FAQs

Questions?

Who Do I Ask For Help?

The fastest way to get your pet fostered is to complete our application. Similarly, the fastest way to become a foster is to complete the foster application form. If you have questions beforehand please contact us.

Apply for Foster Care
Apply to Be a Foster

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Operation Foster do?

Operation Foster, a service of PACT, provides peace of mind to military personnel facing deployment and pet owners undergoing medical treatment by placing their pets into safe, loving foster homes until they can be reunited. Since our founding over 11 years ago, we’ve helped more than 3,000 pets in all 50 states.  

Here is how the process works:

  • Foster families and pet owners complete applications.
  • We collect pictures, vet records and other information from pet owners.
  • We also require and collect information about a Point of Contact (POC) who is responsible for decisions if we can not reach you.
  • We conduct remote home checks at new foster homes to ensure the safety and suitability for pets.
  • We identify an appropriate foster family as soon as possible.
  • After we find an appropriate match, we help facilitate the initial meeting between the pet owner and the potential foster.
  • Contract: If the pet owner agrees to the suggested foster family, we will issue a legal foster contract to both the owner and the foster family.
  • Support: Operation Foster offers ongoing management and support to both our foster families and the pets’ owners.
If you are interested in volunteering, THANK YOU! It is only due to the support of people like you that Operation Foster is able to give peace of mind and hope to our military service members and critically ill by giving loving, in-home foster care to their pets until the owners can return. We always need more Foster Families, as well as people who can spread the word by flyering/outreach, pet care providers that can donate their time, and more! You can find out more about volunteering here.

Foster Family FAQs

What are the requirements to be a Foster Family with Operation Foster?

All Foster Families must submit a Foster Home Application from our website, available here. Foster Families need to have some previous experience with the animals they are applying to foster, and all people in the household must want to foster an animal. Homes need to be safe and appropriate for the type of animal to be fostered, and pets should be kept inside most of the time. All Foster Homes must complete the 3-step Foster Home Approval Process which includes the Application, Veterinarian Check, and Home Check.
  • Operation Foster will contact your veterinarian to verify that your pet(s) is up to date on shots and spayed/neutered.
  • Make sure you let your veterinarian and give them permission for them to speak with Operation Foster.
  • If you have more than one vet, or a new vet, please provide us with both veterinarians’ information.
  • If your pet has passed away, please provide us with your past pet’s name and the veterinarian’s information.
  • Please let us know if your pet is under a different last name or under a partner’s or parent’s name.
Dogs:
  1. Required core vaccines for dogs: Rabies, DAP; Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), and Canine Parvovirus (CPV or parvo).
  2. Combinations shots may be listed as DA2PP, DH
Cats
  1. Required core vaccines for cats: Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Panleukopenia (FP), and Feline Calicivirus.
  2. Combination shots may be listed as FVRCP
      All kittens should have received Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Yes, Operation Foster requires all pets to be spayed or neutered, unless there is a documented medical reason why the pet is not altered. Some examples are heart conditions, too young or too old.
  • This is a session, usually done virtually through Zoom or Facetime, where we “visit” a new foster home. Our goal is to make sure that the animals will be safe, loved, and well taken care of in their foster homes.
  • When we conduct a home visit, we are not looking to judge your decorating skills, or really the cleanliness of your house. Although if the house is trashed, or really dirty, it’s not really a safe house for a new animal.
  • We will look for things like holes in fences, fences that are too low, or other issues that may make them easy for the new animal to escape.
  • We will also look for open windows, exposed wires or other items that may pose a safety hazard.
  • We will also scan for house plants that are poisonous to animals that aren’t out of reach.
  • We also like to see where the animal will be kept, where other animals in the household are kept, and where exercised.

You will be contacted by a member of the Operation Foster team to sign up for a home visit. You can pick a time that is convenient for you.

The Virtual Home visits can be conducted via Zoom, Facetime, Android Duo, or Google Meet. Please let Operation Foster’s representative know which you prefer or if you need help with technology.

For mobility purposes, use a cell phone, tablet, or laptop with a working camera.

At the selected time you will log on, we suggest you log on a few minutes early to make sure the settings are correct, and you can connect.

  • The Operation Foster representative will go over Operation Foster’s foster programs.
  • We will then ask for a tour of your home, we would like to see all areas the foster pet would have access to, including the yard. We would also like to see your pets and where, if applicable, the crates are kept.
  • Then you have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
  • The entire visit will take approximately 20-30 mins.
Pet-proofing a home is important for new Foster Families. Check that your house plants are not poisonous to animals or move them out of reach. Keep medications and chemicals on high shelves or in latched cabinets. Cover trash cans. Block any small spaces, nooks, or holes in walls, cabinets, or behind your washer/dryer. Put shoes, laundry, string/craft items, and children’s toys behind cabinet doors. Make sure all cords are out of the pet’s reach or have a cord cover. If you have stairs, consider a pet gate to prevent falls or unwanted excursions. Finally, if you are fostering a dog with a large tail or a cat, consider putting fragile knick-knacks away so they are not knocked over.
  • Once you are approved, you will be part of the Operation Foster community! Your household will now be added to our growing database of approved fosters.
  • We will ask you to keep an eye on our website and social media to see if there are any pets you might like to foster. If you are interested in a specific pet, please read the pet’s full bio on our website. If you think the pet would be a suitable match for your household, please reach out to the coordinator listed and let them know.
  • If we determine that the household is a match, the Operation Foster representative will forward your contact information to the owner. The owner will then reach out to you and you will discuss the pet’s personality, routine, and other care needs, as well as your household’s dynamics and routines. If possible, we highly recommend a meet and greet. Once the meet and greet have been completed and you both think it will be a good fit, PACT must be notified, and we will send out a Foster Agreement for signatures.

Sometimes due to distance or other complications a meet and greet cannot be completed prior to drop-off.


Many people will choose to do a meet and greet and drop off at the same time. If this has been discussed. Please let Operation Foster know and we will send out a Foster Agreement ahead of time and it can be signed prior to the meeting. If the meeting doesn’t go well, we will void the contract.

Yes, at Operation Foster’s discretion, Foster Families can foster more than one animal at a time if space in your home allows for another animal.

If fostering for another organization other than Operation Foster, the foster’s pet owner and Operation Foster must be notified.

Yes, you have the right to say which pet(s) you are willing to foster.

ALL PETS ENTERING OUR PROGRAM ARE REQUIRED TO BE UP TO DATE ON ALL SHOTS AND SPAYED AND NEUTERED.

On occasion a pet may not be spayed or neutered, which will be indicated in the pet’s bio, as well as the reason why the pet is not fixed. Such as a documented medical condition. This can be discussed with Operation Foster and the Owner.

Some, but not all pets may have gotten flea and tick or heartworm medication. Specifically:

  • Operation Foster does not require that dogs or indoor cats have some sort of flea and tick preventive. Please make sure you discuss this with the owner. Most dogs are on flea and tick control, and
  • Operation Foster does not require the pets be on monthly heartworm medications
  • All Flea and Tick preventatives are paid for by the owner.
Each pet is different in its hygiene and grooming needs. Talk to the owner about their pets’ specific needs. The owner is responsible for the costs of grooming. If you have a trusted groomer, they may be willing to keep the owner’s credit card on file for services.

If you have an emergency or the foster pet is not adjusting to the new household, let Operation Foster know and we will look for a new foster.

Some pets have long foster term dates, and the term can be broken up between two(2) or more Operation Foster fosters.

The Pet Owner is held responsible for all food, supplies, and medical care of the Foster Pet. Operation Foster highly recommends setting up an automatic food and supply delivery through CHEWY.com, PETSMART.com, PETVALUE.com, or Amazon.com. This will ensure the necessary supplies are provided and as a foster, you will not have to wait for reimbursement. Medical or out of pockets expenses can be reimbursed via Venmo, Paypal, check, cash, or a debit/gift card.

Reimbursement for veterinarian costs MUST be discussed with the owner and is covered in our foster agreement.

  • Contact the owner immediately about the delay.
  • Also, please let Operation Foster no as soon as possible and no later than 30 days so we can investigate the delay to ensure reimbursement.
  • If the owner indicates they cannot afford the supplies at any point in time, the foster MUST contact Operation Foster immediately. Do not wait, and do not change the foster agreement terms without having a Operation Foster change of foster term agreement in place.

The pet’s owner is responsible for all pet sitting or boarding charges for their pet, while you are away.

The care and cost of the foster pet should be discussed and agreed upon, prior to travel dates.

If the friend or family member has agreed to care for the foster pet, then this option should be discussed with the owner.
Every owner is different, and this option should be discussed with the owner.
NO, Operation Foster is primarily a volunteer-run organization, and Foster Families are not paid for boarding a pet. The only monetary exchange between Pet Owner and Foster Family should be funds provided by Pet Owner to cover expenses directly relating to the pet’s care.
Some pets have long foster term dates, and the term can be broken up between two (2) or more Operation Foster fosters.
If the Foster Family cannot fulfill their Foster Agreement for any reason, Operation Foster will seek out a replacement Foster Family. Should Operation Foster be unable to contact either Pet Owner or their Point of Contact for greater than two weeks, ownership of the Foster Pet will change to Operation Foster, who will try to adopt the animal out, but cannot guarantee placement within Operation Foster’s network. If an owner has not put in place a plan for their pet in case of foster failure, pets may needlessly end up in shelters.
The Owner is required to notify Operation Foster and the Foster Family of any behaviors that might endanger foster’s property, other animals, or humans such as aggression, jumping, digging, chasing, chewing, marking, etc. Owners will remain financially responsible in case of such incidents, assuming the Foster acted reasonably to prevent such an accident and was providing reasonable, proper care to the pet.
If the pet is injured or involved in an accident during the owner’s deployment or hospitalization and while in Operation Foster’s care, it is Foster’s responsibility to immediately take the pet to a veterinarian for evaluation. Operation Foster and the Owner must be notified. Owners will remain financially responsible in case of such an incident, assuming the Foster took reasonable measures to prevent such an accident and was providing reasonable proper care to the pet. A veterinary release form is included in our Foster Agreement, which allows the Owner to specify a veterinarian they prefer, and the maximum dollar amount they will pay, and protects the Foster Family. Operation Foster recommends that all pets be microchipped with updated contact information, always wearing a collar with updated contact information, and insured against injury or illness to give the Owner peace of mind in the event of an accident.
If the Owner does not return from their deployment or hospitalization due to unfortunate circumstances, the Foster will contact Operation Foster to determine who will assume care of the Foster Pet.
The Owner needs to contact Operation Foster, and if the foster can accommodate the request a Foster Agreement Extension. Do not continue to foster without a signed agreement. If you, continue to foster without an updated PACT foster agreement you will not be covered under Operation Foster’s program, and it will be considered a private foster agreement between the Owner and Foster.

If you are willing to foster again, Operation Foster must be notified, and the owner must complete a new application and a new contract will be sent out for signatures.

If a new contract is not signed, it is considered a private arrangement between owner and foster and not through Operation Foster’s Foster Program.

Pet Owner FAQs

What are the requirements to have an animal placed in your program?

Our program is designed for the following situations:

  1. The owner is unable to care for the pet for a period of time due to military deployment or those seeking medical care. Owners should check with all friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors first, and use Operation Foster only as the last resort before surrendering their pets to a shelter.
  2. The pet can not be a puppy or kitten; it must be at least 1 year old.
  3. The time period is between 6 weeks and 2 years. In this regard, owners must provide a solid date they agree to retrieve their pets by, and proof that they can provide care (housing and food) when they return.
  4. The Foster Pet must up-to-date on all required shots and dogs and cats must be spay/neutered before entering the Foster Home.
  5. The owner agrees to cover all costs for their pets’ food, medical care, and damages to Foster’s property, as set forth in the Foster Agreement. Owners have the ability to cap unexpected medical costs at a predetermined amount.
  6. A state-side Point of Contact must be provided who can make emergency decisions regarding the pet if the owner is unavailable.
  7. The pet must not be aggressive or destructive, and should a pet bite, scratch, snap at, be destructive or excessively disruptive while in the foster program for any reason, they must be immediately removed.
  8. The owner is responsible for Pet’s transport to and from the Foster Home. If the pet is a dog going into a foster home with other dogs, or if Operation Foster has any concerns about the pets behavior in a new home, the Owner or someone who knows the animal personally must travel with the pet to the foster home for the pet’s drop-off.

YES, as long as the owner’s need for temporary foster care is still military-related (training, PCS, re-assignment) and fulfills all other requirements listed above.

What if I need temporary care for my pet because I need to move out of my apartment or need a job before I can care for my animal?

Operation Foster does not offer foster care for these emergencies due to the unreliable foster completion dates. Operation Foster’s mission is to prevent anyone from having to turn his or her pet over to a shelter, never to see it again, due to the owner’s military service to our country.

Yes. However, your pet must be transported to the Foster Home either by you or a volunteer if this is able to be arranged. If your dog is being placed into a home with another dog, or we have concerns about their behavior in a new home, the owner or someone who personally knows the pet must travel with them to the foster home.

Yes, as long as there is a legitimate medical issue, the pet meets our requirements (above) and the timing is between 6 weeks and 2 years.   The medical care needs to be planned in advance or there needs to be temporary housing for the pet before we take them in because we typically need at least 2 or 3 weeks to find a foster.   Operation Foster also needs to believe that the owner will be healthy and able to take the pet back into their home at the end of the foster period as we are not an adoption group.

Fostering can last between six weeks and 2 years. Operation Foster can also help facilitate and extension if both the owner and foster agree.

We promote life-time, responsible pet ownership and do not permanently re-home foster pets. If you are interested in surrendering your pet, please contact your local rescue group or shelter.

Please visit pets.findhelp.com.
All pets require core vaccines. The Following are required: Operation Foster follows American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA recommendations) Dogs:
  • Required core vaccines for dogs: Rabies, DAP; Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), and Canine Parvovirus (CPV or parvo).
  • Combinations shots may be listed as DA2PP, DH
View Reference for Dogs Cats
  • Required core vaccines for cats: Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Panleukopenia (FP), and Feline Calicivirus.
  • Combination shots may be listed as FVRCP
  • All kittens should have received Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
View Reference for Cats
Pets must be altered (spayed/neutered) and current on all required shots before they are fostered in Operation Foster’s Foster Program.
Every case is different and equally important to us. We work diligently with our foster homes and Operation Foster’s goal is to place an animal in the best foster home as quickly as possible in all our cases. We do appreciate having an advance date of departure for animal fosters.
Yes! We are happy to work with you and your animal to find the best foster home that can accommodate your pets needs.
No! We take pride in offering no-cost services to military personnel in need of emergency assistance. We do require the owner to reimburse the foster for their pet’s food, grooming, and medical expenses, to prevent undue pressure on the foster family. We also encourage, but do not require, a donation to Operation Foster to help offset the cost of finding, arranging, and supporting the Foster Home while the owner is away. Your generous donation to Operation Foster for Animals is essential to keeping these emergency services available to the public at no cost.

After the initial foster meeting, Operation Foster is in regular contact with the Foster Family to ensure the foster pet is acclimatizing and everything is running smoothly. Unless there is reason to touch base more often, Operation Foster will contact the Foster Families on an occasional but regular basis, checking that the Foster Pet Owner and Foster Family are doing well.

Operation Foster personnel generally work normal business hours. We will try to respond to foster families after hours or during the weekend should an emergency or issue arise.

Pet Owner and Foster Family contact each other regularly, as listed on their Foster Agreement, through email, phone, Skype, postal mail, videos and occasional visits if Pet Owner is available. While the minimum amount of contact is monthly, many Fosters send weekly or even semi-weekly updates on the foster pets activities. Our Pet Owners have reported that these stories and pictures become a high point of their time away, that they look forward to and could rely on to bring good news and a smile to their faces. After completion of the foster period, Foster Families often visit the Foster Pets and Pet Owners in their home, forming a bond that will last a lifetime.
Operation Foster cannot release non-public information about the foster animal to anyone who is not included in the Foster Agreement. This would be the Owner, the Foster, and the Owner’s Point-of-Contact. Similarly, Operation Foster does not release non-public information about the Foster Family. Of course, you are free to share information about your pet with whomever you’d like! Family and friends can also check Operation Foster’s website for photos and descriptions of the drop-off and reunion.
The Pet Owner is held responsible for all food and medical care of the Foster Pet. This is arranged in the Foster Agreement, and is usually paid via Paypal, check, cash, or a debit/gift card.

If you have an emergency or the foster pet is not adjusting to the new household, let Operation Foster know and we will look for a new foster.

Some pets have long foster term dates, and the term can be broken up between two(2) or more Operation Foster fosters.

The Pet Owner is held responsible for all food, supplies, and medical care of the Foster Pet. Operation Foster highly recommends setting up an automatic food and supply delivery through CHEWY.com, PETSMART.com, PETVALUE.com, or Amazon.com. This will ensure the necessary supplies are provided and as a foster, you will not have to wait for reimbursement. Medical or out of pockets expenses can be reimbursed via Venmo, Paypal, check, cash, or a debit/gift card.

Reimbursement for veterinarian costs MUST be discussed with the owner and is covered in our foster agreement.

Operation Foster is a primarily volunteer-run organization and Foster Families are not paid for boarding a pet. The only monetary exchange between Pet Owner and the Foster Family should be funds provided by Pet Owner to cover expenses directly relating to the pet’s care.
If the Foster Family cannot fulfill their Foster Agreement for any reason, Operation Foster will seek out a replacement Foster Family and do it’s best to assist with training or food/veterinary support. Should Operation Foster be unable to contact either Pet Owner or their Point Of Contact for greater than two weeks, ownership of the Foster Pet will change to Operation Foster, who will try to adopt out the animal, but cannot guarantee placement within Operation Foster’s network. If an Owner has not put in place a plan for their pet in case of Foster failure, pets may needlessly end up in shelters.
The Owner is required to notify Operation Foster and the Foster Family of any behaviors that might endanger the Foster’s property, other animals, or humans such as: aggression, jumping, digging, chasing, chewing, marking, etc. Owners will remain financially responsible in case of such incidents, assuming the Foster acted reasonably to prevent such an accident and was providing reasonable, proper care to the pet.
If a pet is injured or involved in an accident during the owner’s deployment or hospitalization and while in a Operation Foster Foster’s care, it is the Foster’s responsibility to immediately take the Pet to a veterinarian for evaluation. Owners will remain financially responsible in case of such incident, assuming the Foster took reasonable measures to prevent such an accident and was providing reasonable, proper care to the pet. A veterinary release form is included in our Foster Agreement, which allows the Owner to specify a veterinarian they prefer and maximum dollar amount they will pay, and protects the Foster Family. Operation Foster recommends that all pets be microchipped with updated contact information, always wearing a collar with updated contact information, and insured against injury or illness to give Owners peace of mind in the event of an accident.
If the Owner does not return from their deployment due to unfortunate circumstances, the Foster will contact Owner’s Point Of Contact to determine who will assume care of the Foster Pet. Ensure your pets’ care is covered in your will, and that you leave your Foster a Point Of Contact who will be able to provide guidance in accordance to your will, with what to do with the pet and who will assume care of the pet. Remember, if something happens to you, your Foster will not know unless you list them as a person to be contacted in case of your death, injury, or missing status. Ensure the personal information on file with your command, hospital, or close family includes your pet’s Foster Family. If owner is not able to resume care and has no one listed who can resume care, ownership of animal passes to Operation Foster, which cannot guarantee adoptions within Operation Foster’s network. If an Owner has not put in place a plan for their pet in case of a tragedy, pets may needlessly end up in shelters.

What are the requirements to have an animal placed in your program?

Our program is designed for the following situations:

  1. The owner is unable to care for the pet for a period of time due to military deployment or those seeking medical care. Owners should check with all friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors first, and use Operation Foster only as the last resort before surrendering their pets to a shelter.
  2. The pet can not be a puppy or kitten; it must be at least 1 year old.
  3. The time period is between 6 weeks and 2 years. In this regard, owners must provide a solid date they agree to retrieve their pets by, and proof that they can provide care (housing and food) when they return.
  4. The Foster Pet must up-to-date on all required shots and dogs and cats must be spay/neutered before entering the Foster Home.
  5. The owner agrees to cover all costs for their pets’ food, medical care, and damages to Foster’s property, as set forth in the Foster Agreement. Owners have the ability to cap unexpected medical costs at a predetermined amount.
  6. A state-side Point of Contact must be provided who can make emergency decisions regarding the pet if the owner is unavailable.
  7. The pet must not be aggressive or destructive, and should a pet bite, scratch, snap at, be destructive or excessively disruptive while in the foster program for any reason, they must be immediately removed.
  8. The owner is responsible for Pet’s transport to and from the Foster Home. If the pet is a dog going into a foster home with other dogs, or if Operation Foster has any concerns about the pets behavior in a new home, the Owner or someone who knows the animal personally must travel with the pet to the foster home for the pet’s drop-off.

YES, as long as the owner’s need for temporary foster care is still military-related (training, PCS, re-assignment) and fulfills all other requirements listed above.

What if I need temporary care for my pet because I need to move out of my apartment or need a job before I can care for my animal?

Operation Foster does not offer foster care for these emergencies due to the unreliable foster completion dates. Operation Foster’s mission is to prevent anyone from having to turn his or her pet over to a shelter, never to see it again, due to the owner’s military service to our country.

Boarding lasts between 2 months – 2 years. Operation Foster may make an exception for shorter military rotation deployments. Pet Owners give an estimated date of foster completion, which sometimes varies by a few weeks. Foster Families can specify a maximum and minimum foster length they are comfortable with, which PACT will accommodate.
No. Operation Foster connects military members with temporary pet homes. We promote life-time, responsible pet ownership and thus, we do not permanently re-home any foster pets. If you are interested in surrendering your pet, please contact your local rescue group or shelter.
Please visit pets.findhelp.com.
All pets require core vaccines. The Following are required: Operation Foster follows American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA recommendations) Dogs:
  • Required core vaccines for dogs: Rabies, DAP; Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), and Canine Parvovirus (CPV or parvo).
  • Combinations shots may be listed as DA2PP, DH
View Reference for Dogs Cats
  • Required core vaccines for cats: Rabies, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Panleukopenia (FP), and Feline Calicivirus.
  • Combination shots may be listed as FVRCP
  • All kittens should have received Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
View Reference for Cats
Pets must be altered (spayed/neutered) and current on all required shots before they are fostered in Operation Foster’s Foster Program.
Every case is different and equally important to us. We work diligently with our foster homes and Operation Foster’s goal is to place an animal in the best foster home as quickly as possible in all our cases. We do appreciate having an advance date of departure for animal fosters.
Yes! We are happy to work with you and your animal to find the best foster home that can accommodate your pets needs.
No! We take pride in offering no-cost services to military personnel in need of emergency assistance. We do require the owner to reimburse the foster for their pet’s food, grooming, and medical expenses, to prevent undue pressure on the foster family. We also encourage, but do not require, a donation to Operation Foster to help offset the cost of finding, arranging, and supporting the Foster Home while the owner is away. Your generous donation to Operation Foster for Animals is essential to keeping these emergency services available to the public at no cost.
Yes. However, your pet must be transported to the Foster Home. Approximately 250 are within 100 miles of Philadelphia, PA and approximately 400 are throughout the rest of the country. If your dog is being placed into a home with another dog, or we have concerns about their behavior in a new home, the owner or someone who personally knows the pet must travel with them to the foster home.
Operation Foster is available to all foster families 24/7, should an emergency or issue arise. After the initial foster meeting, Operation Foster is in regular contact with the Foster Family to ensure the foster pet is acclimatizing and everything is running smoothly. Unless there is reason to touch base more often, Operation Foster will contact the Foster Families on a monthly basis, checking that the Foster Pet Owner and Foster Family are doing well and staying in regular communication.
Pet Owner and Foster Family contact each other regularly, as listed on their Foster Agreement, through email, phone, Skype, postal mail, videos and occasional visits if Pet Owner is available. While the minimum amount of contact is monthly, many Fosters send weekly or even semi-weekly updates on the foster pets activities. Our Pet Owners have reported that these stories and pictures become a high point of their time away, that they look forward to and could rely on to bring good news and a smile to their faces. After completion of the foster period, Foster Families often visit the Foster Pets and Pet Owners in their home, forming a bond that will last a lifetime.
Operation Foster cannot release non-public information about the foster animal to anyone who is not included in the Foster Agreement. This would be the Owner, the Foster, and the Owner’s Point-of-Contact. Similarly, Operation Foster does not release non-public information about the Foster Family. Of course, you are free to share information about your pet with whomever you’d like! Family and friends can also check Operation Foster’s website for photos and descriptions of the drop-off and reunion.
The Pet Owner is held responsible for all food and medical care of the Foster Pet. This is arranged in the Foster Agreement, and is usually paid via Paypal, check, cash, or a debit/gift card.

If you have an emergency or the foster pet is not adjusting to the new household, let Operation Foster know and we will look for a new foster.

Some pets have long foster term dates, and the term can be broken up between two(2) or more Operation Foster fosters.

The Pet Owner is held responsible for all food, supplies, and medical care of the Foster Pet. Operation Foster highly recommends setting up an automatic food and supply delivery through CHEWY.com, PETSMART.com, PETVALUE.com, or Amazon.com. This will ensure the necessary supplies are provided and as a foster, you will not have to wait for reimbursement. Medical or out of pockets expenses can be reimbursed via Venmo, Paypal, check, cash, or a debit/gift card.

Reimbursement for veterinarian costs MUST be discussed with the owner and is covered in our foster agreement.

Operation Foster is a primarily volunteer-run organization and Foster Families are not paid for fostering a pet. The only monetary exchange between Pet Owner and the Foster Family should be funds provided by Pet Owner to cover expenses directly relating to the pet’s care.

If the Foster Family cannot fulfill their Foster Agreement for any reason, Operation Foster will seek out a replacement Foster Family and do it’s best to assist with training or food/veterinary support. Should Operation Foster be unable to contact either Pet Owner or their Point Of Contact for greater than two weeks, ownership of the Foster Pet will change to Operation Foster, who will try to adopt out the animal, but cannot guarantee placement within Operation Foster’s network. If an Owner has not put in place a plan for their pet in case of Foster failure, pets may needlessly end up in shelters.
The Owner is required to notify Operation Foster and the Foster Family of any behaviors that might endanger the Foster’s property, other animals, or humans such as: aggression, jumping, digging, chasing, chewing, marking, etc. Owners will remain financially responsible in case of such incidents, assuming the Foster acted reasonably to prevent such an accident and was providing reasonable, proper care to the pet.
If a pet is injured or involved in an accident during the owner’s deployment or hospitalization and while in a Operation Foster Foster’s care, it is the Foster’s responsibility to immediately take the Pet to a veterinarian for evaluation. Owners will remain financially responsible in case of such incident, assuming the Foster took reasonable measures to prevent such an accident and was providing reasonable, proper care to the pet. A veterinary release form is included in our Foster Agreement, which allows the Owner to specify a veterinarian they prefer and maximum dollar amount they will pay, and protects the Foster Family. Operation Foster recommends that all pets be microchipped with updated contact information, always wearing a collar with updated contact information, and insured against injury or illness to give Owners peace of mind in the event of an accident.