Lil Rascals foster program allows us to better prepare dogs for adoption into permanent homes. It is a rewarding way to help homeless dogs in the Central Florida area. When you become a foster parent, you are enabling Lil Rascals to save another homeless dog. The number of dogs we can save is directly related to the number of foster parents we have.
Our dogs are matched with foster families based on both the dog's and the family's needs.
Foster application process:
Foster FAQs
What does it take to be a foster parent? All that is needed, or expected, from a potential foster family is the same unconditional patience and love you show your current pets.
Oh, I could never be a foster. What if I get too attached and it would break my heart to give them up. It is true, you will get attached to your foster. They love you right back and each of us goes through it. However, loving a dog unconditionally and letting it go when the right forever home is found is one of the most rewarding feelings you can ever have. It is a truly selfless act on behalf of the foster. When the time comes for your foster to move on to his or her forever home, you will feel complete happiness for your foster. You will have saved a dog's life and know that you are there to save another one.
What are my costs to be a foster parent? Zero. Lil Rascals pays for all supplies, food and vet care the dog will need while in your care. All you need to do is provide a home and love.
Do I get to choose the dog I foster? Yes! Many of our dogs that need fosters will be posted on our private Facebook group which you will be added to upon application approval. If you see a dog that interests you please comment on that post and let us know you are interested in fostering that dog. Our foster coordinator, through the application process, will also know what type of dog will be a good match for you and may contact you directly.
What if I don't have time and cannot guarantee that I will be able to transport the animal to and from adoption meets and medical appointments? As long as we know in advance, we can often obtain help with transportation to medical appointments. For adoption meets with approved adopters, we generally hold those on a Saturday at Petsmart in Casselberry. Foster parents are expected to bring the foster dog to meet the potential adopter. If a foster parent can not be there due to work or a prior commitment, we can make other arrangements by planning for a different day/location.
What if I want to be a foster failure and adopt my foster dog? A "foster failure" is someone who falls so in love with their foster dog that they wind up adopting them. This is nothing to be concerned about. In your time fostering a dog, you will bond and grow attached. Some choose to adopt their foster and we always give our fosters the opportunity to adopt before making the dog available for adoption.
How long would I have the foster? It is very difficult to give an average time a dog is in foster care. Some dogs/puppies are adopted relatively quickly and others remain with us longer, so we cannot make any time reference as to how long they will be in your home. We ask that you commit to the dog/puppy you are fostering until a forever family is found.
What if I am planning on traveling? Just let the foster coordinator know at least two weeks in advance so we can find someone to temporarily foster while you are away.
First Name*
Last Name*
Address*
City*
State/Province*
Zip/Postal Code* -
County*
Email*
Home Phone
Work Phone x
Cell Phone*
Alt Email
Are you 21 years of age or older?* Choose one: Yes No
Please list date of birth MM/DD/YYYY*
Please indicate which animals you would like to foster.
What type of home do you live in?
Do you rent or own?
If you rent, please provide landlord's name and contact information.
Do you have an HOA or live in a Deed Restricted Community?
Are there any breed/weight/pet restrictions in your community?
If so, what are the restrictions?*
Does your yard have a fence that is 100% secure?* Choose one: Yes No N/A
What type of fence and how high?
Do you currently have pets in your home?
Tell us a little about the pets living in your home. Name/Age/Breed/Weight/Sex/Demeanor/Special Needs etc.*
Have they been spayed or neutered?* Choose one: Yes No N/A
Are they current on their shots?* Choose one: Yes No N/A
What type of flea prevention do you use?
What type of heart worm prevention do you use?
Please list your Vet's name and phone number
Besides yourself, please list the full name and date of birth (mm/dd/yyyy) of EACH adult living in your household. Please list the names and ages of each minor child living in the household. Please list the full names of all people frequently visiting the household.*
Are you or is anyone in your home allergic to dog or pet hair?
Do you have any physical ailments or medical conditions that would make it difficult to care for a dog? If yes, please describe.
Where will the pet be kept when you are home?*
Where specifically will pet be kept when you are not home?*
How many consecutive hours will the dog spend alone during the day?*
Are you comfortable with crate training your pet? Choose one: Yes No
Where will the pet sleep at night?*
How are you planning to exercise the dog?*
Have any of your animals been involved in any altercation that resulted in a bite to other animals or a bite to any human? If yes, please explain: *
Have any of your animals been involved in any altercation that resulted in a bite to other animals or a bite to any human? If yes, please explain:
Have you ever had to give up a pet? If so, please explain the circumstances*
Have you ever applied to another rescue?* Choose one: Yes No
If yes to the above, is your application still pending?* Choose one: Yes No N/A
Have you ever been denied by a rescue?* Choose one: Yes No N/A
List full name and cell phone numbers for 2 personal references that are NOT related to you or anyone who lives in the home.*
I acknowledge and agree to an in-home visit by a Lil Rascals representative* Choose one: Yes No
How did you hear about Lil Rascals Rescue?*
By agreeing to foster in partnership with Lil Rascals Rescue. By agreeing to foster in partnership with Lil Rascals Rescue, I agree to the following: Pet's Health and Disposition: Lil Rascals Rescue cannot guarantee the health or disposition of any foster animal. We do not have past records for these animals and there are some risks associated with taking in foster animals. Family pets will be current on all shots and foster pets will be kept separate from family pets, for a minimum of 7 (10-14 for cats) days for the protection of all animals. I agree to be fully responsible for the safety and well being of the foster pet. I will provide a safe, loving, humane environment with adequate food water and shelter at all times. I will not declaw, crop ears, or crop tail of fostered pet. I will adhere to all state and local animal laws and all foster animals will wear a collar with identification. I will promptly notify Lil Rascals Rescue of any signs of illness, behavioral issues or concerns, an inability to continue to foster, if the pet become lost, and/or if the pets bites someone. Veterinary Services: We pay for all approved veterinary services with our veterinary partners. This includes vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter surgery, and treatment for heartworm disease or other illnesses. While you are welcome to use your preferred vet for treatment at your cost, we are not able to reimburse any medical expenses outside of our shelter. Adoption Events: Your foster dog with be eligible to attend adoption events after two weeks of being in their new home. Fosters are asked to attend a minimum of two (2) events per month. Transfer of Animals: Animals cannot be transferred to the custody of another person, shelter, humane society, SPCA, or other entity without prior consent and permission of Lil Rascals Rescue. I agree to not place this pet in another home without the written or verbal authorization from Lil Rascals Rescue, whether it be temporary or permanent. Return of Animals: All the pets in the Lil Rascals Rescue foster program are the property of Lil Rascals Rescue and must be returned within 24 hours of request. I agree that I am fostering this pet for Lil Rascals Rescue and that I do not have any right of ownership over my foster animal. I further agree that Lil Rascals Rescue’s rights in and to my foster pet are superior to mine. I agree to provide the Authorized Representative, or his/her designate access to my home and property to check on my foster pet, at any time while I am in possession of my foster pet. Personal or Property Damage and/or Injury: I agree that accidental animal bites or other injuries to humans and other animals do occur, and agree to hold harmless and indemnify, and protect Lil Rascals Rescue from any claim or suit filed by someone as a result of such incident. In addition, Lil Rascals Rescue will not be responsible if animal should damage or destroy property belonging to Foster Caregiver, Foster Caregiver household, or others, or if the animal shall transfer any disease, internal or external parasites to other animals and people in Foster Caregivers household. I understand that if I am approved for fostering, this declaration represents a legal contract between me as the foster home caregiver and bLil Rascals Rescue. I understand that if I am approved to foster an animal, I must abide by this agreement and that this agreement applies to any and all animals that I foster with Lil Rascals Rescue Accuracy of Information: By signing below, I acknowledge that the information provided on this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. If at any time the information I have provided changes, I will provide the updated information to the Lil Rascals Rescue Foster Care Program.
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