Foster Care Agreement

Foster Information

Animal Information (completed by Rescue)

Terms & Conditions

1. 1. Purpose & Temporary Nature. Foster agrees to provide temporary care for the animal(s) listed above on behalf of Calico Hearts Foster & Rescue ("Rescue"). The animal remains at all times the property and responsibility of Rescue. Fostering does NOT confer ownership, and Foster has no authority to adopt out, sell, trade, give away, or otherwise transfer the animal.
2. 2. Term & Return of Animal. This agreement covers the foster placement described above and continues until the animal is adopted, transferred to another foster, or returned to Rescue. Foster agrees to return the animal to Rescue promptly upon request, and to give Rescue reasonable notice (at least 7 days when not an emergency) if Foster can no longer continue the placement. Foster shall never abandon the animal or surrender it to a shelter, pound, or another rescue.
3. 3. Standards of Care. Foster agrees to provide, at Rescue's expense for approved items: (a) species- and age-appropriate food and fresh water daily; (b) a clean, safe, climate-controlled indoor environment; (c) a litter box kept clean; (d) daily attention, socialization, and humane treatment; and (e) a separate isolation space for the first days of a new placement when directed. The animal shall live indoors and shall never be kept outdoors unattended, tethered, or housed in a garage, shed, or basement.
4. 4. What Rescue Provides. Rescue covers the cost of food, litter, bedding, and supplies as available, as well as all routine and emergency veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, and spay/neuter surgery. Foster shall not be responsible for veterinary costs unless Foster authorizes treatment outside Rescue's approval (see §5).
5. 5. Medical Care & Emergencies. Initial: ______. Foster shall not authorize non-emergency veterinary treatment without prior approval from Rescue. In a life-threatening emergency, Foster is authorized to seek immediate veterinary care at the nearest available clinic and must notify Rescue as soon as possible (and no later than 2 hours after treatment begins). Rescue will reimburse approved emergency costs. Foster shall promptly report any signs of illness, injury, or behavioral concern to Rescue.
6. 6. Isolation & Biosecurity. Initial: ______. Foster agrees to isolate new arrivals from resident pets for a minimum of 7–14 days (or as directed), to wash hands between handling groups, and to follow Rescue's guidance to prevent the spread of illness. Foster shall not introduce the foster animal to resident pets until cleared by Rescue.
7. 7. Other Pets & Household. Foster confirms that all resident pets are current on vaccinations and, where applicable, spayed/neutered, and that all household members consent to the placement. If Foster rents, Foster confirms the lease permits animals. Foster shall notify Rescue of any change in housing, household, or pet population within 72 hours.
8. 8. Spay/Neuter & Appointments. Foster agrees to bring the animal to all scheduled veterinary appointments, including vaccination and spay/neuter appointments arranged by Rescue, and to make the animal available for meet-and-greets with approved adopters.
9. 9. No Declawing / No Alteration. Initial: ______. Foster shall not permit declawing, tendonectomy, ear cropping, tail docking, or any other non-therapeutic surgical alteration.
10. 10. Foster-to-Adopt ("Foster Fail"). If Foster wishes to adopt the animal, Foster shall notify Rescue and complete Rescue's standard adoption application and Adoption Agreement. Foster-fails are welcome and celebrated; the standard adoption fee applies.
11. 11. Communication & Updates. Foster agrees to respond to Rescue's check-ins and to send photos and updates as reasonably requested so Rescue can share the animal's progress and match it with adopters.
12. 12. Foster Appreciation. As a thank-you, active fosters are eligible for Rescue's monthly appreciation reward — a gift card to a local Grand Junction business. Rewards are a goodwill gesture and do not create an employment, contractor, or compensation relationship between Foster and Rescue.
13. 13. Liability & Hold Harmless. Initial: ______. Foster understands that animals can be unpredictable and assumes all risk of injury, illness, damage, or loss arising from the foster placement. Foster releases, indemnifies, and holds harmless Calico Hearts Foster & Rescue, its officers, volunteers, and agents from any and all claims arising out of the foster placement, excepting Rescue's own gross negligence or willful misconduct.
14. 14. No Compensation; Volunteer Status. Foster acts as a volunteer and understands this is an unpaid role (apart from the goodwill appreciation reward described in §12). Foster is not an employee, agent, or independent contractor of Rescue.
15. 15. Confidentiality. Foster shall keep confidential the personal information of adopters, applicants, and other volunteers encountered through Rescue.
16. 16. Termination. Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. Upon termination, Foster shall return the animal and any Rescue-supplied supplies and equipment to Rescue. Rescue may immediately reclaim any animal that Foster is unable to adequately care for or that Foster has mistreated or neglected.
17. 17. Governing Law & Venue. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Colorado. Any action shall be brought in the courts of Mesa County, Colorado.
18. 18. Entire Agreement & Severability. This document is the entire agreement between the parties. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force.