to the Shelter when doing so endangers their personal safety. Please remember to contact Shelter staff if you will not be able to make a scheduled appointment.
Violence Prevention
To ensure a harmonious, safe, and healthy workplace and to minimize the opportunity for violence, MCAS has adopted a policy toward workplace violence. All acts of intimidation, threats (even if apparently facetious), possession of lethal weapons, or acts of violence will be considered a Serious Infraction. These acts will be referred to legal authorities when appropriate. A threat, threatening behavior, or any other act of aggression by an employee, volunteer, or foster while they are onsite or off-site on official MCAS business is a violation of this policy. Fosters should report any knowledge of a direct, or indirect, threat made toward themselves, another foster, a volunteer, an employee, or a visitor. Confidential reports can be made to the Shelter Manager, Administrative Services Director, or Sheriff Department.
If you encounter a member of the public that you suspect is potentially dangerous or hostile:
Immediately alert the Shelter Manager, a supervisor, or other staff member to the situation. Do not risk harm to yourself. You should not take any action that might put yourself or others in danger.
Workplace Injuries
Every injury on County property, no matter how slight, must be reported immediately to the Shelter Manager or Shelter staff. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in serious complications if proper medical attention is not obtained. If you are injured onsite while fostering with MCAS, it is your responsibility to report the accident immediately, and you may be required to complete the County’s incident report (see appendix).
Zoonotic Disease
Zoonotic diseases are diseases caused by infectious agents that can be transmitted between animals and humans. You should not let this section alarm you, but rather remind you that your foster pets come from a hospital-like environment where these organisms often exist.
The most effective means of preventing zoonosis is to:
- Wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap, especially after handling any animal and prior to eating or drinking.
- Wear gloves when cleaning (especially when cleaning up waste and litter).
- Immediately disinfect scratches and bite wounds.
- Let your physician know that you work closely with shelter animals.
Just as you can catch illnesses from dogs and cats, you can also unknowingly carry illnesses home to your pets. The most effective means of preventing the spread of illness to your pets (or from your pets to our shelter animals) are to:
- Make sure that your own animals have all their vaccinations up to date. Let your veterinarian know that you are bringing shelter animals into your home.
- Quarantine your foster pet from your owned pets for at least two weeks.
As a Foster, you may have the opportunity to bring cats and dogs of all ages and sizes into your home. The availability of foster pets depends heavily on our intake each day. Below are the different types of opportunities that may be available to you. The foster opportunities are listed in their order of availability.
Note: New foster parents are limited to one adult foster at a time from any animal welfare organization.
Day Foster
Think of this as a doggy field trip! Give a dog a break from the Shelter for a few hours and go for a hike, out to lunch, or just hang out at home. For everyone’s safety, Day Foster dogs may not be introduced to personal pets and may not go to dog parks or other off-leash areas. If interested in Day Fostering, please complete the foster application process, and once approved, you may sign-up for Day Foster opportunities.
Note: Active MCAS Volunteers will have to complete the foster application process as well to become an approved Foster for Day Fostering or any of the other foster opportunities.
Short-Term Foster/Long-Term Foster
Short-Term Foster commitments of up to two weeks provide our adoptable shelter pets the opportunity to spend some time in a home so that we can learn a little more about them! The knowledge you share on your short-term foster pet allows us to get a better idea of what type of family would be best. Our Long-Term Foster option expands on this opportunity to learn more about the animal while you provide a loving home environment until the pet finds its new forever home, which may be longer than two weeks. We ask our Short-Term Fosters and Long-Term Fosters families to market their foster pets and meet with potential adopters while the pet is in the home. MCAS staff can assist with any dog-dog introductions as needed during the adoption process. Ideally, every foster pet would be adopted prior to the end of the fostering commitment.
Kittens and Puppies
Occasionally, a concerned citizen will turn in orphaned, underage kittens or puppies or a momma who just gave birth. Care of these young animals typically requires a 4-to-8-week commitment and may require around the clock care, depending on their age and condition. This can be a rewarding opportunity that may require some additional training.
Medical Fostering
Animals with medical needs that can be addressed by our shelter veterinarians may require some quiet time to heal in a foster home.
Depending on the animal’s needs, fosters may be asked to commit a few days up to several months of quality care for the animal, including attending follow-up appointments at the shelter. Examples of some of our most common medical needs are post-operative care; upper respiratory infections; ringworm, heartworm, or other parasitic treatments; broken bones, wounds, or other injuries; and general monitoring for decline in condition. Some medical conditions may require additional training.
Behavior Fostering
The shelter environment is very stressful and some of our pets are less prepared for coping with all the changes than others. Animals eligible for Behavior Foster often require a special behavior modification protocol to increase the animal’s socialization, manners, and basic skills. Taking on a Behavior Foster can also give us information needed for finding the right home for the animal. This opportunity often requires close cooperation with our Behavior Team, in addition to the Shelter Manager, and may require additional training
Before signing up to be a Foster with MCAS, make sure your family and your home are ready for the additional commitment. The following items will help you prepare for your foster pet.
Pet-Proof Your Home
To protect a foster pet in a new environment (and to safeguard your belongings!) it is important to pet-proof your home. Doing so will help set you both up for foster success.
Once you have chosen an area where you will care for your foster guests, you should “pet-proof” the area. Pay attention to any small or potentially harmful objects, such as pins, needles, paper clips, nails, staples, thread, string, rubber bands, caustic/toxic chemicals, moth balls, plants and any other items that are potentially dangerous. Some animals may also be attracted to electrical cords. These items should all be blocked so they can’t get at them. Also, to ensure nothing is missed, get down at an animal’s eye-level. Look closely for any small holes or dangerous items that may have been missed at your first pass of petproofing.
Precautions to take by room: Kitchens/Bathrooms/Utility Rooms
- Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets. Be sure to keep all cabinet doors closed.
- Keep medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves or in childproofed cabinets.
- Keep trashcans covered or inside a latched cabinet. Check for and block any small spaces, nooks or holes inside cabinetry,
furniture, floors, appliances, etc. where your foster pets may hide. Also make certain that spaces behind washer/dryer units are closed off so your foster animals can’t get in there either. - Always keep your dryer and washer units closed and check them before use.
- Keep all foods out of reach and/or in cabinets. Even if the food isn’t harmful to pets, the wrapper could be.
- Keep toilet lids closed
Precautions to take by room: Living/Family Room
- Place dangling wires from lamps, TVs, etc. out of reach. You can place the cords through PVC pipes if you’re concerned a pet might try to chew them.
- Keep children’s toys put away.
- Put away knickknacks that are valuable to you or could easily be knocked
over. If it is important to you, don’t leave it out. - Pick up any items like strings, pins, yarn, etc.
- Move houseplants — many of which can be poisonous — out of reach. This includes hanging plants that can be jumped onto from other nearby surfaces.
- Secure aquariums and cages that house small animals, such as hamsters or fish, to keep them safe from curious paws.
Precautions to take by room: Garage
- Most garages contain too many dangerous chemicals and unsafe items to be an acceptable foster site. Foster animals should never be housed in a garage.
- Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors.
- Clean up all antifreeze from the floor and driveway. Even a very small amount can be lethal to an animal.
Precautions to take by room: Bedrooms
- Bedrooms may not ideal situations for some foster animals. If scared of their new environment, some animals can hide under beds and may be hard to coax out.
- Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors
- Keep any medications, lotions or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like the bedside table.)
- Move cords out of reach of chewing.
- Whatever room you choose to make your foster pet’s new home, make sure that it is easily cleaned. You should be able to disinfect it between foster pets. Carpet and other soft surfaces can harbor disease hosts from pet to pet. It is also difficult to clean up accidents on carpet, especially when they seep into the carpet pad. Areas with tile, hardwood or other impermeable surfaces are ideal places to house your foster animals.
Preparing your yard
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If you have a fenced in backyard, check that there aren’t holes in the fence or any other escape route. Remember, never leave your foster dog in the backyard without your supervision. Never leave a foster dog unattended or unwatched outside. Always keep your foster dog on a leash when walking outside.
Check with Your Veterinarian
Are your pets current on their vaccinations or are there any medical concerns you should be aware of before bringing a shelter pet into your home? Your veterinarian is the best resource for preparing your pets for living with a new shelter family member. Foster pets may or may not be surgically sterilized when they come into your home. Unaltered foster pets may not be placed into a home with other unaltered animals.
Get the Support You Need
Family dynamics change substantially when a new pet comes into the home. Make sure you have the support of all the individuals living in your home and confirm how each member of the household will contribute to the animal’s care. Be sure to share any important restrictions or protocols with the entire household to protect everyone’s safety. If you rent, inform, and receive consent from your landlord before committing to a foster pet.
Learn About Pet Care
Ask lots of questions and read up on feeding, grooming, and activity levels for the breed-type or age of the animal you will be taking. Inform yourself of symptoms that indicate the pet may need veterinary attention and familiarize yourself with the location of your nearest emergency veterinarian. See Appendix for a list of resources to help you prepare to care for your new foster pet.
Verify Your Financial Situation
Although MCAS can usually provide food and other supplies for your foster pet, you may need or want to provide additional supplies. We cannot guarantee that certain brands or types of food or treats will be available, and many fosters have a preference on the type of food their foster eats. We can provide limited medical care for foster pets, but if an emergency arises, you must be prepared to take your foster pet to a veterinarian at your own expense.
Recognize Your Limits
Fostering a shelter pet requires a great deal of time and can be both emotionally and physically taxing. Some animals require more care than others and may be less adaptable to your situation. Figure out what your availability and limitations are and stick to those. We all can help in a unique way; we just need to find out what that is!
Choosing Your Foster Pet
The animals available for foster changes daily, with some animals needing a more urgent outlet than others. We want you to be able to help homeless animals in the most efficient way possible.
Be sure to ask the following questions about the animal:
- How did it come to be with the shelter and how long has it been there?
- Why does it need a foster home now?
- Does it have any medical concerns or need medication?
- Is it up to date on his vaccinations and has he been tested for diseases such as FELV and FIV (cats) or heartworm (dogs)?
- Since conditions such as kennel cough and upper respiratory infections cannot be tested for, how long should I keep it separated from my own pets?
- Does it have any behavioral issues or concerns? How are they dealt with?
- Do you know how it is with kids, cats, dogs and/or strangers?
- Do you know how it does when left alone? Is it crate trained (dogs)?
- Is it housetrained (dogs)/litter box trained (cats)?
Once you have been matched with a pet to foster, your Shelter Manager will provide you with a foster tracking sheet, kennel card, medical and behavior history, and an adoption packet.
For Day Fostering
MCAS offers a Day Fostering option to help our shelter dogs get a break from the shelter environment and spend some quality time with our foster parents for the day. Day Fostering is only a day-long commitment to provide companionship and enrichment to our pups outside of the shelter.
For Short-Term Dog Foster Opportunities
MCAS often has several large dogs available for Short-Term Foster and/or LongTerm Foster at any given time. These dogs are adoptable in the shelter and typically require a minimum two-week commitment or until adopted.
The Shelter Manager maintains a list of all the dogs in the shelter that fit into these criteria.
We encourage the entire family, including any existing dogs, to come down and meet your new foster dog at the shelter before you bring him/her home.
For Cat Fostering
Most of our cat foster opportunities are young, orphaned kittens and moms with litters. Occasionally, we will have a cat that needs foster placement due to medical or behavior concerns. If you are interested in these opportunities, please let us know when you will be available and in which opportunities you are interested
Bringing a new foster pet home is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Below are key points that will help you have a seamless transition.
Quarantine the Foster Pet
Animal shelters are like hospitals; there are germs everywhere and sometimes they come home on your new foster pet. When you bring a new foster pet home, they need to be completely separated from all of your personal pets for the first 10 days. This separation includes any dog-dog introductions and supervised play time. Not only does this 10-day quarantine keep your own pets healthier, but it allows your foster pet to become familiar with your home without the added stress of navigating animal-animal interactions.
Avoid Off-Leash Areas
Most of our foster pets are dogs, but generally all MCAS animals may not be taken to dog parks, dog day cares, boarding facilities, or other off-leash areas. Many of our dogs have unknown histories and are being placed into unfamiliar areas. When walking your foster dog around your neighborhood, be sure the animal is safely secured on leash. Your Shelter Manager can provide you with a harness and/or collar if needed. A secure harness or collar is required to be always on your foster pet, including in your home.
Avoid Doggy Sleepovers
Foster animals may not stay with anyone that is not their approved foster. This includes overnight stays at a potential adopter’s home and longer-term stays at a training or boarding facility. While the pet is in foster with you, you do not want to assume any additional liability or risk if something happens. MCAS does have a 15- day return policy for all adopted dogs and cats if a family doesn’t end up being a good match for the pet.
Give Your Foster Time to Decompress
Especially important for large, adult dogs who have been in the shelter for more than a few days, providing an opportunity for your new foster to slowly acclimate to their new home and destress from living in the shelter is extremely important. Some animals may require up to a week to completely decompress after leaving the Shelter.
Avoid any major outings, including social gatherings, group walks, and hikes, for at least the first 48 hours the foster pet is in your home. Only allow for essential meetand-greets for the first week and avoid any activities that might overstimulate your foster pet (i.e., tug games, running, playing with other dogs, etc.). Engage your foster in mentally stimulating activities, but limit command training to only essential, safety-related commands.
The first 24-hours a new foster pet is in your home can be the most challenging. Provide your foster pet with their own space away from other animals and the busiest parts of the home. Ensure the foster pet always has access to this space and an opportunity to remove themselves from stressful and uncomfortable situations.
Check-In with Your Shelter Manager
MCAS’s Shelter Manager or staff will reach out to you periodically for an update on your foster pet. Be sure to respond timely and include any new behaviors or details you have learned about the pet since the last update. If your foster pet is adoptable, they will be listed on Petfinder’s website and the notes you provide will increase their chances of being adopted before returning them to the shelter.
NOTE: If the Shelter Manager do not receive an update or response from you after 3 months, then the foster pet will automatically be adopted into your name, and you will no longer be allowed to foster for MCAS.
Get Your Foster in the Community
Take your adult foster dogs out on a walk, hike, or to a dog-friendly business to showcase your adoptable pet in the community. Let people know your dog is adoptable by using an “Adopt Me” bandana, harness, leash cover, or other identifiers. Be sure to always bring the foster dog’s paperwork so you can answer any questions about the dog’s history and be safe while out. Make sure your dog has a properly fitted harness or collar, avoid retractable leashes, and watch how your dog interacts with the public. If your foster seems uncomfortable in a situation or is starting to get anxious, move them away to somewhere quieter and calmer. Remember: Foster dogs may NOT go to any off-leash areas including dog parks.
Take Lots of Photos and Video
Photos and short videos (less than a minute in length) are going to be the best way for potential adopters to connect with your foster pet. The most successful images of adoptable pets are those that really draw people in, make them laugh or smile, and show the animal’s true personality. Some tips for great photos and videos:
- Feature the silly sides of your foster and be sure to highlight his/her favorite activities, toy, and treats.
- Photos with bright, natural lighting and happy, smiling faces are most likely to catch the eye of the potential adopter.
- Use a squeaker toy or treat held above the camera to get the pet’s attention focused on the camera.
- Film short videos and take photos horizontally (landscape) to make it easier to view on a variety of devices.
- Play around with all the fun settings and filters on your camera or
smartphone apps.
Write a Bio
You don’t have to be a master at creative writing to market your foster pet. When writing your foster’s biography, be sure to focus on its best qualities! You will always have time to talk about challenges your foster pet may have once a potential adopter has reached out for more information. More tips for a fantastic pet bio:
- Mention qualities that make your foster pet unique (e.g. loves to drink from the hose, carries blanket around, etc.) or share stories about the pet.
- Be honest! While it’s important to focus on the positives, avoid inaccurate or misleading interpretations of the animal’s behavior.
- Avoid stop language and disclaimers, like “NO CATS” or “Must be only dog” with stop signs and other inflammatory messaging and symbols. Instead use positive wording and imagery (flowers, paw prints, etc.) and turn those negative phrases into more positive, inclusive messages.
Share Your Insight
Once you get a bio and some great stories about your foster dog, the next step is to share them! First, send any updated notes and photos, especially relating to behavior, to your Shelter Manager so that we can update the animal’s electronic record and share on the MCAS official social media platforms.
Then share the information on your personal social networks, too! When posting on social media platforms, consider making the posts public so they can reach more people. Put together a cute flyer and ask local stores with community boards to post your flyer or feature your foster.
Adoption Fees
If asked about the adoption fees, dogs are $125.00, and cats are $65.00. Sometimes MCAS runs specials so be sure to check in with MCAS staff to see if your foster pet qualifies for any specials.
Q: How long do I need to foster?
A: There are multiple ways to foster for MCAS. Foster time periods range from a day-long field trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer-term placement until the pet gets adopted!
Q: Can an MCAS foster dog go to dog parks, off-leash areas, or walk without being leashed?
A: No, for the safety of everyone involved, our foster dogs must always remain secure and on leash while out.
Q: Are foster dogs allowed to do trial stays with new families? Overnight trips, a day at the park, etc.?
A: No, your foster dog must always remain in your possession. You absolutely can meet with foster families at their homes, parks, or other spaces to spend time getting to know your foster pet. However, you may not leave the foster unattended with anyone who is not an approved MCAS foster.
Q: Can my MCAS foster dog be adopted while I am out with them or while they are at my house?
A: No, you’ll need to notify the Shelter and have the potential adopting family come into the Shelter to complete the adoption paperwork.
Q: If I have animals, can I foster dogs?
A: Yes! Family dogs must have a meet-and-greet with the potential foster dog to see if it’s a suitable match. Keep in mind that it’s always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals whether it’s walking at parks, vet waiting rooms, or other common animal areas. The health risk is minimized if your animals have current vaccinations, maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, and are not elderly or very young.
Q: Will my foster dog be healthy when I get them?
A: We cannot guarantee the health of the animals we place into foster. We recommend that foster dogs and personal dogs are kept separate for 10 days to reduce the spread of any illnesses your foster dog may have contracted while at the shelter. If you have medical concerns about your foster dog, email shelter@mohave.gov.
Q: Will my foster dog be a “normal dog” when I bring them home?
A: When you first bring a dog home from the shelter, they need time to adjust and settle into your household. This “decompression phase” usually lasts about 24-48 hours but may be longer – remember the shelter environment can be stressful to a dog, so it may take
some time for them to feel comfortable in your home. Long, calm walks one-on-one, puzzle toys, and soft music may help your foster dog decompress from the shelter. We recommended that you limit introductions to new people and animals during this time.
Q: What supplies will I need to foster a dog?
A: To foster a dog with MCAS you will need basic items such as food and water dishes, dog food, a leash, and a snug collar. Many foster families have also found it very helpful to have durable toys, like Kongs and puzzle toys, a crate, a bed, and treats available for their foster
pets. We may have some items that are available for our fosters, so reach out to us to see if we can help with your request.
Q: Can I show up at the shelter to take a dog for the day?
A: No, appointments are required to foster our shelter dogs, even for just a day.
Q: How often should I feed my foster pet?
A: At the shelter, we feed our pets once a day according to the following feeding guidelines:
- X-Large dogs (90 lbs. and over) = 5 cups of adult kibble
- Large dogs (60 - 90 lbs.) = 4 cups of adult kibble
- Medium dogs (35 - 50 lbs.) = 2 cups of adult kibble
- Small dogs (5 - 30 lbs.) = ½ cup of adult kibble
- Puppies = ½ cup of puppy kibble
- Nursing mother dogs = 1.5x their serving size per weight of puppy kibble
- Large Cats (12 - 16 pounds) = 1 1/8 - 1 ¼ cups kibble
- Small Cats (4-11 pounds) = ½ -7/8 cup kibble
- Mothers with nursing kittens = free-feed kitten kibble
We will provide you with appropriate food for your foster pet. It is very common for your foster dog to experience diarrhea or loose stool when moving to a new place; it should resolve within a few days of the dog getting used to the new home.
The following forms and documents are supplied to provide supplemental information as referenced throughout the Handbook. Each document begins on a new page. If you have questions, please contact the Shelter Manager.