Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi, I'm wondering if there are any groups out there doing a Foster To Adopt when they send out puppies that haven't been fixed yet.   We're a small shelter; we don't have a veterinarian.  The vets in our area won't fix pups until 4-5 months old.  Some say they won't do bigger mixes until almost a year.   How does that kind of program work? Any other shelters in this situation?  Any information is appreciated.
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms

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Toni Naeser
Volunteer/Board Member
Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue
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Hi Toni,

It's a frustrating paradox...laws or rules require that puppies be fixed before adoption (starting at 8 weeks old) but vets won't do it until they 6+ months old. Plus, there is a veterinarian shortage.
If spay/neuter is required before adoption, in some places you can have a vet can write a letter stating that it is not in the best interest of the puppy's health to have that surgery at that age. Which is true. Major surgery on a tiny puppy or kitten is something to be avoided.
The other thing to consider is how committed are your adopters to following through with spay/neuter later. Some rescues use rebates or deposits to encourage owners to get them fixed but sometimes adopters complain about the extra expense. Personally, I feel that puppies are pretty darn special and worth a little extra investment : ) Hope that helps.

Diane

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Diane Zahorodny
World Ready Pets
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Thank you for the feedback.  In NY state the law is 6 months to be fixed by.  We've always had good followup (it takes effort but it's worked) to make sure that the pups have been fixed, but it's a twofold issue now-finances more so than before, and the vets wanting to delay the surgery.    Lots of discussion on our end as to how to handle it going forward.

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Toni Naeser
Volunteer/Board Member
Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2023 10:28 AM
From: amber dennison
Subject: Any info on Foster To Adopt program for Pups that haven't been fixed?

We do with certain restrictions.  This is from our website:  www.hsov.org 

FOSTER TO ADOPT Potential adopters, living in Washington County, may apply to foster-to-adopt in order to house them in a healthy, home environment until they are able to be spayed or neutered. Spay/Neuter is required for ALL pets adopted from HSOV! This requirement is for the well-being of the animal and to control overpopulation of homeless animals.  Additionally foster-to-adopt allows animals that, due to age or compromised immune systems, to get into a home environment more quickly.  Without the wait for a spay/neuter appointment.  

Generally the process includes the following steps:

1. If you are interested in adopting an animal that has yet to be altered, you will need to complete an Adoption Application and have it approved before you will be able to take the pet home with you.

2. Once approved, you may be required to make a deposit (normally 50% of the total adoption fee) at the time you take the pet home.

3. A spay/neuter appointment will be made as soon as your foster is old enough, well enough or available to be scheduled with one of our partnering vets.  This may entail your foster reaching the minimum health and weight requirements, and/or 6 months of age. 

4. New owners may have the option of utilizing their own vet.

5. You will be notified of the date of the appointment and what vet to deliver your pet to on the day of their appointment.  

6. After the pre-scheduled appointment has been completed, the deposit fee (if applicable) will be applied toward the adoption fee.  

7. Proof of spay/neuter must be provided within the specified time, the deposit (if applicable) will be refunded and the adoption finalized.  

8. Failure to spay/neuter your foster when scheduled will result in a visit from the HSOV manager.  

I volunteer for San Antonio Pets Alive as a kitten foster.  The end of every year, our Animal Care Shelter shuts down surgeries the last 2 weeks for Christmas holidays and then there is a huge backlog for all the animals in January, February before they catch up. We started doing Foster to Adopt a couple years ago due to the long wait. Initially, there was just another form for the adopters to sign but with that, a good number of people never brought the kittens/puppies etc in to be fixed so this year, they added a $200.00 refundable fee in addition to the adoption cost and that appears to have worked.  forms attached below.

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barb roach
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