The Cache Humane Society has developed a foster program for the animals at the shelter that are deemed unadoptable. An animal goes into the foster program when it won’t eat, starts losing weight or has stressed related behavioral issues such as shaking from fear or hiding in the back of it’s kennel.
According to Marcia Robinson, the program coordinator, there are about 10 qualified homes that currently hold foster animals. She would like to have more homes eventually but is willing to take what she can.
The CHS asks for volunteers to become foster parents to animals in the shelter.
“Being a foster parent is so rewarding,” said Gracie Johns, a foster parent for the CHS. “Knowing that you loved and cared for an animal in need and then to see it being adopted into a perfect forever home. It makes it all worth while.”
To be accepted into the program, a volunteer must fill out an application form, which can be acquired by the front desk at the CHS or online at the foster program page, according to Robinson. After turning in this form, CHS will perform an inspection to insure the home meets requirements. An at-home agreement will then be signed after the house is deemed acceptable that says the volunteer agrees to provide all health and safety needed for the animal.
Nearly half of all applicants are denied after a home check is considered unsafe, according to Anna Erekson, the foster program assistant. A volunteer’s home must have adequate space for the animal as well as suitable safety measures, such as a fenced yard, to be accepted into the program.
“There are other reasons why a person would be denied a foster animal and they should be looked into before applying,” Robinson said.
The foster program helps save hundreds of animals every year, according to Robinson. The foster animal will be sent back to the shelter when it is believed to be adoptable.
“I still cry whenever one of my foster dogs gets adopted,” Erekson said. “It's a wonderful feeling.”
