Hi! We run a program called Shaina's Safe Haven, named after a volunteer who sadly passed away. The purpose of this program is to offer temporary foster care for people who are in a situation that does not allow them to care for their pets temporarily, such as a hospitalization, eviction, house fire, etc. We ask the people how long they think they will need to use this service and most say a month or so and we always arrange the agreement for 2 months. Rarely are they able to take their pet back at the 2 month deadline. I allow 2 extensions of a month each. Currently, we have 11 cats and 2 dogs in this situation and one dog and 9 cats are now at the 4 month mark with the families being granted 2 extensions. 4 months is too long for these pets to be in limbo and, obviously, takes space from us helping others. I talked to all the families a few weeks ago and told them that they had until June 1 to get their pets, or per our contract, they would be considered surrendered and we would find them new homes. They had multiple warnings over the last month that June 2 was the absolute final deadline (if they were able to provide me proof that they would be in a new location on X date that was just past June 1 I would extend to that deadline). Today when I discussed it with 2 of the families, they both became upset and said they needed more time. So far, I am not agreeing as it is not fair to their pets. However, I do feel bad for the people and I dread the possible back lash on social media. How do others handle this?
#FosterPrograms------------------------------
Cheryl Koenig
Volunteer Executive Director
Sullivan County Humane Society
NH
------------------------------