OKIE PET RESCUE FOSTER PROGRAM
What is the “Foster Program?”
Okie Pet Rescue does not have a facility in which to house our rescued animals. We operate on the foster system. Our animals are kept in the homes of our volunteers/fosters. In this way, we get to know more about the animals we have rescued. We get to train and socialize them, find out if they are good with children, cats, dogs, food aggressive, potty trained. We are then able to pass on the information to potential adopters. Our foster volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They provide the love, patience and understanding that the rescued pet may not have been shown in the past.
In some instances, you may be the one that found the animal and came to us for help. As you learned right away, it will take your willingness to foster the animal for as long as it takes to find an adoptive home for us to be able to help.
Fostering a homeless animal is a very rewarding experience and we want to thank you for opening up your home and heart until we find them a forever home. Our goal is to find the right match for both humans and pets. Often, we are able to find the right ‘furever’ home in just a few days, and other times it can take months. Your patience and perseverance are greatly appreciated.
Please take a moment to review the following guidelines. It is our desire to make this experience as rewarding for you as it has been for us. When referring to Okie Pet Rescue, please note that the abbreviation OPR will be used.
Supplies
We can provide you with a crate if you need it. The crate will always remain the property of OPR. If you terminate your fostering duties, the crate will need to be returned. We can also supply you with food. If you do need food, an OPR representative will need to know at least 48 hours in advance. Our volunteers have full-time jobs and families, so a little bit of notice is greatly appreciated.
Veterinary Care
In most cases, our pets will have already had all necessary veterinary care done in advance of arriving at your home. However, there are some cases where you will need to take your foster for follow-up care. An OPR representative will make the arrangements for you and tell you when and where to go. We do ask that if an appointment has been made and you cannot make it, please let the OPR representative know ASAP so that we can cancel. We also ask that you be aware of what procedures are to be done for your foster. If medications are sent home with you, it is your responsibility to insure they are administered correctly. Please never give OPR animals any of your own pet's medications or human medications without permission from an OPR representative.
If you feel that you have not been treated well at any of the clinics we use, please notify your OPR representative immediately. Be sure to get the name of the person you were dealing with. There are a few items you may want to have on hand in case your foster ever becomes ill. It is always a good idea to have baby food, (meat not vegetables), Ensure, Pedi Lite, and syringes (without needles). On very rare occasions, especially after surgeries, you may need to syringe feed your foster.
What if there is an emergency?
If you feel that your foster is ill and needs immediate attention, please call an OPR representative ASAP! (Please do not email or text when it is serious). You will be told which clinic to go to and in really serious cases an OPR representative will meet you there. In some cases when it is after hours and depending on the type of emergency, you may have to go to the Animal Emergency Clinic in Tulsa. Keep in mind that OPR will be responsible for payment.
Adoption Events
We understand that everyone has a busy life and we do not expect you to bring your foster to each event. Keep in mind the more your foster is shown the more chance there is of an adoption! We do ask that your foster be shown for a minimum of 2 times a month. We try to plan our Saturdays in advance-usually by Thursday of each week.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the starting time of our adoption events. Things get really crazy rather quickly, so it is nice to have all our pets in place before an event actually starts. Since you will know the animal best, it is always better if you can stay. But if that is not possible, please inform an OPR representative in advance and give them information on how to get in touch with you in the event your foster gets adopted.
Please make sure that your foster is clean when you bring them to an event. Accidents can happen during transport, and if it does, please inform an OPR representative upon arrival and before you bring the pet in. Nail trimming is not something that everyone can do. If you feel that your foster needs a nail trim, again, please inform an OPR representative.
If something comes up that you can no longer foster, or just need a break, please give at least 7 days’ notice. As you already know, we have very few foster homes and they always stay full.
Should you have any further questions, contact: [email protected]. You will be assigned a senior OPR volunteer to assist you as you enter the wonderful world of working with rescue animals. Their phone and email will be provided to you once your application has been reviewed.
Thanks again for helping us save lives!!!!