Kittens are especially in need of foster care.
If you're an animal lover in the state of Virginia and are willing to temporarily open your home to a cat or dog, consider animal fostering. Many animal rescues do not have the facilities or space to house all animals that are surrendered or found and often rely on foster parents to care for the animals while they search for a permanent home.
Requirements for Care Provider
As of 2010, all pet foster care providers in the state of Virginia must sign an agreement stating that they have never been convicted of any animal cruelty charges, including neglect or abandonment. Most animal shelters and rescues have dog and cat specific foster applications that require disclosure of such information as your occupation, employer, type of residency, how much time you spend at home, the ages of your children and your other pets. Some counties might require a criminal background check before you're able to foster an animal.
Requirements for Foster Home
All foster homes must comply with any local zoning ordinances and are not permitted to keep more than 50 companion animals on-site at one time. As of 2010, the penalty for foster home violations is a fine of up to $250.
Compliance
All foster care providers must comply with Virginia laws regarding the care of companion animals, which includes adequate water, food, exercise, space and veterinary care. The animal shelter or rescue that you're working with is required to perform periodic checks into the health and well-being of the animals in your care.
Negligence
If a foster care provider neglects any animal in his care, it is mandatory under Virginia law to report the abuses to the local animal control agency. Local officials will then determine the level and penalty for the abuses.
Tags: foster care, care animal, care providers, companion animals, comply with