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FOSTERING FAQ

TYPES OF ANIMALS THAT NEED TO BE FOSTERED:

We mostly rescue cats and kittens who can benefit from foster care. The fostering part is the most fundamental part of the rescue to rehome journey. A foster home enables them to settle into a home environment which means they will get adopted quicker. Most of the the cats under our supervison are generally dumped and/or abused by humans. The types of cats we have available for fostering:

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  • Cats dumped or surrendered by their previous owners that can not survive outside

  • Orphaned kittens

  • Queen with kittens

  • Cats recovering from injury or illness (may need medication)

  • Shy or fearful animals that need socialisation

  • Healthy adult animals waiting for a forever home

THERE ARE NO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH FOSTERING:

We will provide you with a foster starter kit which will include: a bag of food, litter, toys, litter box and scoop*. If the kitty you decide to foster requires any medications/supplements, we will also provide you with these. Please note that the foster starter kit for the UK is at the discretion of the Guardian.  


As the main Guardian of the kitty we will handle the and age-appropriate vaccines through to adoption, Spaying/Neutering, food, including kitten formula/food (upon request)*, litter (upon request)*, crates or exercise pens, especially for litters, special items on a case-by-case basis.

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Additionally, all information about the cat that we have, including any special needs or problems due to experiences before it reached our care.  Unanticipated problems may occur because owners sometimes omit information when they surrender an animal, and of course, we have no information on animals that come in as strays other than what we observed at the vets in the first few days.

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*We greatly appreciate if the Foster Custodian can continue to provide food and litter after the initial set up is done. 

DURATION OF FOSTERING:

Each case is different, and it depends on the situation. The average stay in a foster home can range from a few weeks to 4 months - sometimes more depending on when the right family comes along for your foster kitty.

YOUR DUTIES AS A FOSTER CUSTODIAN:

Fostering is like having a pet without the long-term commitment! The only commitment we need from you is that you will love and care for this animal until we find it a forever home. Don’t worry if you have never done this before because we will guide you and assist you every step of the way: 

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  • Feed, socialise, love, groom, introduce basic training, and care for the animals as if they were your own

  • Observe and report any problems with the animal to the cat’s Guardian

  • Sometimes there might be vets visits which we would love if you could drive them to - if not we will do the running around. The financial burden is on us providing there is no breach of terms and conditions set out in the Custodian Agreement

  • Comply with our policies and Foster Custodian's should consider themselves ambassadors of our Foster Care Programme

HERE ARE JUST SOME BENEFITS OF FOSTERING:

  • Interacting with animals is a huge stress reliever 

  • You may want to adopt a pet, but cannot

  • Some may want to experience the joys of a companion animal in the home but are not ready for the long-term commitment of adoption

  • You choose the type of animal you are comfortable with inviting into your home

  • Foster Custodians receive unconditional love and companionship from foster animals

YOU DON’T NEED TO HAVE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERTISE:

No prior medical knowledge is required. We will guide you and support you every step of the way.

WHAT TO DO IF THEY BECOME SICK DURING YOUR CARE:

If a foster kitty becomes sick, Foster Custodians should contact the Guardian to schedule a visit with the veterinarian. All approved veterinary costs are pre-paid by us or you will be reimbursed in full subject to the terms set out in the terms and conditions.

YOU CAN STILL FOSTER IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN ANIMALS:

There's always a health risk to expose your animal to other animals even if those animals are healthy. The health risk is minimal if your animals are current on their vaccinations, maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle, and are not elderly or very young. We will guide you on how to carry out proper introductions.

YOU CAN FOSTER EVEN IF YOU HAVE KIDS

Fostering is a wonderful family experience and can build a foundation of philanthropy in your children. It’s important to select an animal that is age-appropriate with your children. You must also be diligent about providing guidance, instructions and rules to your children about caring for your foster animal.

IF YOU DECIDE YOU WANT TO ADOPT THE KITTY YOU ARE FOSTERING:

As much as we will be sad to lose you as a fosterer, we give the first refusal to the Foster Custodian if they decide they want to adopt as you meet the requirements necessary for adoption. Paperwork is required and our regular adoption fees usually apply.

HOW WE MARKET OUR RESCUES TO BE ADOPTED:

We require weekly photos, videos and stories so we can get to know the kitty as they start blossoming in a home environment. We use these to post online and social media to attract the best forever homes for them.

IF YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO FOSTER:

Ideally, we would prefer it if you could continue fostering until a permanent home is found for the cat as it’s extremely stressful for cats to experience too much change in a short period of time. Sometimes we don’t have enough foster homes which mean the cat will be returned to a cage at the vets and any progress made is sometimes then undone, not to mention how stressful it is for the cat.


However, we understand that situations change, and it may become necessary to discontinue fostering. We request that a foster parent provide as much notice as possible so that we can find an alternative foster home to transfer the cat to - ideally a min of two weeks’ notice is required. In case of an emergency, please contact the guardian. 

IF YOU ARE GOING AWAY ON A SHORT BREAK OR BUSINESS TRIP:

If given enough notice, we can usually find volunteers that can foster sit for short durations. We request that the Foster Custodian to always keep the Guardian aware of any temporary foster sitting situations.

IF YOU ARE ON BOARD AND WANT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ENROLLMENT:

Excellent we can't wait to speak with you and enrol you onto the IBKT fostering programme. Click on the link below and ensure you have understood all the Terms & Conditions section detailed at the end of the agreement.

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