Barks Without Borders Foster Rules & Regulations
Foster Eligibility
Must be at least 18 years of age (or legal age of majority in your jurisdiction).
Valid photo identification and proof of residence may be required.
Barks Without Borders may conduct a virtual or in-person home inspection to ensure a safe environment for the foster animal.
Home Environment
Foster animals must live indoors, with regular human interaction.
The foster home should have a secure, pet-safe environment (e.g., a fenced yard, if applicable, with no easily accessible toxins or hazardous objects).
All household members should be aware of the foster animal’s arrival and agree to follow foster guidelines.
Isolation Period
If instructed, foster animals should be kept separate from existing pets for a designated isolation period (often 7–14 days).
Isolation helps monitor the foster animal’s health and protects resident pets from potential illness.
If you end the isolation period early, Barks Without Borders is not liable for any medical expenses related to your pets’ health.
Veterinary Care and Medical Expenses
Barks Without Borders covers pre-approved veterinary expenses directly related to the foster animal’s care.
Fosters must use designated veterinary providers unless otherwise authorized.
In case of emergency or urgent medical care, contact Barks Without Borders immediately to obtain instructions.
Food, Supplies, and Maintenance
Barks Without Borders may provide basic supplies such as food, crates, toys, bedding, or medication.
Fosters are expected to communicate needs (e.g., running low on food) so supplies can be replenished.
Maintain a clean, sanitary environment for the foster animal (e.g., litter box hygiene, cleaning up waste).
Behavior, Training, and Socialization
Fosters should work on basic training, manners, and socialization if recommended by Barks Without Borders.
Use positive reinforcement techniques and avoid any form of punishment that may harm the animal’s physical or mental well-being.
Promptly report any severe behavioral issues (e.g., aggression, destructive behavior) to Barks Without Borders.
Communication and Updates
Maintain regular contact with Barks Without Borders staff or volunteers regarding the foster animal’s progress, behavior, and health.
Promptly notify Barks Without Borders of any changes in address, phone number, or household composition that may affect the foster arrangement.
Promotion and Adoption Events
Foster animals may be featured on Barks Without Borders’ website, social media, or at adoption events.
Fosters should be willing to accommodate meet-and-greets or attend adoption events to help find a permanent home for the foster animal.
Cooperate in taking and sharing photos or videos that can help the foster animal get adopted.
Return or Transfer of Foster Animal
A foster family agrees to return the animal to Barks Without Borders at any time upon request.
If a foster can no longer care for the animal, they must notify Barks Without Borders immediately to arrange a transfer or return.
Foster animals remain under the ownership of Barks Without Borders until an official adoption process is completed.
Liability and Indemnification
Barks Without Borders is not liable for any damage or injury caused by the foster animal to property, people, or other pets.
A foster family agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Barks Without Borders, its employees, volunteers, and representatives from any legal claims arising from fostering activities.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Any personal information provided during the foster process is kept confidential unless disclosure is required by law.
Barks Without Borders may use non-identifiable data (such as generalized foster statistics) for internal or promotional purposes.
Policy Changes
Barks Without Borders reserves the right to amend these rules and regulations at any time.
Updates will be posted on our official website or communicated directly to fosters and will take effect immediately upon posting.