GJAS Foster Facts & FAQ
Whether you're fostering for a medical case, transport, or just helping a dog become more social and learn to trust, here's everything you need to know about our foster program.
Essential Information for Foster Parents
We Provide Everything You Need
Food, bedding, a kennel, piddle pads, towels, blankets, and anything else you might need. We will load you up with all the necessities when you pick up your foster!
Along the journey of fostering, you may discover you need something additional, just ask!
Fostering for Socialization
You might start to see improvement within a few hours of the animal leaving the stress of the shelter environment. Often it is better for the animal to remain in your home when meeting potential adopters.
Meet & Greet Options:
- • Schedule at your home (if comfortable)
- • Meet at the shelter
- • Choose another safe location
Veterinary Care Process
Step 1: Call the Shelter First
We are familiar with many ailments and have most basic medications in inventory.
Step 2: We Schedule Appointments
We work with all vets in Fayette County and will schedule at your convenience. GJAS covers all costs.
Important: Always get approval first unless it's a true emergency.
Rescue Transport Fostering
Fostering for rescue transport is a special kind of foster. Often when an animal is scheduled for transport, they will be adopted and have a new forever home before they ever leave Texas!
What You Can Expect:
- • Follow your foster's journey on social media
- • See their happy ending story
- • Watch them grow in their new home
Note: Please don't contact the rescue directly. We'll share all information we receive.
Transport Timeline Requirements
If you're fostering an animal being transported on a specific date, you'll have several vet visits along the way. We'll schedule these appointments at your convenience.
Important: Meet all scheduled vet visits, there's a timeline we must follow for rescue requirements.
Fostering Saves Lives
We are grateful to you for choosing to foster for GJAS! Your commitment makes a real difference in the lives of animals in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for a Short-Term Commitment?
We need foster homes! Foster parents are volunteers who take dogs or cats into their homes and care for them until they are ready for adoption. Without foster homes, we would not be able to provide a safe haven to these wonderful animals in need.
Animals that enter the GJAS foster program include:
- Animals with no apparent issues, just need temporary homes
- Animals entering Rescue Programs (2-week requirement)
- Animals needing socialization
- Animals with special needs
- Animals with minor behavioral problems
- Puppies needing safer environments
- Cats needing socialization
- Kittens needing bottle feeding
What Would I Be Expected to Do as a Foster Parent?
How Long Would I Keep the Animal?
Our goal is a short-term foster, around 2 weeks. There are many variables when fostering a dog/cat. GJAS will work with you and make sure the commitment works for you and your family.
Please carefully consider this commitment and ensure all family members understand what this program entails.
What If I Already Have Pets of My Own?
Don't expect the animals to be best friends overnight. We are experienced with proper dog and cat introductions and can provide assistance and guidance.
Our team can help you with proper introduction techniques and behavioral guidance.
What If I Need to Go Out of Town?
With enough notice, we can find another foster to take the dog/cat or get them into boarding. We'll work with you to ensure your foster animal continues to receive proper care.
Would I Be Responsible for My Foster Animal's Expenses?
GJAS will provide and/or pay for food, litter, vet care, and any medications. We also loan food bowls, beds, crates, collars and leashes as needed.
All necessary supplies and medical care are provided at no cost to you!
What's In It For Me?
You get the extreme satisfaction of saving a dog/cat and providing the vital care necessary to ease their transition to a FURever home.
Important Note:
While some volunteers do end up adopting a foster dog or cat, the foster program is not for people who want to "try out" an animal prior to adoption. It is intended to provide one-on-one attention in a home environment for these animals. This is a vital part in preparing them for adoption. (Although we do offer "trial" adoptions.)