That's a great question! For my organization, we do NOT require foster families be limited to one situation at a time UNLESS their current situation is contagious (URI, ringworm, etc.). We do give foster families guidelines on disease prevention and keeping situations separate, but overall we trust our foster families to make the right decisions with our guidance. My take on it is, we're already trusting these families with the care of our shelter pets- we should trust them if they choose/are able to foster multiple situations. That said, there are of course families that I would discourage from taking on multiple situations; I consider this regular volunteer management and a great way to keep some families from being overwhelmed when they're a known entity. If you have a veterinarian on your team, I think getting their input on this subject might also be helpful.
------------------------------
Krystyna Zarn-Langford
Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2023 08:38 PM
From: Taylor Prostor
Subject: Fostering Multiple Situations
Hi everyone,
I was wondering what other organizations policy is regarding allowing foster volunteers to foster multiple situations (ie two separate litters). We currently ask that our volunteers only provide care for one situation at a time, in an effort to reduce risk of transmission of potentially contagious conditions. This is also in an effort to help reduce burnout for our foster volunteers. I just wanted to reach out to see what other organizations do in regards to this.
Thank you!
#FosterPrograms
------------------------------
Taylor Prostor
Hawaiian Humane Society
------------------------------