Foster Manual Ottawa Humane Society 101 Champagne Ave. Ottawa, ON K1S 4P3 www.ottawahumane.ca Table of Contents Revision Date February 2009 Chapter One: Introduction Welcome to the Ottawa Humane Society’s Foster Program ..................................... 3 Goals, Objectives, and the OHS Mission Statement.................................................. 3 Contact Information................................................................................................... 4 Chapter Two: Policies and Procedures Foster Program Policies and Agreement.................................................................... 5 Volunteer Placement Description .............................................................................. 7 Chapter Three: General Fostering Guidelines A. Getting the Call ..................................................................................................... 8 B. Preparing your Home for your Fosterling............................................................. 9 C. Supplies and Emergency Kit................................................................................. 10 D. General Care Guidelines ....................................................................................... 13 I. When Your Fosterling First Arrives at Home................................................ 14 II. Administering Medication ............................................................................. 14 III. Checking Temperature................................................................................... 15 E. Returning your Fosterling..................................................................................... 16 I. Procedure for Returning Animals for Surgery.............................................. 16 II. When Your Fosterling Needs to See Our Veterinarian ................................ 16 Chapter Four: Cats A. Vaccination Schedule........................................................................................... 17 B. Common Health Concerns................................................................................... 18 C. Grooming Needs .................................................................................................. 19 D. Reasons for Fostering Cats .................................................................................. 20 I. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)............................................................... 20 II. Pregnant or Nursing Cats.............................................................................. 21 III. Orphaned Kittens .......................................................................................... 23 IV. Overcrowding at the Shelter ......................................................................... 23 Chapter Five: Dogs A. Vaccination Schedule........................................................................................... 25 B. General Health Problems ..................................................................................... 26 C. House Training Your Puppy or Dog .................................................................... 27 D. Grooming Needs .................................................................................................. 29 E. Reasons for Fostering Dogs................................................................................. 31 I. Bordetella (Kennel Cough)........................................................................... 31 II. Pregnant or Nursing Dogs............................................................................. 31 III. Overcrowding ............................................................................................... 34 IV. Socialization and Kennel Deterioration........................................................ 34 V. Underweight or Malnourished Dogs............................................................. 34 VI. Christmas Fostering ...................................................................................... 34 1 Chapter Six: Other Health Issues in Cats and Dogs A. Common Parasites in Dogs and Cats .................................................................... 35 B. Canine Parvovirus and Feline Panleukopenia....................................................... 36 .................................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter One: Introduction Welcome to the Ottawa Humane Society’s Foster Program. Since the program’s inception in 1983, foster volunteers have played a vital role in our organization by aiding in the recovery of animals who may not be ready for adoption for medical or behavioural reasons. Cats and dogs recuperate from illnesses more rapidly in a nurturing home environment and may have a greater opportunity to be socialized than they do at our shelter. In times of tremendous overcrowding or during the Christmas season, providing temporary respite from our busy shelter environment is extremely beneficial for our animals. Each year, approximately 1400–1500 animals who come into the OHS benefit from the foster program. Our Goal The goal of the foster program is to provide as many animals as possible with a second chance for a bright future. Our Objectives: to provide nurturing, temporary homes for dogs, cats and small animals requiring short-term convalescence outside the shelter environment; to encourage the normal growth and development of very young, otherwise healthy animals; to encourage the recovery and rehabilitation of animals not yet ready for adoption; to protect animals, especially puppies and kittens, from the risk of disease that may be present in the shelter. The Ottawa Humane Society’s Mission Statement To work in and with our community to provide leadership in the humane treatment of all animals, to address the causes of animal suffering, to encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions and to provide care for animals who are neglected, abused, exploited, stray or homeless. 3 Contact Information Fostering should be an enriching and enjoyable experience for you and your family. This manual is designed to guide you through the fostering process, but we are here to help and available to answer any questions as they arise. We also require you to contact us to make an appointment before you visit the shelter for fosterling pick-ups, drop-offs, and veterinarian exams. When you need to get in touch with us, who you call will depend on the reason and the time. How to Contact Us Reason When? Who to Contact Emergency Mon.– Fri. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Foster Service Representative Animal is in Saturday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 613-725-3166 ext. 255 immediate distress, having Saturday 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Veterinary Technician trouble breathing, Sunday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 613-725-3166 ext. 229 injured, etc. Mon.– Fri. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.** After-hours Emergency Line Saturday 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. 613-725-1532 Sunday 12 p.m. – 1 a.m. General Inquiries Mon.– Fri. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Foster Service Representative Asking questions Saturday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 613-725-3166 ext. 255 or seeking [email protected] advice, reporting problems, Mon.– Fri. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Veterinary Technician arranging to pick Saturday 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. 613-725-3166 ext. 229 up food, etc. Sunday 8 a.m.– 12 p.m. [email protected] Pick-Up and Mon.– Fri. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Foster Service Representative Returns Saturday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 613-725-3166 ext. 255 To make an [email protected] appointment to pick-up/return a fosterling (for surgery, etc.) ** The OHS is unable to provide support between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Please monitor your fosterling carefully and contact us before 1:00 a.m. for advice if you believe a serious health issue is developing with your fosterling. 4 Chapter Two: Policies and Procedures Foster Program Policies and Agreement (Volunteer Copy) 1. The OHS retains all rights and ownership of any animal in the Foster Program. The OHS has the right to recall any fostered animal to the shelter at any time. 2. The OHS makes all decisions regarding animals to be placed in foster. 3. Foster animals must be returned to the OHS as soon as they are well or upon request by the OHS. 4. Only authorized foster volunteers may care for foster animals, foster animals must not be left under anyone else’s care without authorization from the OHS. 5. The OHS is not liable for any injury, illness or damage to persons or property, including owned animals, while an animal is in the foster home. 6. The OHS may visit a foster home at any time providing that the foster volunteer is given prior notice. 7. Foster volunteers may not adopt their foster animals. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by manager of volunteers. 8. Prior notice is not required for the repossession of an animal when a foster volunteer fails to bring the animal back to the OHS as requested. 9. All adoption inquiries about foster animals must be directed to the Adoption Centre. 10. Animals are matched to foster volunteers by the OHS based on volunteer’s experience, ability, and priority needs of animals. 11. Foster volunteers must attend an orientation prior to fostering. In exceptional circumstances, foster volunteers may begin fostering prior to the orientation as long as they are signed up for the orientation within the month and have a personal interview with OHS Foster Program staff. 12. Animals belonging to the foster volunteer must have up-to-date DHLPP and rabies vaccines and be spayed or neutered.