Essential Foster Caregiver Requirements

• The primary foster caregiver must be at least 18 years or older, but the whole family can be involved with care
• It is recommended that your own animals be current on vaccines
• A time commitment between one week and three months, depending on each animal’s unique needs is required
• The time and transportation to bring foster animals to Dakin’s Springfield Animal Resource Center as needed for medical care and treatment with the veterinary staff.
• Foster caregivers are required to transport their foster animals to and from Dakin as needed for medical care and treatment with the veterinary staff. These trips could be frequent, up to several times per week

Dakin Foster Caregivers must:

• Have the ability to immediately report any health changes to Dakin staff
• Have access to reliable transportation
• Have internet access with an active email account
• Be able to provide food, litter, and toys along with other routine animal care supplies whenever possible
• Have the ability to follow special care instructions, both medical and behavioral
• Be willing and able to learn skills such as giving medication by mouth, eye/ear medication, as well as giving fluids under the skin (with a needle)
• Keep cats/kittens in a single indoor room, separate from the rest of the household including resident pets