How long are pets in foster homes?

Each foster pet is different. We have known foster animals to be in a home for only a day, and there are also ones that have been in homes a month or more. The more you promote your pet and work with them to resolve any issues they might have, the quicker they will be adopted!

What are my responsibilities as a foster?

-Provide a safe, clean, caring environment
-Provide food, water, toys/enrichment, and shelter
-Provide exercise and socialization as appropriate
-Monitor any medical and/or behavioral problems
-Transport to/from any necessary appointments at our office
-Actively participate in marketing your dog
-Screen and meet with potential adopters; be responsive and courteous towards each potential adopter
-Carefully read all documents and follow all instructions that SNIPSA provides

How old do you have to be to foster?

Our fosters have to be at least 21 years old.

Do I need to live in San Antonio to foster?

So that foster animals are easily accessible, fosters must live within 40 minutes of SNIPSA’s office. They will need to receive medical care at our office, adoption events are held in San Antonio, and most of our adopters are local.

What if I need to go out of town?

If you are planning a trip, contact the Foster Coordinator who will find someone in our foster network to temporarily foster while you are away. We also have our “SNIPSA FAVS” Facebook Group where you can directly ask if any of our other fosters are available to help out. Please inform SNIPSA at least two weeks in advance; the more notice you are able to give us, the better!

If I have my own animals, can I still foster?

Yes! However, keep in mind that it is important to introduce your animals to your foster pet slowly and appropriately. Additionally, it is important that your pet be up to date on vaccines and preventions as a lot of our animals are coming from a shelter environment and may never have had vaccines.

What supplies do I need to foster?

SNIPSA will provide any supplies that you need, including crates, food and water bowls, leashes, and collars.

Do I need to have prior medical knowledge or animal experience to foster?

No. Of course any previous experience will be of help, but it isn’t required. Keep in mind that you may be asked to dispense medicine to your foster pet so you will have to be comfortable following a veterinarian’s instructions.

Can I take my foster dog to an off-leash dog park for exercise and socialization?

No. Foster dogs must be on-leash whenever they are outside. The only exception is when they are in your backyard. While off-leash dog parks can be fun for some dogs, there are far too many unknowns for them to be a safe and healthy experience for a foster dog. Diseases are easily transmitted and the temperaments of visiting dogs are unknown.

Can I let my foster cat run outside?

No. We require that all foster cats be kept indoors for the duration of their stay in foster homes.

Please contact our Foster Coordinator with any additional questions at snipsafoster@gmail.com.

We look forward to working with you and value your time and commitment to the animals in our program. We would not be able to save lives without you!