Thank you for considering to foster a cat or kitten for Buster's Friends.

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A key component of Buster’s Friends rescue program is the foster home. The principle behind fostering is to provide the cats/kittens in our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, so that we can give the new owner as much information as possible about the kitties.

Please realize this is a commitment to be taken seriously. We depend on your commitment to be able to fulfill helping us get the kitties adopted.

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Buster’s Friends needs caring, responsible animal lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescues.
Here are some questions people ask about being a foster. Please take a moment to review them, and, if you think fostering might be for you, one of our volunteers will be happy to talk further with you about joining our team!

What will I need to do as a foster parent? Foster homes are responsible for daily care of the foster animal(s), including: 

·       transporting to/from a rescue designated veterinarian for basic medical care and adoption venue
·       feeding 
·       exercising 
·       socializing 
·       brushing and grooming, as needed 
·       reinforcing basic obedience commands 
·       observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament 
·       and, of course, providing love and security to the animal during this difficult time of transition.  

The foster homes play a major role in facilitating the cat’s adoption to a new home. As a foster parent, your valuable input and recommendations will help us select the best possible adoptive family and ensure a successful adoption.

How long does the cat stay in foster care? If the animal is healthy, it could be a few weeks, months or longer.

Do I have to be home with the cat all day? No, many of our foster family members are currently employed full or part-time and still provide a quality environment. However, our first concern is safety: for you, for your family, for your own animals and for the rescue cat. Therefore, any time you are unable to directly supervise the your foster, you should confine him or her to a small, secure area, or bathroom.

May I choose which cat I would like to foster? The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of cats you foster. If you're asked to foster a cat that doesn't seem right to you, you can say NO.

How much does it cost to foster a cat? Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: good quality food any toys you choose to provide, litter. Necessary veterinary expenses, including any medication required to treat any medical problem, are paid for by Buster’s Friends.  You will be given a contact sheet and all medical expenses must be pre-approved.

Being a foster home is extremely rewarding, but y ou should keep in mind that some rescues may have issues, may be ill, or may have had little socialization.  In spite of these challenges, our foster homes have found that, when given a chance, kitties not only improve, they flourish!

Will I become attached to my foster cat? Yes, you undoubtedly will -- they bond quickly, and give back so much in return for your care and attention. However, when your animal is chosen and approved to go to an adoptive family, the satisfaction to see the cat move on to a new and better life is very rewarding. So, shed a few tears and call us to volunteer to foster another rescue!

I'd like to foster. What do I do next? Once you have decided to foster, please contact Angela at bustersfriendsrescue@gmail.com