Below is some information about fostering animals through the Town Lake Animal Shelter. If this might be on interest to your family, please read below and feel free to contact the following individual:
Sarah Hammond
TLAC Foster Coordinator
512-972-6099 phone
TLAC F.A.Q.
What kind of animals need to be fostered?
Animals that benefit from foster care come in many shapes and sizes! The largest foster need TLAC has is for underage kittens and nursing mother cats and their kittens. We also need foster homes for underage puppies and nursing mother dogs and their puppies. Cats and dogs recovering from illness or injuries will enjoy recovering in the comfort of a foster home. In certain circumstances we simply need special temporary homes for a displaced pet.
What do foster homes need to do to become approved to foster for TLAC?
Fosters must live in Travis County, have a valid picture ID and have access to the Internet. All current animals in the foster home must have up to date rabies vaccinations. Foster homes should discuss fostering with their veterinarian – the veterinarian may suggest additional vaccinations or parasite protection for owned animals to protect them. If the foster home rents, we will need permission from the landlord to foster at the address. Ideally, there should be enough room in the foster home to separate them from owned animals.
How long is the typical foster period?
Average time in foster care is 2-4 weeks. If they become ill, it may be longer. Newborn kittens and puppies will need at least 8 weeks in foster care. Kittens and puppies need to be at least 8 weeks old to be eligible for adoption.
Who handles the veterinary care if a foster pet becomes ill while in foster care?
TLAC has a fully staffed vet services department and will handle all medical needs the foster animal requires at no expense to the foster home.
What happens if a foster’s owned animal catches a disease from a foster animal?
Any illness contracted by owned animals is the responsibility of the foster parent and their own personal veterinarian. All fosters animals are screened against certain contagious illness and the shelter’s recommendation is to keep owned animals separated from foster animals to avoid contamination.
What does the shelter provide in order to help care for the foster animals?
Cats and kittens are provided with food, both canned and hard food. Toys, bedding and litter boxes are all provided by the foster home. Dogs and puppies are provided with food, both canned and hard kibble. They also go home with a leash and collar. If appropriate, TLAC will provide a crate or exercise pen. Toys and bedding are provided by the foster home.
Do foster homes find adopters for their foster pets?
Animals return to Town Lake Animal Center for adoption. Foster homes should be able to provide pictures and behavior information about how the animal behaved in their home to help the shelter match the pets with potential adopters. In the event the foster home finds potential adopters for their foster pets, these adopters must come to TLAC to complete the TLAC Adoption Application Process.
Can foster homes adopt their foster pets?
Of course! By becoming a an approved foster provider, you are an approved TLAC Adopter!
