Foster Program

Survivors who are fleeing abuse often cannot bring their pets into safe housing. Our foster volunteers provide a loving, temporary home to these beloved animals, so both the animals & their people can reach safety.

 

 

Why Foster?

Our clients deeply love their animals. Many stay behind in unsafe situations to protect their pets. When you help out as a foster, you play a vital role in helping both people and animals escape difficult situations.

 

Read below to learn exactly what to expect as a foster home.

 

What does it mean to foster for Ruthless Kindness?

Fostering for RK means temporarily caring for an animal in your own home, so that the animal’s person or family can access safe housing that cannot accommodate their pets. Often people fleeing abuse need to enter a shelter or other facility that doesn’t allow pets, but they do not want to lose their animal family members. RK cares for these animals temporarily, and reunites them with their family once their situation stabilizes.

Does it cost anything to foster for Ruthless Kindness?

You are welcome to donate items for your foster animal, but it is never required. We provide all pet food, veterinary care, and supplies (such as beds, litter boxes, crates, and toys).

How long should I expect to keep my foster animal?

We welcome fosters who can commit to any length of time. Most commonly, our clients need 30 - 60 days of care for their animals.

Do I need to live in Sonoma County?

No, we welcome fosters in Sonoma County and within a 1-hour drive of Sonoma or Napa County.

What if it doesn’t work out with my foster animal?

You are never obligated to foster an animal that is not a fit in your home. We want fostering to be a positive experience for you and the animal(s). If it doesn’t work out, contact us and we will arrange for alternative housing for the animal as soon as possible.

Can I have other animals in the house?

Yes, most of our fosters have pets of their own. We collect information about each animal that enters our program, and match them with foster homes accordingly.

Have animals been screened for health issues?

Yes, Ruthless Kindness collects health information about each pet from their family before bringing them into our program. We ensure vaccines are up to date, and if they are not, we provide updated vaccines. Our veterinarians or veterinary technicians do an intake check on all animals. We share any known health issues with fosters. We may not catch everything at intake (some conditions just don't show up right away), so as a general precaution, we recommend keeping new foster animals separated from your own pets initially. If any health concerns arise while an animal is in a foster home, we ask fosters to notify our staff so we can address the issue as needed.

What kind of space do I need?

It depends on the animal. Cats can often be happy in a bathroom or single bedroom. Dogs need a safe indoor space and an outdoor place to potty and exercise (this can be on leashed walks if you don’t have a fenced backyard). We place animals in foster due to temporary crisis situations, so we are not looking for the Ritz. We are looking for a secure place for them to land, temporarily.

If you help people fleeing abuse, am I in danger as a foster?

We keep your name, address, and contact information confidential, even from the client. Only our designated foster staff know where the animals are. We ask that you do not post your foster animal on social media or any public online website.

What if I can only take cats and not dogs, or only small dogs, or only know how to care for horses?

We do not expect fosters to be able to welcome all species. Specifying that you can only foster cats, small dogs, single animals, or even exotics or farm animals - just tell us what works for you. With more specifications you will get called to help less frequently, but having you as part of the program is equally important.

So, how does your Foster Program work?

The process starts when you submit a Foster Application. Please Note: Submitting an application does not obligate you to foster.

Once we receive your application, our staff will set up a phone call with you to discuss the program, answer your questions, and help you decide if you’d like to proceed.

Unlike fostering for a shelter or rescue, fostering for RK is more like being on an on-call list. When we have a family in need, we reach out to our fosters to see if they are available. If so, wonderful! If you are not available, it’s ok.

The crises that our clients are affected by are unpredictable. Sometimes we will be overwhelmed by requests to help with large dogs, and our cat fosters won’t hear from us for months. The needs fluctuate unpredictably.

If a survivor's animal needs foster placement, we often need to find a foster home within 48 - 72 hours. If you respond to a foster request, an RK staff member will contact you by phone or email to arrange everything, including delivering the animal to you according to your schedule and providing pet food and supplies.

We are available to support you throughout your time fostering.
Just call or text us at 707-299-9781 or email us at [email protected].

Once the client is able to reunite with their animals, or once the foster period ends, we will pick up the animal from you.

Can I adopt my foster animal?

Nope! The beauty of this program is that you provide a vital role that keeps loving families together during a difficult time.

 

What are the perks to fostering?

Just a few of the many perks include:

• You get to meet and snuggle animals without long-term commitment.
• You get full support for your foster experience, including veterinary care, pet food, supplies, and on-call support from RK staff.
• Our volunteers are invited to social gatherings, and our little tribe is pretty awesome…
• You get to save both human and animal lives.