FOSTER HERO RESOURCES

IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN FOSTER WITH HSNT

DOS

We recommend that you set up a confined space for your dog when you cannot keep an eye on them – a crate or playpen will work wonders for both you and your dog We recommend that you establish a routine, for feeding, potty, and nap times to help your dog acclimate to your home and prevent accidents. We require you to have fresh water available all day, in a clean bowl We require that when a foster dog is on a walk that the foster dog is wearing a fitted collar and harness with a tag. We require you to follow a quarantine protocol - that is 14 days upon arrival from the south Texas transport, shelter, and or the streets. We require decompression time that is sometimes a minimum of 14 days, sometimes it may be longer depending on each dog. Allow your dog an adjustment period – this is a whole new environment for them. Do keep up with training, even when you think they have mastered the skill Do check your dog’s collar regularly to make sure it’s correctly fitted and it has a DOGRRR tag. We recommend that you feed your foster animal(s) separately from other pets in your home.

DO NOTS

Do not leave your foster dog unattended outdoors under any circumstances – even during the day Try not to crate your dog for more than 6 consecutive hours (unless approved by our foster team) Please limit taking dogs for a walk if the ground is too hot – if you can’t keep your palm on the ground for more than 5 seconds the ground is too hot for their paws NEVER leave our dog in the car unattended – they can overheat and die in a matter of minutes We encourage you not to jump to their rescue the moment they cry in their crate – they will never learn independence DO NOT use verbal or physical aggression to address misbehavior or potty accidents We ask that you DO NOT feed your foster dog table scraps despite how cute they may look when they beg Do not leave doors to the outside open when bringing in groceries or other items. Please make sure the dog is secured before opening the door if the dog is a flight risk. DO NOT USE RETRACTABLE LEASHES- it is very hard to control a dog on a retractable leash. DO NOT PLACE A CHOKE CHAIN, PRONG COLLAR, OR E-COLLAR/SHOCK COLLAR ON ANY DogRRR DOG FOR ANY REASON.

Foster Failing

AKA I Want to Adopt My Foster Animal

Is HSNT affiliated with national animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®)?

No. HSNT is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit that receives no operational funding from any national animal welfare organization.
Is HSNT a "no-kill" shelter?

HSNT has built our policies around saving lives. Our adoptions have grown in the past few years by expanding our transfer and foster programs in order to help save even more lives. Our live release rate in 2022 was 97%. We do everything in our power to find homes for all pets in our care or transfer them to other shelters, rescues or fosters. We continue to make great strides.
I'm interested in adopting pet. How do I meet the pets and adopt?

You can visit one of our adoption centers during normal business hours. To view location hours visit https://www.hsnt.org/locations.
Can I bring my dog to your shelter to meet the dog I am interested in adopting?

We are happy to assist with a meet and greet once you have selected a pet. We ask that you bring a friend or family member along to walk your family dog or keep them company in a running vehicle until it is time for the introduction. *Please note: You may not leave any animal unattended in a vehicle or tie any animal up outside of our facility.
Can I place an adoptable animal on hold?

All adoptions are made on a first come, first served basis by approved adopters. Any consideration for holding a pet will need to be determined by a supervisor.
Does HSNT sell adopter information?

The privacy of our donors, supporters, and adopters are very important to HSNT. We do not sell any information, at any time.
Are my donations to HSNT tax-deductible?

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations made to HSNT are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult an accountant or the IRS for more information. HSNT's Tax ID is 75-1245911.
Does HSNT receive funding from the government or taxpayer dollars?

HSNT is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that receives no operational funding from the city, state or local governments.
Does HSNT sell donor information?

The privacy of our donors, supporters, and adopters are very important to HSNT. We do not sell any information, at any time.
I lost my pet. Have you picked it up?

I lost my pet. Have you picked it up? Found pets are brought to us by Good Samaritans; we do not have Animal Control officers on staff. We encourage you to visit our Lost Pets page on our website to search for your missing pet. https://www.hsnt.org/lost-and-found-services
I have found a pet. What should I do?

Found a Pet in Tarrant County? If you have found a stray, please contact the local animal control in the area closest to where you found the pet. Please visit www.hsnt.org/lost-and-found for a list of available resources.If you still need assistance, please call 817. 332.4768 x106 or email our animalresource@hsnt.org to schedule an appointment, which is required. Your voicemail or email will be returned within 24 hours. Found a Pet in Kaufman County? If you have found a stray, please contact the local animal control in the area closest to where you found the pet. Please www.hsnt.org/lost-and-found for a list of available resources. If you still need assistance, please call 469.376.4120 or email kaufman@hsnt.org to schedule an appointment. Your voicemail or email will be returned within 24 hours.
Does HSNT offer Clinic services?

Yes! HSNT offers a vaccine clinic as well as low cost spay/neuter surgery services. Please visit our clinic page at www.hsnt.org/clinic to learn more.
My pet is sick/injured. Do you have veterinary services?

Our clinic offers low cost spay and neuter services as well as vaccinations. HSNT does not offer a wellness clinic.
When can I bring my pets in to be spayed or neutered and how much will it cost?

Please contact our clinic by calling 817.332.4768 x112, email clinic@hsnt.org, or visit the Clinic page on our website to see current pricing.
Can I bring my pets anytime to have their vaccines updated?

We offer vaccinations for pets on Thursday by appointment only. Email clinic@hsnt.org to schedule your appointment. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier.
How do I surrender a pet?

The Humane Society of North Texas’ (HSNT) primary goal is to keep pets in loving homes whenever possible thereby, reserving shelter space for those with no other options as a last resort. Please visit https://www.hsnt.org/fortworth-intake-services for options on rehoming or surrendering pets.
I saw a stray cat with its ear tipped. What does that mean?

When a stray, feral, or community cat is spayed or neutered, veterinary clinics (including HSNT’s Spay & Neuter Clinic) will notch the cat’s left ear. This is a universal symbol to individuals in the animal welfare field that indicates that particular cat has been altered. Unless the cat is injured or ill, a cat with a tipped ear should not be brought into a shelter.
There is a stray animal in my area. Can you come pick it up?

HSNT is not an Animal Control agency, nor do we staff Animal Control Officers. If you find an animal you believe is lost, please contact your local municipal or county animal shelter closest to where they were found. If you bring a stray animal to HSNT, we will scan for a microchip and help locate the owner.
How much does HSNT charge for Humane Euthanasia?

HSNT strives to alleviate the suffering of all animals in North Texas. The humane euthanasia cost is $60 for pets under 50 lbs. and $75 for 50+ lbs. As always, you are welcome to make an additional donation in your pet’s honor.
Does HSNT provide Humane Euthanasia services?

HSNT strives to alleviate the suffering of all animals in North Texas. The humane euthanasia cost is $60 for pets under 50 lbs. and $75 for 50+ lbs. As always, you are welcome to make an additional donation in your pet’s honor. This service is designed to assist pet owners in providing their suffering pets with compassionate relief from illness, disease, or severe aggression. Please check with your local animal control office to find out if they offer humane euthanasia services to residents in their community. Learn more about our End of Life Services by visiting www.hsnt.org/humane-euthanasia
Can I stay in the room with my pet to say goodbye when I have decided to humanely euthanize?

HSNT will allow you some time to say goodbye to your pet before sedation and then we will take your pet into the euthanasia suite alone, to perform the procedure.
Why do I have to schedule an appointment for Humane Euthanasia?

Appointments allow for HSNT staff and family members to set aside time to say goodbye to their loved ones without waiting in line for hours during such a difficult time for you and your pet.
Can I have my animal cremated? Will HSNT provide this service?

If you would like to take the body home, or decide to have your pet cremated, you may take your loved one home after the procedure. Please bring a carrier and blanket with you, if you plan to take your loved one home with you. HSNT does not offer cremation services or allow for deferred pick-up. There are several local crematories, that may be able to help.
What is fostering?

Fostering is providing temporary care and housing for an animal (or animals) that need a little extra time or TLC to prepare for HSNT’s adoption program.
Why should I foster?

Aside from adoption, fostering is the single biggest impact you can have on an pet's life. You will give your foster pet the gift of time to grow and get healthy. You will also give HSNT valuable information to help tell your foster pet's story so it will get adopted – what it likes or dislikes, favorite toys or activities, etc. Plus, you get to soak up the laughter, snuggles and kisses of a new pet without making a permanent commitment.
What if my foster pet gets sick or we have a medical emergency?

HSNT provides all foster volunteers with an emergency number to reach our Foster Coordinator who will provide instructions in case of an emergency.
What if the pet I am fostering doesn't work out for me?

We try hard to match each pet with your lifestyle and household situation before beginning a foster engagement. We will always be happy to take back any animal in foster care if it’s not working for you.
What if I get attached to my foster pet?

It’s hard not to get attached to an animal that you’ve taken into your home, especially any animal that you’ve spent a great deal of time with providing loving care. You are always welcome to speak with your Foster Coordinator about the adoption process.
What are your adoption fees for equine and livestock?

Our adoption fees vary from animal to animal based on numerous factors, such as age, health, condition, temperament, training of the animal, if the horse can be ridden, etc. You can view adoption fees by clicking on each animal's profile on our equine and livestock webpage.
Are the animals sound and current on vaccines, farrier work, deworming, etc.?"

Yes, all animals are up-to-date on vet and farrier care. Adopter will get copies of records related to their animal. All animals are checked by a veterinarian upon arrival at HSNT; any obvious physical issues are evaluated and will be shared with adopters prior to adoption as part of their decision making process.
What if I don’t own a trailer, will you deliver my (equine/livestock) animal?"

We ask that you make arrangements with a professional hauler to transport your own animal once an adoption is finalized; if that is not possible, we can discuss other options for additional fees.
How much does it cost to own a horse?

Owning a horse is a long-term financial commitment. The cheapest part of owning a horse usually is the adoption fee. Cost per year of owning a horse depends on many variables such as if you have your own property, or plan to board (rent) space at a stable. Hooves need care by a farrier every 2 months (~$40-$130), routine vet visits twice per year (~$200), and feed (grain and hay). Boarding fees can range from $100-$700+ per month. It is important to also plan for unexpected costs related to health care. Additional expenses will come in the form of supplies such as tack and other care items, in addition to lessons and training.
Need to rehome your equine or livestock?

To ensure a smooth transition before surrendering your farm animals (such as chickens, goats, pigs, sheep, horses, donkeys, and cows) please schedule an appointment with our Equine & Livestock Department. Please visit our Equine Resources & Livestock Resources pages to learn more about available options.

TIPS TO NETWORKING YOUR FOSTER DOG!

Promote Your Foster Pup on Social Media

Post about your foster pup on social media to get the word out! You never know whose friend-of-a-friend may be looking for a new pooch. Share your best pic of your foster and be sure to specifically ask other users to “share this post to help get [foster dog name] adopted!”

It may feel a bit spammy, but studies have shown that direct, specific calls-to-action (like a request for a share) will get better results than not including a call to action.

Giving your pup defining attributes may allow him to connect with his perfect fit more easily (for example, describing a dog as a hiking machine with wanderlust may attract an outdoorsy owner).

Post About Your Foster on Local Facebook Groups

In many cities, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of local Facebook Groups designed for residents. Try posting info about your foster to Facebook groups created for new residents, dog walkers, local shared resource groups, hiking clubs, running clubs, etc.
Just make sure to read the group’s rules first, as some might not allow these kinds of adoption requests.