fostering

*** Provide temporary housing in a indoor home atmosphere for a dog or cat in need.
*** Provide food, water and shelter as well as lots of TLC.
*** Demonstrate lots of patience and understanding. Keep in mind that you must earn the trust
           of the animal, it is not a given in a new environment.
*** Be aware that your new addition will eventually go from rescue to Adoption. Know that
           you've made the difference in saving yet another homeless animal.
*** Working foster families must be able to provide a safe and secure environment for the
            animal in your absence. We strongly recommend the use of crates, which hopefully are
            available for use through the Nardecchia Fund.
*** Foster families are required to notify the Nardecchia contact if their animal shows signs of
           illness or is accidently lost or shows signs of any agression.
*** Assist the animal in learning behavior acceptable to indoor living. (Housebreaking if
           necessary and litter box training)
*** Provide the opportunity for the pet to be exposed to different types of situations. Some
           dogs and cat have not been exposed to normal family surroundings.
*** Observing and simple evaluation of temperament and overall behavior. After all, who will
           get to know him better than you?
*** Feeding, exercise, socializing, grooming and reinforcing basic commands.

What if I have a question or Concern?? You are never alone, there will always be a contact person from the Nardecchia Foundation who is available for your questions or needs.

Can I pick the animal I want to foster?? We always keep in consideration the animals that are currently in your home. You may request on your application what type and size your situation can best handle. If you are fostering an animal and you realize it is not right for you, we will find another suitable foster home.

How much does it cost to Foster a Pet?? Unfortunately, at this point, we do not have the funds to provide any assistance with food. We however hope to have crates available for use as well as donated items such as toys, beds, dishes, collars and leashes.

How long each day will I need to spend with a dog?? It will take on the average of 1-2 hours each day up to however much time you wish to spend socializing with your foster pet.

What happens when I become too attached to the pet?? Undoubtedly you will become very attached to your temperary family member. We expect it and so should you. The bonding that will take place is so unbelievably rewarding for both the pet as well as the family. When the time comes to move the animal to a permanent home, you can rest assure in knowing that you made a difference in the pets life and that the family adopting him will provide him with a permanent loving home. It is sad to see them leave, but gratifying to know that your time and effort played a vital role to a new beginning and a healthy and happy life for one special pet.
What do I do now that I've decided to foster an animal? CLICK HERE !!!

There are many times that we are in need of temporary Foster Homes for a dog or cat. It takes a special person to open up their home for a homeless or abandoned animal in need and help save the life of an otherwise "disposable" loving dog or cat. Foster care in a loving home and safe environment allows us time to find a permanent home with a responsible family and give the animal time to adjust to a normal and healthy lifestyle. It is also a time when they need a few days to recuperate from being spayed or neutered before being placed or a few weeks for a helpless, abused or injured animal to recover from previous circumstances. Foster care can range from a few days to a few months. Our goal is to always find a permanent home with a responsible family as soon as possible.

Our special foster families are a very special and vital part of our program. We can only foster animals with the help of a network of volunteers and foster homes. Nardecchia does not have a kennel or facility to house the animals, therefore we are depending on our foster families.
WE NEED YOU!!! The time involved is well worth the love, trust and the individual knowledge that you are making a difference... One pet at a time !!

Our foster dogs and cats will soon be posted in our newsletter, on our website as well as passing the information via our phone network. We are also considering posting the animals at such sites as PetFinder (www.petfinder.org), and Virtual Pet Adoptions (www.virtualpetadoptions.com). Again it is our goal to make the perfect match with their new families as soon as possible.

The responsibilites of Fostering a pet is not always an easy task. It takes time, knowledge and a lot of patience. I do not know of a more satisfying experience than to know that I participated in saving an otherwise "disposable pet" from a life of misery or death. You will find that fostering is the most gratifying experience that you could share with your family.... knowing that you made a difference.. one pet at a time..helping a now thriving animal begin his new journey.