Pet foster module update

Welcome to the Foster Care module Please note: It can take up to one week to process foster applications.

Please sign in below.

This module has a Save & continue option, meaning you can save your progress and pick up where you left off later. A link to continue will be sent to your email address.

Foster Care Module - All Fosters

Thank you for your interest in fostering for Osceola County Animal Services.

We appreciate the commitment that you are making to both the animals and to our organization.

This module will give you a general overview of the reasons that fostering is necessary, the expectations of fosters and other pertinent information.

The time commitment to foster an animal for OCAS can range from one night to three months. Each foster home needs to choose the best situation for their own schedule.

Why animals need foster care

• The puppies or kittens are too young to be adopted

• The puppies or kittens need to be socialized with people and other animals while they are still young.

• The puppies or kittens are still too young to be spayed/neutered

• The animal needs special care that can be better achieved at a home

• The animal needs a quiet place to recover from surgery or injury

• The animal needs to learn some things before it can be adopted

Considerations before fostering

• If you have a pet or pets, they must be up to date on vaccinations for their protection and the protection of the foster animal.

• If you have a pet or pets, they need to be accepting of new pets to the home.

• Members of the household should all agree that fostering would be acceptable in your home.

• The foster has the time to spend one on one with the animal or animals.

• The landlord will permit fostering of a particular type of animal in your home (if you do not know, please ask as many area landlords do not allow certain dog breeds; some do not permit pets at all.)

The Osceola County residency requirement for pet fostering has been removed. However, you must meet the following criteria:

• live within a comfortable driving distance, and

• have reliable transportation to and from the shelter.

Foster Requirements

To become an approved foster, an individual must:

• Maintain an approved Foster Status

• Successfully complete the Foster Care Online Training module and achieve a score of at least 80%.

• Agree to and adhere to all OCAS foster care policies, procedures and guidelines

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Must agree to in‐home evaluation at anytime.

• Must be able to provide a safe, loving, and stable environment.

• Must be able to transport the foster animal to and from OCAS during normal business hours Monday - Friday.

• If applicable, provide proof that your landlord allows companion animals.

• Be approved by the Foster Coordinator.

Note: Foster Care approval Status is subject to change. Osceola County Animal Services reserves the right to terminate your foster care status at any time.

Your commitment to the animal(s)

What Osceola County Animal Services will provide:

We will provide the trained foster volunteer with the following, as needed:

• Medication as required, including instructions

• Veterinary services as required*

• Food for the animal(s)

• Leash and waste bags for dogs

• Bedding

• Towels

• Litter pan and litter for cats and kittens

• Toys

• Carrier, kennel, or exercise pen

A home visit may be conducted prior to and/or during fostering.

Foster Families and Volunteers

The foster program is a separate program from the Osceola County Animal Services Volunteer Program. Many of our fosters are also volunteers at the shelter, but some are foster only. Applicants in both groups need to successfully complete the module prior to fostering.

OCAS will track the number of foster animals you receive and the number of days that they are in your home. This information can be found in your Volgistics account if you are a full volunteer. OCAS does not assign Foster Volunteer hours , but does assign Foster Days at the end of each month - one foster animal in a home for one day equals one foster day. So, if you had three fosters for the month of April, that would equal 90 foster days.

Members of foster families over 18 are eligible for the Shelter Volunteer Program but must complete all Volunteer requirements such as volunteer orientation, application, and background screening.

Common Issue: Fleas

Fleas can be a problem with foster animals. Should you find fleas on your foster pet, consult with a shelter staff member as soon as possible to avoid infestation. The vet staff can provide you with medication, advice and a very effective flea spray for your home.

If you need to bathe your foster animal, staff will ask you to do so. In the breed specific modules there are detailed instructions on bathing animals that have fleas.

Common Issue: The darker side of fostering

As much enjoyment and pleasure fostering a young animal can bring, there is sometimes a darker side to this opportunity.

Sickness and disease can afflict one of these young animals with no notice. Sometimes, your charges will not survive; please be prepared for this possibility.

Always remember, by fostering, you are giving the best chance for survival to animals that would otherwise have little or no chance.

Warning Signs

The following are warning signs that your fostered animal may have medical issues that need immediate attention. Please contact the shelter by phone immediately if any of these symptoms are present:

Your Resources - New Foster Welcome

As a foster, you have access to the New Foster Welcome package.

• links to resources

• advice from vet staff and other fosters

• contact information

Species - specific Information and issues

Specific information concerning dog and cat fostering are contained later in this module.

Please be aware that the vast majority of our available fosters are kittens and cats, though dogs are occasionally available for foster. Most of the dogs being fostered tend to be large.

Review

Before making the commitment to being an animal foster, please be sure that you are ready by:

• checking with your family/landlord to see if it is okay

• willing to commit the time that the animal will require

• understanding of the potential problems that may arise

• attending any training required for the foster animal

• signing the foster agreement

Foster Agreement - Release of Liability

• I understand that working with animals carries with it inherent risks including the potential for bites, scratches, and falls. I further understand that other risks may exist including possible exposure to zoonotic and communicable diseases.

• I, in consideration of being a pet foster family for Osceola County Animal Services, hereby release and hold harmless Osceola County Animal Services, Osceola County, its employees, representatives, agents, Commissioners, volunteers, and managers from any and all liability, direct and indirect, and all claims, rights, demands, lawsuits, actions, expenses, damages, or causes of action, which I or my heirs, personal representatives, successors, assigns or anyone claiming by, through or under me, in the event I am injured or killed while performing as a pet foster.

• I fully understand that this release includes, but is not limited to any claims, rights, demands, actions, causes or actions, expenses and damages, whatsoever which may arise from any injury, act or omission, caused, occasioned or contributed to, actually or allegedly, by the negligence, sole or concurrent, of one or more of the parties released herein.

• I acknowledge that I have read, fully understand and voluntarily agree to this Release and that no verbal inducements apart from this release have been made to me. I further acknowledge that I am assuming this responsibility willfully and have not in any way been coerced.

Part 1 questions

Cat and kitten fostering

Thank you for your interest in fostering our feline friends. Most of our fosters in the homes of volunteers are usually cats and kittens, so it is vital that you familiarize yourself with the information in this module.

Topics covered will include:

• equipment provided

• getting a foster from the shelter

• appointments

• developmental stages of a cat

• feeding

• mom with kittens

• newborns

• socializing

• bathing

• common problems and viruses

• finding help

Equipment

You will get from the shelter:

• a pet carrier

• litter

• litter pans*

• food dishes*

• water bowls*

• toys

• canned food

• dry food

• towels

• sheets or blankets

• fuzzy blankets

• any medication needed

• newspapers

* Take two of each of these items - so that you have one active while the other is being cleaned.

Equipment - Optional (Recommended for a new foster)

A cat enclosure is available upon request. The enclosure has space for the litter pan as well as the food and water bowls.

It is recommended that kitten foster volunteers request an enclosure rather than allow the kitten or kittens to roam free in the home.

Benefits:

• keeps cats contained until you are sure of their habits

• keeps litter in a more enclosed area (some kittens are prone to slinging litter after using the box)

• keeps cats safe when you are not home

Getting a foster from the shelter

When a foster becomes available, shelter staff will begin to contact all foster homes marked as available by email and or telephone. Available is defined by the following criteria:

• does not currently have a foster

• is on the active foster list (not taking a break from fostering or inactive)

• wants the type of foster available (dog or cat, young or old)

Please respond to these emails, even if you do not want a foster now.

For any volunteer showing an interest in fostering, an appointment is made for the volunteer to pick up the foster and necessary equipment. An employee or volunteer can help you gather the items that you will need and give you a carrier to transport the animal.

Please use your discretion; if you are uncomfortable with the number or type of fosters that you are scheduled for, let an employee know. It is recommended that a new foster start small - no more than two or three at once.

Appointments

The shelter staff will contact you when an appointment has been scheduled for your foster animal. Please be on time and prepared to wait until whatever procedure has been completed (usually 10-15 minutes).

If an emergency arises and you cannot get to the appointment, please call or email the shelter and let them know so that they can reschedule the appointment.

Developmental stages of a cat

Kittens' Developmental Stages

• Neonatal–Birth to 2 weeks (Either nursing from their mother or bottle feeding every 2 hours)

• At about 10 days the eyes begin to open

• At about 2 weeks the eyes are fully open

• Litter box use can start as early as 3 to 4 weeks

• Kittens can be introduced to wet food at 3-4 weeks. They will try dry food at about 4 weeks

• Weaned– At 6 weeks and older kittens should be eating on their own and may need to be separated from their mother. The mom cat will let the kittens know in no uncertain terms that they are done feeding from her.

Feeding

Feeding times each day vary by the cat's age.

• Newborns; every 1 - 2 hours

• 3 - 4 weeks; 6 times each day with soft food and formula

• 6 - 12 weeks; four times a day

• 3 - 6 months old; three times a day

Feeding with mother present

Ideally, kittens go in to foster care with their mother. In this situation, the mom cat will take care of feeding her kittens. Your job will be to feed and care for the mother, as well as providing a place for her and her young charges that is comfortable. At 4 - 6 weeks you will begin the weaning process for the kittens and return the mother to the shelter for adoption.

Sometimes, another cat who is nursing will take on kittens that are not hers and treat them as her own. When possible, this cat will be sent to the foster home with the kittens.

Cats and kittens should never be fed cow's milk.

Newborns and very young kittens

In most cases, kittens should not be handled until they are at least two weeks old. If the mom cat is there, she will let you know if it is okay for you to handle her kitten.

• Please hold the kitten with two hands.

• Be very gentle as kittens can be easily injured.

• Children handling kittens always need to be closely supervised.

Socializing the cats

Socialization of kittens is a way to get them used to the world around them and learn how to deal with new situations. Socialization teaches the kitten:

• there are other animals around, both cats and other species, to deal with

• people are friendly and will not hurt them

• there are noises and odors in every environment

It is important to spend some time with your foster kittens, handling them (when they are of age). You can also play with them a while, whether with a toy or just a piece of string.

Note: Introducing a cat to another animal, be it cat or other species, should be done slowly and carefully. Any signs of aggression from either party should automatically end any introductions.

A kitten bath

Occasionally, a foster kitten will need a bath. This will generally be for one of two reasons:

• the kitten has fleas

• the kitten has waste caked on its body

Here are instructions on bathing a kitten, step by step.

Waste

Generally, kittens out at foster will already be familiar with the litter box and will not need any help using the bathroom.

Mother cats will groom the kittens after feeding to stimulate them to use the bathroom.

In the absence of the mother, the foster should follow this procedure after feeding until the kitten is three weeks old:

• Dip a small, soft cloth in warm water

• Gently massage the anal and urinal area to stimulate excretion

At about four weeks old, teach the kitten to use the litter box by placing him/her in the litter box just after meals. You may want to cut the side of the litter box down to allow easy access.

Zoonotic Diseases

What are zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are diseases spread between animals and humans. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that are carried by animals and insects. Examples are rabies, mites, fungal infections(ringworm), psittacosis, toxoplasmosis, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, salmonellosis, and giardia infection.

To avoid transmission of zoonotic diseases, you should always wash your hands before and after handling your foster animals. When necessary you should also change your clothes and wash all bedding, dishes, and toys that come into contact with the animals.

Zoonotic Diseases

What are zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases are diseases spread between animals and humans. These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that are carried by animals and insects. Examples are rabies, mites, fungal infections(ringworm), psittacosis, toxoplasmosis, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, salmonellosis, and giardia infection.

To avoid transmission of zoonotic diseases, you should always wash your hands before and after handling your foster animals. When necessary you should also change your clothes and wash all bedding, dishes, and toys that come into contact with the animals.

Ringworm

What Is Ringworm

Although the name suggests otherwise, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm at all—but a fungus that can infect the skin, hair and nails. Not uncommon in cats/dogs, this highly contagious disease can lead to patchy, circular areas of hair loss with central red rings. Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm often spreads to other pets in the household—and to humans usually children, elderly, and immune compromised.

Ringworm is usually more common in cats than in dogs.

What Are the General Symptoms of Ringworm?

Classic symptoms of ringworm in cats/dogs include skin lesions that typically appear on the head, ears and forelimbs. Ringworm can cause flaky bald patches that sometimes look red in the center. In mild cases, there may be localized areas of redness or simply dandruff, while more severe infections can spread over a cat or dog's entire body. It’s also possible for a pet to carry ringworm spores and not show any symptoms whatsoever.

All of our kittens are checked for ringworm prior to being released to foster homes, but occasionally the animal may need to be returned to the shelter for a deworming.

Cat with ringworm

Travel with kittens?

Foster animals are not to leave Osceola County without the written permission of a foster supervisor. Rarely is it permitted for a foster animal to be transported out of the County.

Help is here!

Resources for fosters:

• call the shelter during business hours (non emergency) 407-742-800

• email the shelter (non emergency) petfosters@osceola.org

• emergency: call emergency contact number provided to you with your foster paperwork

• foster newsletter

• volunteer eNews newsletter

• foster Facebook page

The knowledge check begins on the next page.

Welcome, dog and puppy fosters

Thank you for your interest in fostering our canine friends. Most of our fosters in the homes of volunteers are usually adult dogs recovering from surgery or those needing socialization, so it is vital that you familiarize yourself with the information in this module.

Topics covered will include:

• equipment provided

• feeding

• common problems and viruses

• bathing

• finding help

Equipment

• a pet carrier

• food dishes

• water bowls

• toys

• canned food

• dry food

• liquid food (puppies)

• towels

• sheets or blankets

• any medication needed

• shampoo, as needed

Puppies: The facts

Neonatal - birth to 12 days – During this time, the puppy is completely dependent on mother for thermoregulation, food, and elimination.

• A puppy is born both blind and deaf, but is capable of whining to attract attention from its mother.

• For the first 3 days their life, they have "flexor dominance." They curl when you pick them up by the head.

• Day 4 to 21 they have "extensor dominance." They stretch when picked up by the head.

• Newborn puppies will move toward the side they are touched on or turn their head toward the side their cheek is touched on.

• They will snuggle against a warm object.

Feeding

Mother present

Ideally, puppies go in to foster care with their mother. In this situation, the mom dog will take care of feeding her puppies. Your job will be to feed and care for the mother, as well as providing a place for her and her young charges that is warm and comfortable.

Sometimes, another dog who is nursing will take on puppies that are not hers and treat them as her own. When possible, this dog will be sent to the foster home with the puppy or puppies.

Caution must be taken as mothers can be very protective of their young. A mom and her litter should be kept separate from all other animals and as the puppies grow, you should handle each pup to keep them socialized.

Orphans

If there is no mother dog available, the puppies will need to be fed by hand. Animal Services will provide you with the proper formula for the puppies based on their age.

Ailments to watch for

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a virus of the intestinal tract that generally causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It is contracted through the stool of an infected dog or a contaminated environment. The virus is very hardy and can remain in the environment for a year or longer. Infected animals rapidly dehydrate, and in severe cases progress to shock and death.

Puppies need a series of vaccinations to acquire and maintain proper immunity. Vaccinations can start as early as 4 weeks of age and will continue every 2-3 weeks until the age of 3-4 months of age.

Mange

Mange is a skin disease caused by several species of tiny mites, common external parasites found in companion canines/felines. Some mange mites are normal residents of your dog’s/cat's skin and hair follicles, while others are not. All mites can cause mild to severe skin infections if they proliferate.

Prevention and Treatment of Heartworm

Prevention of heartworm infection can be obtained through a number of veterinary drugs. The drugs approved for use in the US are ivermectin (sold under the brand names Heartgard, Iverhart, and several other generic versions), milbemycin (Interceptor Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Flavor Tabs) and moxidectin (ProHeart) administered as pills or chewable tablets.

Preventative drugs are highly effective, and when regularly administered, will protect more than 99% of dogs and cats from heartworm. Most compromises in protection result from failure to properly administer the drugs during seasonal transmission periods. Animal Services tests for diseases and will provide fosters with any medication necessary.

Treatment

The dogs undergoing heartworm treatment must first complete a round of antibiotics to ensure the health of the animal for treatment. After treatment, the dog must rest (restricted exercise) for several weeks so as to give its body sufficient time to absorb the dead worms without ill effect. Otherwise, when the dog is under exertion, dead worms may break loose and travel to the lungs, potentially causing respiratory failure and death.

The course of treatment is not completed until several weeks later, when the microfilariae are dealt with in a separate course of treatment. Once heartworm tests are negative, the treatment is considered a success.

Bathing a dog