Fostering with Facilitate Rescue
As a rescue organization, we know that fosters play a crucial role in our mission of rescuing cats from the Harnett County Animal Shelter, getting them healthy and socialized, and finding them loving homes. Without fosters, we cannot achieve our goal. However, we want to ensure that our fosters are aware of the responsibilities that come with fostering a cat.
Fostering is a significant commitment as it involves caring for a living, breathing animal. Many of the cats that come to our rescue have either been neglected in their previous homes or surrendered to the shelter, which may result in them being timid or having behavioral issues. Therefore, we need fosters who are willing to take these animals into their homes and provide them with the time, attention, and love they require to become healthy and happy pets. Moreover, as shelters are not always healthy environments, we cannot guarantee the health of our foster animals. Before placing them with a foster, we try our best to test them for any serious conditions. However, they may leave the shelter with colds, eye infections, or diarrhea, which we will treat promptly.
Below are some FAQs about fostering, as well as a link to our foster application.
Where do foster cats come from?
All of our foster cats have been brought to the Harnett County Animal Shelter either by their owners or by Harnett County Animal Control. Some are strays that have been found wandering the streets. To ensure their well-being, these cats are placed in foster care to remove them from the unhealthy, noisy, and stressful environment of the shelter. In some cases, cats may require extra socialization or time to recover before they can be adopted. Rest assured, we take every necessary step to ensure our foster cats are healthy and happy, and ready for their forever homes.
How does Facilitate Rescue find an adopter for my foster cat?
We always strive to find local adopters for our cats and kittens. We utilize social media and our website to promote them, host adoption events throughout the Triangle, and collaborate with local businesses to encourage rescue adoption. However, despite our efforts, there aren't enough adopters in the area to accommodate all the cats that need homes. To solve this issue, we have established relationships with rescue organizations in other states. We transport cats to these out-of-state rescues, which we thoroughly vet and ensure are highly reputable and strictly no-kill. We collaborate with these organizations because we share the same values and principles. Sometimes, we transport cats multiple times per month to these out-of-state rescues so they can find new homes more quickly.
How long do cats stay in foster care?
As a foster parent, you may be wondering how long you can expect to have kittens in your care. The answer is that it varies based on a few factors. Firstly, it depends on how quickly we can find them a permanent home. Secondly, their health status plays a crucial role in determining the duration of their stay. Some cats may need more time to socialize, while others, such as small kittens, may require nursing or bottle feeding to get stronger, which can extend their stay for several months. Rest assured that we will work with you to make sure that the kittens receive the care they need for as long as they are in your care.
What will fostering a cat require of me?
Fosters need to be able to:
●Provide a healthy and safe environment for foster cats
●Provide socialization, cuddle time, and playtime
●Provide food and litter (if cost is an issue, we can help!)
As a foster parent, it is crucial to ensure that the cats under your care are in a healthy and secure environment. You should provide them with proper nutrition, a clean litter box, and a cozy place to sleep. Apart from their basic needs, it is also vital to give them plenty of love and attention. Spend some time playing with them, cuddling with them, and give them the opportunity to socialize with other cats or humans. If you are concerned about the cost of providing for their needs, we can offer assistance.
Facilitate Rescue will provide funds for all approved veterinary bills.
How much time do I need to spend with my foster cat?
It is important to spend as much time as possible with your foster cat. The amount of time required may differ based on the energy level and individual needs of the cat. It is recommended that you spend some time each day interacting and playing with your foster cat to help them socialize and feel comfortable in your home.
Can I let my foster cat play with my other pets?
When you take in a foster cat, we kindly ask you to keep them separate from other pets for at least two weeks after they leave the shelter. This is important to ensure the safety of all animals involved. Before leaving the shelter, your foster cat will be vaccinated and tested for serious illnesses. However, some cats may still have diarrhea or Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) which we do not want to spread to other animals. Moreover, being in a shelter can be stressful for cats, so your foster cat will need some time to adjust to their new environment.
What if I think my foster cat is sick?
The health of your foster cat is of utmost importance to us. In the event that you observe any signs of illness or discomfort, please do not hesitate to contact us right away. Our team will ensure that your cat receives prompt and appropriate veterinary attention to address any potential health issues.
Whom do I contact if I have a problem?
Once your foster application is approved, we will add you to a Facebook group specifically created for all our foster families. Additionally, we will assign a member from our Board of Directors as your primary contact, along with a backup person. They will be your point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have. You can also reach out to us via email at facilitaterescue@gmail.com.
What if my foster cat is not working out?
At our organization, we make every effort to ensure that foster cats are placed in homes that are the best match for them. However, we understand that sometimes things don't work out as intended. In such cases, please inform us so that we can help to find another suitable foster home for the kitty as soon as possible.