Hearts 4 Paws – Foster Agreement
Section 1: Designated Contact & Communication
1. Hearts 4 Paws (“H4P”) will assign the Foster a designated representative (“Coordinator”) as their
primary point of contact.
2. The Foster shall communicate promptly with their Coordinator regarding the Pet’s care, behavior,
health concerns, needs, or any changes in the home environment.
3. If the designated Coordinator changes, H4P will notify the Foster in writing. The Foster shall direct all
further communication to the new Coordinator.
4. The Foster shall respond to communication from H4P within 24 hours except during emergencies, in
which case the Foster must respond as soon as reasonably possible.
Section 2: Veterinary Care, Medical Appointments & Transportation
1. The Foster is responsible for scheduling, coordinating, and attending all veterinary, medical, or
grooming appointments for the Pet through H4P only.
2. All veterinary services must be performed by H4P-approved veterinary partners unless written
authorization is granted to use another provider.
3. The Foster is responsible for transporting the Pet to and from appointments. If unable to transport,
the Foster must notify H4P at least 72 hours in advance so that alternate arrangements can be
attempted.
4. If the Pet is unaltered, the Foster must schedule and complete the spay/neuter procedure within 30
days, unless delayed due to medical need as determined by an H4P-approved veterinarian.
5. Breeding is strictly prohibited.
6. The Foster must notify H4P immediately of any illness, injury, concerning behavior, or the Pet’s
death.
Section 3: Food, Supplies & Daily Care
1. H4P will provide necessary food, supplies, and equipment for the Pet’s care.
2. The Foster agrees to request needed supplies with a minimum of 3 days’ notice.
3. If the Foster purchases supplies independently, they understand that such expenses are not
reimbursable, unless pre-approved in writing.
4. The Foster shall provide safe shelter, proper feeding, clean water, exercise, enrichment, and care
consistent with H4P standards.
Section 4: Marketing & Adoption Promotion
1. H4P will market adoptable pets through online listings, websites, social media, and events.
2. The Foster agrees to actively assist with marketing, which includes:
- Providing clear photos, videos, and a written update at least once per week
- Attending reasonable adoption events when possible
- Promoting the Pet through word-of-mouth or personal social media if comfortable
3. The Foster may not independently process, screen, or approve adopters without H4P authorization.
4. All adoption inquiries must be forwarded to H4P.
Section 5: Foster Commitment & Continuity of Care
1. The Foster understands the foster duration may last from several weeks to several months,
depending on the Pet’s needs.
2. If the Foster can no longer care for the Pet, they shall provide at least 7 days’ notice unless safety or
emergency circumstances require immediate removal.
3. The Pet may not be transferred, rehomed, abandoned, or placed with another person or household
without prior written approval from H4P.
4. H4P maintains full legal ownership and decision-making authority over the Pet at all times.
5. H4P may reclaim the Pet at any time if it determines that:
- The Pet’s welfare is at risk
- Foster policies are not being followed
- Communication has broken down
- A change is in the Pet’s best interest
6. The Foster agrees that home checks may be conducted at any reasonable time during the foster
period, including both scheduled and follow-up checks.
Section 6: Option to Adopt
1. The Foster is granted a 48-hour first-right-of-refusal once a qualified adopter expresses interest in
the Pet.
2. To adopt, the Foster must:
- Complete H4P’s adoption application
- Pay the standard adoption fee
- Sign the adoption contract
- Ensure that the Pet is spayed/neutered before finalization (if not already completed)
3. H4P reserves the right to approve or deny any adoption request, including that of the Foster.
Section 7: Assumption of Risk
1. The Foster acknowledges that caring for animals involves inherent risks, including injury or property
damage.
2. The Foster accepts these risks voluntarily.
3. H4P, its representatives, volunteers, and affiliates are released from liability for injuries, damages, or
losses arising from the Foster’s care of the Pet, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 8: Indemnification
1. The Foster agrees to be responsible for the Pet’s actions and behavior while in their custody.
2. The Foster shall indemnify and hold harmless H4P, its volunteers, and representatives from any
claims, damages, losses, or expenses resulting from the Pet’s actions.
3. This obligation continues even after the foster period ends.
Section 9: No Warranties
1. H4P makes no guarantees regarding the Pet’s temperament, health, behavior, or personality.
2. The Pet is fostered as-is, and H4P agrees to disclose known conditions to the best of its ability.
Section 10: Household Animal Requirements
1. The Foster confirms that all dogs and cats in the household are spayed or neutered with no
exceptions.
2. Failure to comply may result in immediate removal of the Pet and termination of foster eligibility.
Section 11: Entire Agreement
1. This Agreement contains the full understanding between the parties and supersedes all previous
agreements.
2. Changes must be made in writing and signed by both the Foster and an H4P authorized
representative.
Section 12: Governing Law & Arbitration
1. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Utah.
2. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, it will be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of
the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
3. Arbitration shall take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise.
4. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and enforceable.
Section 13: Future Foster Animals
1. This Agreement applies to the Pet identified in this document.
2. H4P may choose to use this Agreement for future foster placements, but the Foster may be asked to
sign updated versions.
3. Unless replaced by a newer agreement, this contract remains valid for all future foster animals.
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