HEARTS 4 PAWS – FOSTER CARE AGREEMENT
1. Care & Housing
The Foster agrees to provide the Pet with safe, loving indoor housing and humane care. The Pet should receive appropriate daily exercise (generally at least 30 minutes twice per day, adjusted for age, breed, and medical needs).
“Mature supervision” means a responsible adult over the age of 18 must be present and in control whenever the Pet is outdoors.
2. Lost or Missing Pet
If the Pet becomes lost, the Foster agrees to make immediate and reasonable efforts to locate the Pet and to notify Hearts 4 Paws (“H4P”) within 24 hours. H4P should also be notified as soon as the Pet is recovered.
3. Home Access & Monitoring
To ensure the well-being of the Pet, H4P may conduct scheduled or unannounced home visits. These visits are intended to be supportive and collaborative. The Foster agrees to allow reasonable access and to provide accurate information about the Pet’s care and environment.
4. Medical Authorization & Veterinary Care
All routine and non-emergency veterinary care must be approved in advance by H4P. This includes exams, diagnostics, medications, procedures, and follow-up visits.
Only life-threatening emergencies should be treated without prior approval. Examples include:
Severe trauma (such as being hit by a car)
Uncontrolled bleeding
Collapse or loss of consciousness
Difficulty breathing
Ongoing seizures
Suspected bloat or other immediately critical conditions
In these situations, the Foster may seek immediate care to protect the Pet’s life, and should contact H4P as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours after treatment begins.
Minor or non-urgent conditions (such as limping, skin or ear issues, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, routine illness, or behavior concerns) are not considered emergencies and should be reported to H4P. H4P will coordinate and schedule veterinary care with an approved provider.
Veterinary care obtained without prior approval for non-life-threatening conditions may not be reimbursed and may affect continued foster placement.
4A. After-Hours Emergency Contact Procedure
If the Foster believes the Pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency outside of normal business hours, they should make every reasonable effort to contact H4P using the emergency contact information provided.
If immediate care is needed and H4P cannot be reached right away, the Foster may take the Pet to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
When possible, the Foster is asked to:
Inform the clinic that the Pet is owned by Hearts 4 Paws,
Provide H4P’s contact information, and
Ask the clinic to contact H4P directly for treatment authorization.
The Foster should update H4P as soon as they are able regarding:
The clinic location,
The Pet’s condition,
Any proposed treatment, and
Any estimated costs.
Care provided without prior approval should be limited to what is necessary to stabilize a life-threatening condition. Ongoing treatment and follow-up care will be coordinated by H4P.
Hearts 4 Paws will work with the Foster in good faith during emergencies; however, treatment outside these guidelines may not be eligible for reimbursement and could affect future fostering opportunities.
5. Household Animal Requirements
All dogs and cats living in the Foster’s home must be spayed or neutered, with no exceptions. This helps protect all animals and supports responsible rescue practices. Non-compliance may result in removal of the Pet from the home.
6. Prohibited Use & Alterations
The Pet may not be used for breeding, resale, research, experimentation, or commercial purposes.
Cosmetic alterations (such as ear cropping, tail docking, tattooing, dyeing, or elective surgical modification) are not permitted without written approval from H4P.
7. Ownership, Transfer & Return
Hearts 4 Paws retains full legal ownership of the Pet at all times.
The Pet may not be transferred, loaned, or rehomed without written approval from H4P.
If at any time H4P determines that a different placement is in the Pet’s best interest, the Foster agrees to return the Pet promptly and cooperatively.
8. Governing Law & Arbitration
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Utah. Any disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Salt Lake City, Utah under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
9. Future Foster Placements
This Agreement may apply to future foster placements unless replaced by a newer signed version.
10. Acknowledgment
By signing, the Foster confirms that they understand and agree to these responsibilities and will work in partnership with Hearts 4 Paws to provide the best possible care for the Pet.
Hearts 4 Paws Mailing Address
