Can you give a dog or a cat a second chance at being loved?

We’re looking for people to provide a solid home/family environment that will help re-socialize the sometimes traumatized dogs we rehabilitate.

FOSTERING FOR JAAN

Many are familiar with the concept of adopting a cat or a dog, but did you know that JAAN has an ongoing need for foster homes for kittens, cats, puppies and dogs?

Fostering is a challenging but very rewarding experience and our volunteers are willing to share their stories with you. Foster homes provide us with the valuable option of temporary homes to care for our adoptable animals. They bridge the gap and offer the crucial extra time and space needed to be able to prepare a rescued animal to be adopted into a forever home. Fostering saves lives!

What is a Foster Home/Carer?

A foster carer provides a temporary safe haven in their own home for animals in need. The length of fostering can vary from a few days to several months depending on the needs of the individual animal. The devotion and care given during this time allows the animal a second chance to later be adopted by a loving home.

Why are Foster Homes Needed?

Temporary foster homes are needed for a variety of reasons, most commonly:

1. Limited Space: JAAN does not have a shelter or other facility. All animals are kept in foster homes while awaiting adoption. The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can help!
2. Medical: Many of the animals that come into our care are suffering from a variety of ailments. Malnutrition, mange, flu, blood parasites, and stress-related illnesses are all very common. Some animals require quarantine during treatment to avoid infecting other animals. Others may not have been fully vaccinated, so should not be with sick or suspect cases. A foster home provides a quiet, safe environment where healing will occur faster than in a noisy, crowded shelter or clinic environment. The animals receive true one-on-one attention from their carer so their progress can be better monitored and managed.
3. Behavioural: Some of the dogs and cats that come into our care have been traumatized, abused, or neglected. Some may never have known a gentle touch or kind voice and may be afraid of certain people, things or situations. Special foster homes are needed for these animals to help them recover, overcome their fears and learn to trust again.
4. Pre-Adoption Preparation: It’s a big change going from life on the streets to life in a home with strange noises and sights like televisions, toilets flushing, hair dryers blowing, traveling in a car, etc. Time spent in foster care gives the animal an opportunity to safely experience many new things, thereby helping prepare it for its new life ahead. It also enables JAAN adoption staff to get an insight into how an animal may react in future, so the best match for its adoptive home can be made.
5. Very Young Animals: Kittens and puppies less than 6 weeks old require special attention. Un-weaned orphans require a serious commitment since they have special dietary and feeding needs. One of the greatest rewards of nurturing these young animals is knowing that you are giving them a great start in life.

What’s in it for Me?

The rewards of being a foster carer are many. They include offering an animal a second chance at health and happiness and thereby supporting a broader animal welfare network in your community. If you are not in a position to make the lifelong commitment to adopt, this is a great way to have an animal in your life and support a dedicated animal welfare team in the process. In return, the carer has the benefit of receiving love and affection right back from the animal they nurture! It also might be a great option if your own dog could use a friend and socialization with another dog.

How JAAN Benefits

• Financial support given by the foster home by way of donated food, supplies and basic medications.
• Greater awareness of the current animal welfare needs in our community.
• Word-of-mouth communication of JAAN’s programs and activities generating new volunteers and foster homes.

Basic Requirements

1. Experience as a pet owner or a good understanding of what is needed to care properly for a cat or a dog’s physical and behavioural needs.
2. A suitable and safe home to cater to the needs of a cat (indoors) or dog (indoors and out).
3. A family where all members agree to taking care of a foster animal and are all happy to share in caring properly for the animal.
4. Willingness to teach a puppy or dog basic commands and provide training: walking on leash, sit, stay, toilet training (guidance is provided).
5. Willingness to take the animal to a vet clinic for medical care and vaccinations as needed.
6. Ability to provide updates and photographs, and allow JAAN to visit regularly for further assessments.
7. Willingness to allow potential adoptive families to view the cat or dog at your home.
8. A centrally-located home that is easily accessible for potential adopters.
9. A willingness to take care of reasonable costs for routine medical care, e.g. vaccinations, de-worming. This can be done at JAAN’s small clinic at cost.

Preparing for a Foster Animal

1. Family Preparation
   Children should be introduced slowly and with appropriate supervision to ensure a good first meeting for all involved. Adults should supervise all interactions between foster animals and young children. An important thing to prepare your family for is that fostering is temporary. Unless a family is fostering to see how a new pet will fit into their family, the foster animal will be leaving. Carefully preparing the home areas in advance that the foster animal will have access to can help reduce the potential for damage or destruction to your home.  (Please note that sick animals are not usually fostered to homes with children.)
2. Time and Space
   Give the animal time and space to adjust to new surroundings. Likewise if you already have a family pet – the arrival of the new animal is a change in their life too. JAAN will give advice on each animal and their needs.
3. Supplies
   Initial supplies should include the appropriate type of food, toys, bedding/housing space, newspapers, litter box and litter (if needed), and food and water bowls. JAAN will advise of any other special dietary requirements.
4. Emergency Contacts
   You will be given a list of emergency contacts.

Want to help or ask more questions?

Contact info@jakartaanimalaid.com