Fostering

Fostering is the backbone of animal rescue. If you would like to join our foster family please read below and fill out the application.
FOSTERING INFORMATION: COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Being a foster provider what's expected, what's provided?
Everything you need to care for your foster animal (crate, food, bowl, collar, leash, bedding, litter, toys, preventatives, medications, support, etc.) will be provided and approved medical expenses for foster animals are paid by MSAR. 

The most important part of your job will be to help reintroduce your foster animals to a home environment by guiding him/her with the basics, socialization and lots of love. Together, you and the Foster Counselor decide on the animal(s) that suit your home best. 

Since foster providers know the animals in their care best, you are very involved in the adoption process and decide if a screened and approved applicant will be the best/ideal fit to adopt your foster animal. 
 
Where do the animals come from?
Our animals are rescued from high kill shelters locally and all around Minnesota plus, surrounding states. We have developed great relationships with shelter workers who contact us when they have animals in danger of being euthanized.  We also get some of our animals from owner surrenders—owners that can no longer provide care for their pet, but want to make sure the best possible home is found for them.

Who pays the medical expenses for the foster animals?
All approved medical expenses for foster animals are paid by MSAR. Medical care is provided by MSAR and partner veterinarians. Foster providers will need to be able to bring their fosters to the Mankato, MN area for care or transport.

What kinds of behavior problems might I expect?
Possibilities include separation anxiety (i.e. crying or barking when left alone), chewing, house training, and transition-related behaviors. We have many ways of managing these correctable behaviors until they are resolved and our experienced volunteers are happy to offer you tools for success.

How do you say farewell to your foster animal?
The hardest one to let go is the first one, but we promise it does get easier. There are innumerable amounts of animals in need, and those animals all deserve great foster homes like yours, too. Our foster volunteers have all been through “letting go”, and we can help prepare you before, during and after. Fostering is similar to pet sitting, you got this!

Fostering FAQs:
  1. How long does one typically foster an animal before it finds a forever home? Adult dogs/cats are typically in foster homes anywhere from two weeks to three months. There are rare cases where a dog/cat can be in a foster home for longer. Quality photos with an informative bio are essential in promoting your foster animal.
  2. What happens if I can no longer foster the animal I have?  We will do our best to find a foster home for your dog/cat in a timely manner.
  3. What if I am planning on traveling in a month? Can I still foster? Of course! Just let us know your plans at least one week in advance (the more time the better!) and we will make arrangements for a temporary or new foster home for your foster animal.
  4. Can I choose what animal I want to foster? After you let us know your criteria (i.e. age, size, gender, personal experience) we will do our best to match you with the perfect foster animal.


All Fosters MUST:
  • Have all of their pets spayed/neutered and up to date on vetting, be at least 18 yrs of age and be allowed to have pets where they live.
  • Be patient, there is no set amount of time a foster pet will be at your home.  We do not want to shift animals from one foster home to another unless absolutely necessary because moving them can really set back their rehabilitation. 
  • Be willing to work with their foster pets.  Many of these animals are coming directly from shelter environments, have been picked up as strays, came from living inside of a small cage at a puppy mill or were treated with malicious intent.  Many simply have no idea how to behave inside a home.  It's not their fault, and they can learn with PATIENCE, GUIDANCE, LOVE, and CONSISTENCY.
  • Attend Adoption Events. If you can’t attend, you may be able to connect with others in the rescue to get your foster animal transported to these events.
  • Be willing to bring their foster animal to Mankato area for routine care or medical transport to appointments.
  • Have the foster animals on a leash when outside, unless you have a completely fenced in yard.
  • Exercise their foster pet adequately.  
  • Give their foster pets their medication/preventatives if they need it!  If your foster pet needs medication, you will be expected to give them their medication as directed.
  • Provide updates on their foster pets on a regular basis.  This would include the foster pet's biographies, and of course...lots of good pictures!  
  • Supervise their foster pet at all times.  When no one is at home, the foster pets should be baby gated or crated, if necessary, for safety.

If you are interested in fostering, please click on the 'foster application' button at the top of the page.
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Questions about becoming a foster? 
​Feel free to email: info@mendingspirits.org