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Foster Issues for New Program

  • 1.  Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-02-2021 03:45 PM
    Hello all,

    At the beginning of 2021 I began a program in my community to help those going into transitional homes or shelters and unable to take their pets with them. There are no resources here for these people and the program is greatly needed.

    The program was well received and people signed up to foster, which is the crux of the program.  But, when I followed up, most never even bothered to reply and the others soon disappeared as well.

    I am unable to compete with the well-funded shelters and rescues that have established foster programs. I have considered going through the non-profit process, but am not sure that would solve any issues in the long run.

    If anyone has any thoughts or insights, I would be grateful to learn more. Below is the program information..

    https://www.eviealo.com/emergency-pet-care-program.html

    Thanks so much for your time!


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    Romy Maimon
    Emergency Pet Care Program
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  • 2.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 12-06-2021 07:49 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Romy,

     Thank you so much for coming up with that program. I agree that it is definitely needed.  I wish I had the answers to solve your problem.  Are there any boarding facilities  that may want to partner with you.   I am so sorry to hear that the fosters have left you hanging.  I know things are tough however hang in there and do not give up. Wishing you the absolute best of luck.  




  • 3.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-07-2021 02:45 PM
    Thank you such for the reply and thoughts! I have contacted boarding facilities as part of the Program, but not in regards to the foster issue. But, I will definitely follow-up on the idea!

    Best regards,

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    RAM M
    Emergency Pet Care Program
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  • 4.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 12-08-2021 09:25 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Dear All;

    My local registered non-profit shelter had a similar problem because many people would spend the time and energy to go through the time and energy required to be a registered foster-person.  This included a very thorough booklet, several classes, etc. to become a pet foster parent for the organization, then fail to foster any animals.  As a result, my local non-profit now charges a small fee to go through foster training to cover the cost of the booklet, classes, etc. required to become a registered foster.  I still don't know how I feel about it because I feel like the fee might stop people from fostering, however, I can understand that the local non-profit needs to recover those costs.  It is one possibility/idea, as I doubt that a return service contract would be honoured.

    Sincerely Yours;

    A longtime pet foster person


  • 5.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-10-2021 02:56 PM
    Thank you such for your note and thoughts.  I have had difficulties with some people disappearing as soon as they learn they have to sign and Foster Agreement which is standard, so not sure why this is happening. I have been on the volunteer end as well for years and expect to have to sign something.

    But, I do like the idea of having a registration process!

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    RAM M
    Emergency Pet Care Program
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  • 6.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-07-2021 08:25 AM
    Hi There,

    I agree this type of program is much needed! Have you approached the other shelters/rescues in your area to pitch and run the program for them? They might be willing to partner on a program like this. Just a thought. Wishing you the best in this journey!

    ------------------------------
    Erin Ellis
    Community Engagement Director
    Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe

    ---------
    Volunteer & Community Partnerships Specialist
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  • 7.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-07-2021 02:42 PM
    Hi Erin,

    Thank you so much for the reply, and yes, I have reached out to the local Shelters, rescues and others orgs.  Some said they are specifically funded for certain things only.  And still waiting for others to reply, which has also been a big issue on all levels.

    I have also researched Fiscal Sponsorships and other different kinds of assistance programs, but nothing has come to fruition.

    Will keep you posted!

    Best regards.




    ------------------------------
    RAM M
    Emergency Pet Care Program
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  • 8.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-10-2021 09:57 AM
    Hi Romy,

    Oh my gosh, what a great program! I took a look at your website and I have a few recommendations for you off the top of my head. I'm also happy to set up a call with you and dig in a bit deeper if you'd like-- foster is my focus here at Maddie's Fund-- here is my Calendly link.

    • Make your foster onboarding as quick and painless as possible. The faster you can get a pet in a potential foster's hands, the more likely they are to take it. We recommend that people be allowed to take a pet home the same day they apply, and lots of organizations are doing this and seeing success in growing their programs. Putting training online and being able to do it on the spot can be helpful here, as well as getting rid of or modifying requirements the foster needs in order to participate.
    • Engage your fosters while they wait for a pet to need them! Weekly email check-ins, happy hour get-togethers, Zoom trainings and more can help keep people interested even when you don't have a pet for them to foster. 
    • Instead of directly mentioning Pit Bull Terriers on your website, I would say you're looking for people comfortable with large dogs. I wouldn't mention that some fosters are afraid of any specific breed. If I was a community member, I knew nothing about pit bulls and read that others were scared of them, it might make me think I should probably be afraid of them too.
    • The FAQs on your website have super helpful information, but as a person with no background in sheltering for humans I'm having a hard time getting through it because of the terminology used. I'd think about rewriting it with the lay person in mind-- maybe a lower reading level overall and phrased in a really positive way for the foster, so instead of, "You do not live farther than Plymouth, MA" it could be something like, "You live within XX (or are willing to transport up to X miles, etc.)"
    • Recruit fosters CONSTANTLY! The organizations with the highest-volume foster programs are recruiting year-round, in multiple ways and are talking about foster on their social media in 33% of their posts. Telling stories can be really effective (though in this case, getting written permission or changing identifying details is probably required).


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    Kelly Duer
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 9.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-10-2021 03:00 PM
    Hi Kelly,

    Thank you so much for your great thoughts and insight, and I would love, love to speak with you if you have a few moments!!
    1. Unfortunately, your calendar link does not seem to work on my end. 


    @

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    RAM M
    Emergency Pet Care Program
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  • 10.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-10-2021 03:07 PM
    Sorry about that! Will you email me at duer@maddiesfund.org when you have a chance?

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    Kelly Duer
    Maddie's Fund
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  • 11.  RE: Foster Issues for New Program

    Posted 12-13-2021 02:09 PM
    Hi Kelly,
    I emailed you and look forward to speaking with you!
    Romy

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    RAM M
    Emergency Pet Care Program
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